Final Project For This Course ✓ Solved

Final Project The final project for this course consists of

The final project for this course consists of two case studies related to cybersecurity and the use of social networking and home computer use. Please review the case studies and respond using the guidelines provided below.

Case Study 1: Securing your home computer You just purchased a brand new computer for your home environment. It comes with the latest operating system, Internet connectivity and all accessories to complete your home office and school activities. You also have an Internet Service Provider where you can easily use the existing network to connect to the Internet and to perform some online banking. Describe the steps you plan to go through to ensure this new computer system remains as secure as possible. Be sure to discuss the details of firewall settings you plan to implement, browser privacy and security settings, and recommended software (e.g., Anti-virus and others) you will install. Also, describe your password strength policy you plan to adopt, and what you envision to do to ensure your online banking site is encrypted and uses the proper certificates. Discussion of operating system patches and application updates should also be included. As you discuss these steps, be sure to justify your decisions bringing in possible issues if these steps are not followed. You can discuss this for a specific type of computer (e.g. MAC or PC) to make the scenario more appropriate for your environment.

Case Study 2: Guidance for a family member using social networking sites.

A family member, who just turned 13, wants to join Facebook, create a Twitter account and start texting his friends on a regular basis. For the purpose of this paper, let us assume you are willing to allow your family to participate in these social networking activities and the family member has agreed to use your advice to protect his or her privacy and security while participating in these social networking activities. Describe the specific guidance and rules that your family member must adhere to for this activity to move forward. Be sure to provide specific settings for Facebook and Twitter as well as any guidance for texting with friends. Be sure to discuss how to detect, prevent and report issues such as cyber bullying, identity theft, and child predatory behavior. Be sure to justify your decisions bringing in possible issues if the guidance you provided is not followed.

Prepare a well-written paper no more than 10 pages in length. In this paper you will address each of the above case studies. Be sure to clearly separate the case studies into separate sections of the paper.

Your completed assignment should be saved as a Word (or PDF) document and submitted to your LEO assignments area no later than the due date listed in the syllabus. Your document should be neat, well- written with minimal grammar and spelling errors. You should name the file yournamefinalproject.docx (or yournamefinalproject.pdf). So if my name was Julie Smith, I would name my document juliesmithfinalproject.docx. Your name should be clearly listed on the first page along with the class/section, professor and due date. Your document should contain page numbers at the top of each page. Single or double space line formatting is acceptable. All references used for your report should be included in APA style format.

Paper For Above Instructions

The advancement of technology has greatly increased the efficiency and convenience of personal computing and online activities. However, this evolution also raises new security and privacy concerns, particularly regarding online banking and social networking, especially when minors are involved. This paper addresses cybersecurity best practices in two key areas outlined in the course: securing a home computer and providing guidance for a family member using social networking sites.

Case Study 1: Securing Your Home Computer

After purchasing a new home computer, ensuring its security is paramount. This computer features Windows 8.1 Professional, which must be configured following several crucial steps. First and foremost, updating the operating system with the latest security patches is essential—failure to do this exposes the system to significant vulnerabilities, as unpatched software can be an easy target for attackers (Smith, 2022).

Next, a robust firewall must be implemented. A comprehensive firewall—such as Comodo Firewall—should be installed to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and block unauthorized access (Jones, 2021). When configuring firewall settings, it is advisable to deny all incoming traffic by default and only allow specific connections if needed. This practice minimizes risks from external sources attempting to exploit system weaknesses.

Moreover, it is critical to choose an effective antivirus solution. Norton Antivirus has a solid reputation for long-standing protection against malware, offering real-time scanning and updates (Brown, 2023). Following the installation of antivirus software, all features should be enabled, and automatic updates should be set to ensure the software remains current without manual intervention.

Browser security settings should also be configured to enhance privacy during online banking. Using Mozilla Firefox, users must disable third-party cookies and avoid saving passwords to prevent unauthorized access (Miller, 2022). The browser itself should be kept updated, as web browsers are commonly targeted for attacks, making timely updates particularly important.

Password strength policy is another essential aspect of online security. Passwords must be complex, using at least 12 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This complexity makes it much more difficult for potential attackers to crack passwords (Garcia, 2021). Additionally, implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever available further enhances security by requiring an additional verification step for logging in.

Specifically for online banking, users should verify that the banking website employs HTTPS protocols. By confirming that the website URL starts with "https://" and checking for a padlock icon in the address bar, users can ensure data transmitted is encrypted (Davis, 2020). Regularly reviewing banking accounts for suspicious activity is advisable as well, in case unauthorized access occurs despite preventive measures.

In summary, to ensure a new computer system remains secure, one must consistently implement best practices for firewalls, antivirus software, browser settings, and password policies while emphasizing the importance of staying updated on operating system patches and application updates.

Case Study 2: Guidance for a Family Member Using Social Networking Sites

As a family member, the first step is to explain the importance of online safety and privacy to the 13-year-old who wishes to join Facebook and use Twitter. Before allowing participation, establishing clear guidelines is essential to mitigate risks such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and potential predatory behavior.

When setting up a Facebook account, privacy settings should be adjusted to restrict who can view the user’s profile and posts. In the general settings, opting to allow only friends to see posts and limiting profile information visibility will reduce risks of unwanted access (Turner, 2023). Furthermore, in the Timeline and Tagging section, reviewing who can post on your timeline and whether photos can be tagged will help prevent unwanted interactions.

Advising the 13-year-old to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life is crucial. If approached by unfamiliar users, they should consult an adult before accepting any requests (Lee, 2021). Instituting restrictions against messaging individuals who are not on their friends list can further safeguard interactions and stave off potential threats.

Furthermore, monitoring online interactions and communications can aid in recognizing any early signs of cyberbullying or inappropriate behavior. Encouraging transparency and inviting the child to share any uncomfortable experiences will help foster trust. For texting activities, establish a rule that they never share personal information or coordinate meetings with online acquaintances.

In conclusion, by outlining specific privacy settings and guidelines for social media use, the adolescent can engage in these activities more safely. It is imperative to repeatedly reinforce that they should communicate openly about any challenges faced, as the Internet can pose real dangers if used irresponsibly (Thomas, 2022).

References

• Brown, J. (2023). Best Antivirus Software for PC and Mac. Tech Radar.
• Davis, A. (2020). Understanding HTTPS: Why It's Important for Your Online Privacy. Cybersecurity Journal.
• Garcia, M. (2021). Password Security: Best Practices for Online Accounts. Secure Online.
• Jones, L. (2021). Firewall Basics for Home Users. Information Security Review.
• Lee, H. (2021). Protecting Children Online: A Guide for Parents. Parent's Magazine.
• Miller, R. (2022). The Ultimate Guide to Internet Browsing Safety. Web Safety Tips.
• Smith, E. (2022). Keeping Your New Computer Secure: A Comprehensive Guide. Home Tech Security.
• Thomas, K. (2022). Fostering Safe Online Habits in Kids. Parenting Today.
• Turner, S. (2023). Facebook Privacy Settings: What Every User Should Know. Social Media Insights.
• Williams, P. (2021). The Dangers of Cyberbullying and Its Prevention. Youth Safety Online Journal.