Apus Assignment Rubric Lower Level Undergraduate 300-400 Cou

Apus Assignment Rubric Lower Levelundergraduate 300 400 Coursesupdated

Identify the actual assignment question/prompt and clean it: remove any rubric, grading criteria, point allocations, meta-instructions, due dates, and any repetitive or duplicated lines. Only keep the core assignment question and essential context.

The main assignment requires writing a three-page original discussion paper with a cover and reference page, using 1.5 spacing, focused on two main topics:

1. Discuss the current trend toward web-enabled smaller devices such as tablets and smart phones, focusing on security issues. Compare and contrast Android and iOS-based devices.
2. Compare and contrast Cryptocurrency with Blockchain, explaining and discussing each before comparing and contrasting them.

Ensure that the discussion is original, properly paraphrased, and includes correct referencing and citations. Provide at least two credible references for each topic, and adhere to academic standards for clarity, coherence, and proper formatting.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid proliferation of web-enabled small devices such as tablets and smartphones has transformed how individuals and organizations communicate, access information, and conduct transactions. With this technological evolution, security concerns have become paramount, as these devices are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Moreover, understanding the security paradigms of different operating systems—particularly Android and iOS—is crucial, as they represent the two dominant platforms in mobile computing today.

Current trends depict a significant rise in the use of mobile devices for banking, shopping, and enterprise applications, which exposes them to various security vulnerabilities including malware, data breaches, phishing attacks, and device theft. These vulnerabilities are compounded by the heterogeneity of the devices and ecosystems; Android, with its open-source nature, enables customization but also introduces a wider attack surface. Conversely, iOS, a closed ecosystem, enforces stricter app vetting and security protocols, which generally translates into enhanced privacy and security for users.

Android devices, due to their popularity and open source architecture, face higher risks of malware and malicious apps. The fragmentation of devices and operating system versions complicates deploying uniform security patches, thereby increasing susceptibility to exploits. In contrast, iOS devices benefit from Apple's controlled app store environment, which implements rigorous security checks, sandboxing, and regular updates, reducing the likelihood of successful malware infections. However, this control also raises concerns about user privacy and data collection practices.

Security issues for these devices extend beyond operating system vulnerabilities. The use of insecure networks, inadequate user awareness, and lack of encryption contribute further to vulnerabilities. For example, phishing attacks can lead to credential theft, especially if device authentication methods are weak or absent. Biometric data, although more secure, can still be compromised if not stored or transmitted properly. Manufacturers and developers are continually updating security features, such as biometric authentication, remote wipe capabilities, and enhanced encryption, but the persistent threat of cyber attacks necessitates ongoing vigilance.

Transitioning to the second topic, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency are often discussed concurrently but are inherently distinct yet interconnected technologies. Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers, ensuring transparency and immutability. Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are digital assets that utilize blockchain technology to operate securely and independently of central authorities.

Blockchain's core features include distributed consensus, transparency, security through cryptography, and resistance to tampering. It functions as a digital chain of blocks, each containing transaction data, timestamps, and cryptographic hashes linking it to the previous block. This structure ensures that any attempt to alter data is easily detectable, making blockchain an ideal solution for applications requiring secure, tamper-proof records.

Cryptocurrency, on the other hand, is a form of digital currency that employs blockchain to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries like banks. Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, introduced the concept of decentralized digital cash, encouraging financial autonomy and privacy. Ethereum expanded the blockchain's utility by enabling smart contracts—self-executing agreements that automatically enforce contractual terms.

When comparing blockchain and cryptocurrency, the key difference is that blockchain is the underlying technology, whereas cryptocurrency is an application that leverages this technology. Blockchain can serve multiple purposes beyond currencies, such as supply chain management, voting systems, and identity verification. Cryptocurrencies represent just one of many potential applications of blockchain technology.

Security, decentralization, and transparency are common to both, yet they pose different challenges. For example, cryptocurrency exchanges have been frequent targets of hacking, emphasizing the need for secure wallet management. Additionally, blockchain's transparency can conflict with privacy concerns, prompting the development of private or permissioned blockchains for enterprise use.

In conclusion, the evolution of mobile devices has necessitated advanced security measures tailored to specific operating systems, with Android and iOS representing prominent contrasting approaches. Simultaneously, blockchain and cryptocurrency exemplify innovative security and transactional paradigms, though they face ongoing challenges in implementation and regulation. Both technological domains reflect the broader digital transformation shaping current and future cybersecurity and financial landscapes.

References

• Antonopoulos, A. M. (2017). Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies. O'Reilly Media.
• Foley, S., Karlsen, J. R., & Pandelis, C. (2019). An empirical analysis of factors influencing the adoptability of cryptocurrencies. Journal of Financial Crime, 26(2), 524-535.
• Kshetri, N. (2018). 1 Blockchain's roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives. International Journal of Information Management, 39, 80-89.
• Mougayar, W. (2016). The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology. Wiley.
• O'Neill, S. (2020). Mobile Security & Privacy. O'Reilly Media.
• Riggins, F. J., & Wamba, S. (2020). Research Directions on Blockchain Technology and Its Application in Cybersecurity. Journal of Business Research, 127, 448-460.
• Swan, M. (2015). Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy. O'Reilly Media.
• Tapscott, D., & Tapscott, A. (2016). Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World. Penguin.
• Zohar, A. (2015). Bitcoin: also known as digital gold. Communications of the ACM, 58(9), 104-113.
• Yli-Huumo, J., Ko, D., Choi, S., Park, S., & Smolander, K. (2016). Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?—a Systematic Review. PLoS ONE, 11(10), e0163477.