Sample MITS5004 IT Security Research Report 2

MITS5004 IT Security Research Report 2 Sample

Objective(s)

This assessment item relates to the unit learning outcomes as in the unit descriptor. This assessment is designed to improve student presentation skills and to give students experience in researching a topic and writing a report relevant to the Unit of Study subject matter.

INSTRUCTIONS

Assignment 2 - Research Study - 10% (Due Session 9) Individual Assignment For this component you will write a report or critique on the paper you chose from Assignment

1. Your report should be limited to approx. 1500 words (not including references). Use 1.5 spacing with a 12 point Times New Roman font. Though your paper will largely be based on the chosen article, you should use other sources to support your discussion or the chosen papers premises.

Citation of sources is mandatory and must be in the IEEE style.

Your report or critique must include:

Title Page: The title of the assessment, the name of the paper you are reporting on and its authors, and your name and student ID.

Introduction: Identification of the paper you are critiquing/ reviewing, a statement of the purpose for your report and a brief outline of how you will discuss the selected article (one or two paragraphs).

Body of Report: Describe the intention and content of the article. If it is a research report, discuss the research method (survey, case study, observation, experiment, or other method) and findings. Comment on problems or issues highlighted by the authors. Report on results discussed and discuss the conclusions of the article and how they are relevant to the topics of this Unit of Study.

Conclusion: A summary of the points you have made in the body of the paper. The conclusion should not introduce any ‘new’ material that was not discussed in the body of the paper. (One or two paragraphs)

References: A list of sources used in your text. They should be listed alphabetically by (first) author’s family name. Follow the IEEE style.

The footer must include your name, student ID, and page number.

Note: reports submitted on papers which are not approved or not the approved paper registered for the student will not be graded and attract a zero (0) grade.

Solution

Introduction

The exciting improvements of the upcoming Microsoft Windows 11 operating system are disclosed in an insightful essay from eMazzanti Technologies, a reputable IT consultant and Microsoft cloud services provider with offices in NYC. Windows 11 is expected to revolutionise PC users' productivity and security when it launches in October. For Assignment Help, The article goes in-depth on the main improvements, like faster access to Microsoft Teams and a better Snap tool for window management. The criteria for Microsoft Azure Attestation (MAA) and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 further emphasise the importance of security. Windows 11 offers consumers a better, safer future with less frequent upgrades, improved tablet compatibility, and simplified system requirements.

Critique of the paper

The impending Windows 11 operating system is described in detail, along with some of its anticipated features, in the article titled "Windows 11 Set to Deliver Security and Productivity Improvements." The work does, however, have a few features that call for criticism and more investigation. In its review of the new features in Windows 11, the article, to start, lacks depth. It highlights improvements like quicker access to Microsoft Teams and a better Snap feature, but it does not go into detail about these or discuss any possible repercussions [1]. The readership would profit from a more thorough investigation of the potential effects of these features on user experience and output.

Second, a critical viewpoint on the system requirements for Windows 11 is absent from the essay. Although it acknowledges the necessity of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, it does not address any potential difficulties or worries that consumers or organisations might encounter in order to comply with these standards. It would have been instructive to look more closely at the hardware requirements for upgrades and compatibility problems. The article also does not cover any potential downsides or compromises related to Windows 11 in any detail [2]. The new operating system is portrayed in a mainly positive light, but a fair analysis should take into account any drawbacks or restrictions that users might experience.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

The article outlines numerous advantages that Windows 11 is expected to offer. First and foremost, the improved security measures are a big plus. A proactive approach to tackling changing cybersecurity risks is demonstrated by the release of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and support for Microsoft Azure Attestation (MAA). By providing physical security against malicious software, these methods safeguard critical data. Second, Windows 11 offers some notable productivity improvements [3]. The taskbar's quicker access to Microsoft Teams makes it easier to collaborate and communicate with clients and colleagues. Multitasking is facilitated by the enhanced Snap window management capability, increasing overall efficiency. The disruption and annoyance brought on by lengthy update processes are reduced by smaller annual feature upgrades and monthly security updates.

Weaknesses

Windows 11 does, however, have some shortcomings. The heightened system requirements are a significant obstacle. Although these improvements are intended to increase security, they could be difficult for users with outdated gear to use. Compatibility problems could result from this, necessitating expensive hardware upgrades. The article also mentions that most customers would not be able to upgrade from Windows 10 until early 2022. For individuals who cannot upgrade right once, this staggered release schedule could lead to differences in the user experience and even impair corporate operations [4]. However, organisations and people will need to take into account potential limitations while planning their transition to the new operating system, such as the increased system requirements and the delayed availability for some users.

Problems or issues identified by the Author

Despite discussing a number of different features of Windows 11 in this essay, the author falls short in properly addressing a number of significant difficulties and problems.

Absence of Critical Analysis: This is a significant problem. This essay, which was authored by a Microsoft partner, seems to be a marketing piece for Windows 11 [5]. As a result, it is biased and skips over any potential negative aspects or shortcomings of the new operating system. Both the advantages and disadvantages should be discussed in a fair manner.

Limited Hardware Compatibility: Despite mentioning Windows 11's system requirements, the page does not go into great detail about the difficulties that users with older hardware may encounter. Many consumers can discover that their current devices do not satisfy these standards, needing expensive upgrades or new
Dependence on the Microsoft Ecosystem: The article highlights elements like direct access to Microsoft Teams and interaction with Microsoft Azure [6]. This, however, raises questions about vendor lock-in because consumers may become more and more reliant on the Microsoft environment, reducing their flexibility and options.

Security Issues: Despite the article's mention of improved security measures, it fails to address any potential privacy issues brought on by these adjustments. Users may be concerned about how Microsoft uses and collects personal data.

Transition Challenges: Although it makes a passing reference of the necessity for users and companies to get ready for the switch to Windows 11, it offers no specific advice on how to do so in an efficient manner. There should be more focus on this topic because switching to a new operating system might be a difficult procedure.

Relationship with the first assignment

The previous paper highlighting the value of operating system security and the paper outlining the security and productivity aspects of Windows 11 are related in the context of IT security and technological breakthroughs. The previous assignment offers understanding into crucial elements of operating system security, including vulnerabilities, exploitation strategies, and security mechanisms [7]. It emphasises how important it is to protect operating systems so that data and programmes are shielded from potential dangers. The article regarding Windows 11, in contrast, emphasises the enhancements and novel features in the future operating system update. The need of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is expressly mentioned as one of the improved security measures that must be in place to safeguard sensitive data.

The bigger picture of IT security is what connects these pieces. While the academic paper concentrates on the theoretical and practical elements of operating system security, the article about Windows 11 shows how operating system developers, like Microsoft, are actively addressing security concerns by incorporating new features and requirements. In the ever-evolving field of IT security, both publications emphasise the significance of strong operating system security mechanisms.

Components of the assignment

The upcoming release of Microsoft Windows 11 is examined in-depth in a new essay from eMazzanti Technologies by a well-known IT expert in the NYC region, who emphasises the significant gains in security and productivity. The rumour claims that an operating system for PCs that is extensively used will be released in October 2021. The focus is on the enhanced security capabilities of Windows 11, which include support for Microsoft Azure Attestation (MAA) and a requirement for the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 [8]. These components make the system more robust to fend against threats that are always changing. Data security is enhanced by TPM 2.0's physical defence against malicious software.

The article also emphasises productivity upgrades that promote efficient multitasking and collaboration, such as easy access to Microsoft Teams directly from the taskbar and an improved Snap tool for window organising. By committing to monthly security updates that are 40% shorter than Windows 10's cumulative updates and annual feature upgrades rather to semi-annual ones, Windows 11 promises a more streamlined experience and addresses the continuing issue of lengthy Windows updates. While the transition to Windows 11 is expected to begin in October, the majority of customers will likely upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in the early months of 2022 [9]. During this transitional period, people and companies can assess their hardware compatibility and prepare for a seamless move.

Comparison and Analysis

This particular article from eMazzanti Technologies differs from other articles on Windows 11 in a number of ways:

Vendor Perspective: The author of this post is a Microsoft cloud services provider, in contrast to numerous articles that offer a more impartial and objective perspective on Windows 11. As a result, it has a more sales-oriented tenor and places greater emphasis on the operating system's advantages and good points. It differs from more unbiased evaluations due to the vendor-specific perspective.

Emphasis on Security and Productivity: The focus of this article is on security and productivity improvements rather than Windows 11's features, which are generally only mentioned in passing in other articles. It goes into detail about Microsoft Teams integration and the need for Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 [10]. Compared to articles that might cover a wider range of topics, it stands out because of its narrow emphasis.

Highlighting Vendor Knowledge: The article highlights eMazzanti Technologies' knowledge as a Microsoft Gold Partner and its preparedness to help with Windows 11 upgrades. Unlike posts that primarily try to enlighten readers without endorsing any particular service providers, this one promotes itself.
Specific Release Information: The article indicates that Windows 11 is scheduled to be released in October 2021 and offers a plan for upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in early 2022. It distinguishes itself from articles that might offer more general information without definite periods thanks to its temporal context.
Limited Criticism: This article tends to emphasise Windows 11's advantages rather than its potential disadvantages or difficulties, in contrast to other articles that might critically analyse those issues [11]. The advantages are emphasised rather than a thorough evaluation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the eMazzanti Technologies paper discusses important features of Windows 11, with a focus on security, productivity, and system requirements. It forecasts a release date of October and highlights the advantages of greater productivity tools including Microsoft Teams integration, smaller monthly upgrades, and an annual update cycle. The article recognises that individuals and companies must get ready for the switch to Windows 11 because of the higher system requirements. It also emphasises how ready eMazzanti Technologies is to help with this shift. However, it's crucial to highlight that the essay lacks a critical viewpoint and is written from a promotional perspective, concentrating mostly on the positive elements of Windows 11.

References