You are required to write an 10 page technical paper on a technical topic of your choosing. Your final draft is due at the end of Week 8. Be sure your paper meets the following requirements:
Include in the final paper: A description of the scope and principal features of writing a technical paper, cite core theories and practices, and offer a similar explication (explanation) of a related field such as business field that would benefit from technical writing.
1) 10 pages (double-spaced).
2) Choose any technical topic to write your report about.
3) Identify the purpose and audience of your report.
4) Use at least seven references outside of your textbook (you may use your textbook too, but are not required to).
5) In addition to the required number of pages for the assignment, you must also include the index from week 6, a reference page (bibliography), written in APA style, and a title page. Be sure to give all of your papers a descriptive title!
6) Use your approved topic.
7) Use your approved outline.
8) Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font and submitted inside the electronic classroom (unless classroom access is not possible and other arrangements have been approved by the professor).
9) Arial 11 or 12-point font or Times New Roman styles.
10) Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation being made for special situations
11) Your paper must be in your own words, representing original work. Paraphrases of others' work must include attributions to the authors. Limit quotations to an average of no more than 3-5 lines, and use quotations sparingly!
Outline For The Evolution Of Cybersecurity
I. Introduction
A. Definition of Cybersecurity
1. Protecting digital systems and data
2. Guarding against unauthorized access, attacks, and damage
B. Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
1. Integral role in the digital age
2. Increasing reliance on technology and interconnected systems
C. Dynamic Nature of Cyber Threats
1. Constant evolution of cyber threats
2. Necessity for continuous adaptation and innovation
II. Emergence of New Threats
A. Evolution of Malware
1. Development of viruses, worms, and trojans
2. Escalation in the sophistication of malicious software
B. Rise of Social Engineering Attacks
1. Exploiting human psychology for unauthorized access
2. Deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals
C. Increasing Sophistication of Cybercriminals
1. Growing expertise among malicious actors
2. Challenges in staying ahead of advanced threats
III. Technological Advances and Cybersecurity
A. Internet of Things (IoT) and New Attack Vectors
1. Proliferation of interconnected devices
2. Introduction of novel vulnerabilities
B. Cloud Computing and Security Challenges
1. Shifting data storage paradigms
2. Addressing security concerns in cloud environments
C. Proliferation of Mobile Devices and Associated Risks
1. Increased use of smartphones and tablets
2. Mobile-specific security challenges
IV. Adapting to Emerging Threats
A. Development of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
1. Persistent and targeted attacks
2. Adaptive defense strategies
B. Integration of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
1. Harnessing advanced technologies for threat detection
2. Automating response mechanisms
C. Automation and Orchestration for Rapid Response
1. Streamlining incident response processes
2. Enhancing efficiency in tackling cyber threats
V. Regulatory Landscape
A. Introduction of Cybersecurity Regulations and Standards
1. Recognition of the need for legal frameworks
2. Compliance requirements for organizations
B. GDPR and Its Impact on Data Protection
1. Emphasis on safeguarding personal data
2. Global influence on data protection standards
C. Compliance Requirements and Industry-Specific Regulations
1. Tailoring security measures to specific industries
2. Aligning with sector-specific cybersecurity standards
VI. Cybersecurity Frameworks
A. NIST Cybersecurity Framework
1. Framework for improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity
2. Emphasis on risk management and continuous improvement
B. ISO/IEC 27001 Standard
1. Internationally recognized standard for information security management
2. Comprehensive approach to securing information assets
C. CIS Critical Security Controls
1. Prioritized actions to mitigate cyber threats
2. Guidelines for enhancing cybersecurity posture
VII. Human Factor in Cybersecurity
A. Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness Training
1. Empowering individuals to recognize and mitigate risks
2. Role of education in building a cyber-resilient workforce
B. Mitigating Insider Threats Through Employee Education
1. Addressing internal vulnerabilities
2. Creating a culture of security awareness
C. Fostering a Cybersecurity Culture Within Organizations
1. Embedding security as a core organizational value
2. Collective responsibility for cybersecurity
VIII. Future Trends in Cybersecurity
A. Quantum Computing and Its Impact on Encryption
1. Potential challenges to existing encryption methods
2. Research and development of quantum-resistant cryptography
B. Biometric Authentication and Continuous Monitoring
1. Advancements in user identification methods
2. Continuous monitoring for real-time threat detection
C. Integration of Cybersecurity Into Development Processes (DevSecOps)
1. Shifting security left in the development lifecycle
2. Ensuring security is an integral part of the software development process
IX. Conclusion
A. Recap of Cybersecurity Evolution
B. Ongoing Importance of Adapting to Emerging Threats
,
[Shortened Title up to 50 Characters]
1
[Shortened Title up to 50 Characters] 9
[Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines]
[Author Name(s), First M. Last, Omit Titles and Degrees]
[Institutional Affiliation(s)]
Author Note
[Include any grant/funding information and a complete correspondence address.]
Table of Contents Abstract 3 [Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines] 4 [Heading 1] 4 [Heading 2] 4 [Heading 3] 4 References 5 Footnotes 6 Tables 7 Figures 8
[The abstract should be one paragraph of between 150 and 250 words. It is not indented. Section titles, such as the word Abstract above, are not considered headings so they don’t use bold heading format. Instead, use the Section Title style. This style automatically starts your section on a new page, so you don’t have to add page breaks. To apply any text style in this document with just a tap, on the Home tab of the ribbon, check out Styles.]
Keywords: [Tap here to add keywords.]
[Title Here, up to 12 Words, on One to Two Lines]
[The body of your paper uses a half-inch first line indent and is double-spaced. APA style provides for up to five heading levels, shown in the paragraphs that follow. Note that the word Introduction should not be used as an initial heading, as it’s assumed that your paper begins with an introduction.]
[Heading 1]
[The first two heading levels get their own paragraph, as shown here. Headings 3, 4, and 5 are run-in headings used at the beginning of the paragraph.]
[Heading 2]1
[To update the table of contents (TOC), apply the appropriate heading style to just the heading text at the start of a paragraph and it will show up in your TOC. To do this, select the text for your heading. Then, apply the style you need.]
[Heading 3]. [Include a period at the end of a run-in heading. Note that you can include consecutive paragraphs with their own headings, where appropriate.]
[Heading 4]. [When using headings, don’t skip levels. If you need a heading 3, 4, or 5 with no text following it before the next heading, just add a period at the end of the heading and then start a new paragraph for the subheading and its text.] (Last Name, Year)
[Heading 5]. [Like all sections of your paper, references start on their own page, as shown on the page that follows. The body of the References section uses the Bibliography style. For more detailed information on formatting references, see the APA Style Manual, 6th Edition. (Last Name, Year)
References
1[Add footnotes, if any, on their own page following references. For APA formatting requirements, it’s easy to just type your own footnote references and notes. To format a footnote reference, select the number and then apply the Footnote Reference. The body of a footnote, such as this example, uses the Normal text style. (Note: If you delete this sample footnote, don’t forget to delete its in-text reference as well.)]
Table 1
[Table Title]
|
Column Head |
Column Head |
Column Head |
Column Head |
Column Head |
|
Row Head |
123 |
123 |
123 |
123 |
|
Row Head |
456 |
456 |
456 |
456 |
|
Row Head |
789 |
789 |
789 |
789 |
|
Row Head |
123 |
123 |
123 |
123 |
|
Row Head |
456 |
456 |
456 |
456 |
|
Row Head |
789 |
789 |
789 |
789 |
Note: [Place all tables for your paper in a tables section, following references (and, if applicable, footnotes). Start a new page for each table, include a table number and table title for each, as shown on this page. All explanatory text appears in a table note that follows the table, such as this one. Use the Table/Figure style to get the spacing between table and note. Tables in APA format can use single or 1.5 line spacing. Include a heading for every row and column, even if the content seems obvious. To insert a table, on the Insert tab, tap Table. New tables that you create in this document use APA format by default.]
Figure 1. [Include all figures in their own section, following references (and footnotes and tables, if applicable). Include a numbered caption for each figure. Use the Table/Figure style for easy spacing between figure and caption.]
For more information about all elements of APA formatting, please consult the APA Style Manual, 6th Edition.
image3.png
image1.JPG
image2.JPG
image4.JPG
,
Writing Checklist
Remember the introductory paragraph should clearly state the main topic and use the last sentence to preview the structure of the paper to give your reader a structure to follow– highlight all the main points you will cover in the paper.
Use 3rd person point of view (unless opinion paper) avoiding pronouns such as I, we, my, our (1st person) and you, yours, your, us, we (2ndperson). Deal with facts, thus, providing citations within paper and reference page. Focus on subject; not feelings about the subject. The use of 3rd person retains a formal tone: Academic writing is more formal than casual conversation.
· Paragraph Construction – All paragraphs should include an introductory sentence, explanations or details, and concluding sentence.
· Sequencing – Place your details in a logical order, so they correspond to the structure presented in the introduction.
· Transitions – Use a variety of thoughtful transitions to clearly show how ideas are connected.
· Supportive Research – write a research-based and accurately reported study.
· Quality of Information – Information clearly relates to the main topic. It includes several supporting details and/or examples.
· Conclusion/
Recommendations – The conclusion should effectively summarize the discussion and provide recommendation(s) for further research .
· Sources/Citations/References – Document all sources (information and graphics) using APA format accurately.
· Mechanics – No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.
APA Checklist – Changes to APA: https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-seventh-edition-changes/
1. Sections of an APA paper: title page, abstract (might be optional – check with instructor), text of paper and reference page.
2. Running head is PERMANENT and aligned left margin on same line as page number (page number is flush right margin).
· Running head: Portion of title no longer than12 words in length and contain no abbreviations.
All letters of title are capitalized. Example: LEARNING STYLES ( title page only)
· Title page is always page 1. Thereafter, the title appears on each page in the header with only page numbers changing). Example: LEARNING STYLES .
· Center on page: Title of paper typed in upper & lower letters, followed by name, professor’s name and title of course.
· Begin paper by centering title at the top of page two (unless there is an Abstract or Table of Contents – number these first). The title is uppercase and lowercase letters and located directly under the 1” margin. Here is an example!
The title, in all caps, appears on each page in the header (in the left margin) after the title page with only the page numbers changing in the right margin. Only use the number!
3. Double space entire paper/Use 1 inch margin/Text is to be left aligned.
4. Increased flexibility regarding fonts: options include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, and Georgia 11.
5. First sentence of a paragraph must be indented (with the exception of the Abstract).
6. The abstract must include the following components: purpose of the research, methodology, findings, and conclusion. The body of the abstract is limited to 150-200 words (no less than 150 and no more than 200).
7. Use the appropriate level headings for your paper. For all major headings, use level 1, use level 2 for your main points and use level 3 for your subpoints—see image.
Comment by Watson-Stone, Novadean: Use the appropriate level headings for your paper. For all major headings, use level 1, use level 2 for your main points and use level 3 for your subpoints—see image.
8. Summary or paraphrase
If you are paraphrasing an idea from another work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication in your in-text reference, but APA guidelines encourage you to also provide the page number (although it is not required.) For example,
According to Jones (1998), APA style is a difficult citation format for first-time learners.
Or
APA style is a difficult citation format for first-time learners (Jones, 1998, p. 199).
See the Purdue OWL for more guidance.
9. When using long quotes, consider the following below:
Long quotations
Place direct quotations that are 40 words, or longer, in a free-standing block of typewritten lines, and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph. Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the first line of any subsequent paragraph within the quotation 1/2 inch from the new margin. Maintain double-spacing throughout. The parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.
Jones's (1998) study found the following: Students often had difficulty using APA style, especially when it was their first time citing sources. This difficulty could be attributed to the fact that many students failed to purchase a style manual or to ask their teacher for help. (p. 199)
Source: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
1. Same font throughout with the exception of italicizing: (1) key term to emphasize (2) titles of books, periodicals, films, videos, TV shows and microfilm publications (there are more in-depth examples in APA Manual section 4.21).
2. Numbers: 0-9 are written out while 10 and above are written as numbers (Exceptions: numbers expressing approximate lengths of time written as words ex: 1 hr 30 min; 12:30 a.m.; about 3 months ago).
3. Punctuation when ending a Quote : If quotation is at the end of a sentence, close quote with quotation marks, cite the source in parentheses, and end with a period or other punctuation outside the final parenthesis.
4. Avoid using “etc.” at the end of a list or exclamation point unless it is part of the quotation.
5. Ampersand: If the citation is in parentheses, use the ampersand ('&') instead of the word “and” in text of paper. Always use ampersand (&) in tables, captions and on reference page.
6. Capitalize first letter following a colon if clause is a complete sentence.
7. Use complete sentences and avoid slang. Use Spell Checker and proofread paper.
8. First sentence of a paragraph must be indented (with the exception of the Abstract).
9. Do not use contractions (it’s = it is; won’t = will not).
10. Always spell out acronym on first use. Example: APU = American Public University.
11. Indirect Quotes: Summary or paraphrase
If you are paraphrasing an idea from another work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication in your in-text reference, but APA guidelines encourage you to also provide the page number (although it is not required.)
According to Jones (1998), APA style is a difficult citation format for first-time learners. APA style is a difficult citation format for first-time learners (Jones, 1998, p. 199).
See the Purdue OWL for more guidance: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
A Work by Two Authors: Name both authors in the signal phrase or in the parentheses each time you cite the work. Use the word "and" between the authors' names within the text and use the ampersand in the parentheses.
1. Research by Wegener and Petty (1994) supports…
2. (Wegener & Petty, 1994)
See the Purdue OWL for more guidance: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/3/
12. Direct Quotes: must give page number. If no page numbers available, cite paragraph number using abbreviation para. (para. 4). If no page or paragraph numbers, cite heading and paragraph number where information is found.
· Direct Quotes: must give page number. If no page numbers available, cite paragraph number using abbreviation para. (para. 4). If no page or paragraph numbers, cite heading and paragraph number where information found.
· According to APA and Purdue OWL, If you are directly quoting from a work, you will need to include the author, year of publication, and the page number for the reference (preceded by "p."). Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the date of publication in parentheses.
According to Jones (1998), "Students often had difficulty using APA style, especially when it was their first time" (p. 199).
· If the author is not named in a signal phrase, place the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quotation. She stated, "Students often had difficulty using APA style" (Jones, 1998, p. 199).
Purdue OWL: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
13. Review the Purdue OWL for guidance. In the reference area, capitalize the FIRST word of the title and the word after a colon. R emove hyperlink. When the web address turns blue and get underlined, right click them and “remove hyperlink.”
Nonperiodical Web Document, Web Page, or Report
List as much of the following information as possible (you sometimes have to hunt around to find the information; don't be lazy. If there is a page like http://www.somesite.com/somepage.htm, and somepage.htm doesn't have the information you're looking for, move up the URL to http://www.somesite.com/):
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of document (web page titles are italicized.). Website name. http://Web address
Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, K., Anderson, M., Soderland, L., & Brizee, A. (2010, May 5). General format. Website name. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
NOTE: When an Internet document is more than one Web page, provide a URL that links to the home page or entry page for the document. Also, if there isn't a date available for the document use (n.d.) for no date.
See the Purdue OWL for more guidance: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/
15. Quotes over 40 words must be indented and page number cited. Do not use quotation marks.
16. The conclusion should summarize the discussion and provide at least two recommendations for further research.
17. Cite all references in paper AND on reference page. If listed on reference page MUST have cited within paper.
18. No retrieval dates or database name needed on reference page.
19. The reference page is the last page (unless appendix). Insert page break at end of text preventing distortion when edits are made.
20. Title of page: References (centered on page directly under the 1” margin). Do not underline, italicize or make bold.
21. Cite references in text of paper and include sources on reference page. PLEASE NOTE: Wikis (like Wikipedia) cannot guarantee the verifiability or expertise of entries, therefore, are not considered scholarly sources. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE.
22. References are in alphabetical order by author(s) last name on the reference page; list last name, then first and middle initial (if applicable) only. If no author is provided, use the first character of the title.
23. When citing a book, Web page title, and article or the reference page, capitalize the first word of the title only (with the exception of proper names). Also, italicize the name of the book.
24. In reference area, capitalize the FIRST word, the word after a colon, and all proper names in the title of books, web article and articles.
25. Italicize the name of books, journals, Websites and magazines, but do NOT italicize the name of the article.
26. Do not use the words Volume or Vol., Issue or Iss,. or Pages, p. or pp. on reference page.
27. The name of the journal and volume number are italicized. Pay attention to punctuation.
Remove hyperlink. When the web addresses turn blue and get underlined, right click them and “remove hyperlink.”
28. Citing a source within a source (secondary sources) example: In-text—Bennett (as cited in Rudman, 1999) defined…
Reference list: Rudman, R. (1999). Human resources management in New Zealand. (3rd ed.). Auckland, N.Z.:Addison Wesley Longman
29. Citing references on reference page: use the hanging indent. Highlight the citations and press Ctrl T automatically formats.
30. The publisher location is no longer included in the reference.
USE the Link to APA Exercise to guide your understanding: http://wpc.242f.edgecastcdn.net/00242F/academics/multimedia/_live/EDU/APA_Interactive/content.html Comment by Watson-Stone, Novadean: Notice: -The reference heading and how it is positioned. – You do not capital