Introduction
This assignment is the formal assessment for COCS60497 and therefore compulsory. The assignment is weighted at 100% of the course grade. You will be required to work individually, so time management is very important. When reading this assignment, please read ALL elements fully and understand what is being asked of you, if you have any issues, please ask the teaching team.
Purpose
This assessment is designed to evaluate your understanding of the following course learning
Outcomes:
- Critically discuss the issues, limits, and potential for the systematic exploitation of weaknesses in digital systems to further national policy objectives (cyber warfare).
- (Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding).
- Explain the principles and concepts that underpin malicious software and software- based attacks. (Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding).
- Critically evaluate various techniques used in the defence of computer systems against malicious software and software-based attacks. (Analysis, Application, Knowledge and Understanding).
Your Task
You are required to submit a research report addressing a question related to cyber warfare and/or malicious software. This report should focus on the current state of cyber warfare themes and issues arising from a sample text drawn from a source in literature. Your report should integrate theoretical concepts, real-world examples, and case studies. You are encouraged to examine recent trends, challenges, and future directions in cyber warfare, specifically addressing how military are adapting to these developments.
Directions
Select one research question from the list provided. Investigate, write and submit a critical report with discussions addressing the research question posed. Submit a research paper in which you critically analyse and discuss themes and issues arising from a sample text drawn from a source in literature. These sources capture concepts of cyber warfare and draw together element of existing processes and best practices in the UK and abroad.
Sample text: “Cyber operations are now a critical part of modern warfare.” NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. NATO CCDCOE. (2020). Cyber Defence in NATO.
Research Question 1
What role do cyber operations play in current military conflicts? How and to what extent are they integrated into traditional combat strategies?
Sample text “The cyber domain presents unprecedented challenges and opportunities for military operations.” U.S. Department of Defense. U.S. Department of Defense. (2018). Cyber Strategy.
Research Question 2
In what ways do nation-state actors exploit cyber vulnerabilities in military systems to gain strategic advantages over their adversaries? How can the military effectively counter misinformation and psychological operations conducted through cyber channels?
Sample text “Cyberattacks can disrupt not just operations, but also public confidence in the military.” UK Ministry of Defence. UK Ministry of Defence. (2021). Defence Command Paper.
Research Question 3
What lessons can the MoD learn from recent high-profile cyber incidents, and how can these be applied to improve operational security? What are the implications of cyberattacks on military infrastructure for the readiness and resilience of armed forces in the UK and the West?
Sample text “Ransomware is a significant threat to our national security and critical infrastructure.” Christopher Wray, FBI Director. Wray, C. (2021). Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Research Question 4
To what extent does ransomware impact military logistics and critical infrastructure? How does the evolving threat of ransomware impact security operations?
Sample text “AI will be the most powerful tool in the arsenal of the future, but it must be handled with caution.” Dr. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google. Schmidt, E. (2018). Speech at the 2018 AI Summit.
Research Question5
In your view, what are the implications of integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, into military cyber defence strategies? What challenges and opportunities do they present?
The report should include the following:
- Introduction: Clearly defining relevant background information and provide context for the topic chosen.
- Body (Rename this with a meaningful heading)
Critically analysis: review relevant academic and industry sources, including recent developments and notable incidents.
Critical discussion: Provide a detailed discussion of the research question, utilising case studies, military doctrines, and expert insights to support your arguments and provide recommendations.
- Conclusion: Summarise the key findings of your research findings. This should be a clear summary of your answer to the question. Reflect on any future research directions of your research.
- References: A list of the resources you have referred to in your report using Harvard referencing style notation.