ITS 834 Emerging Threats and Countermeasures

Total points – 100

Final Research Case Analysis

The paper is due on end of day Sunday June 21, 2020

Topic: Implementing Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector

Imagine you have been hired as a security consultant for EnergyA which is an electric

utility company based in the USA. The company has several locations in the U.S and is

responsible for supplying a large portion of electricity for the southeastern region in the

U.S.

You have been charged with overseeing the implementation of cybersecurity best

practices for EnergyA. In this course, you examined 10 design and security

principles (Deception, Separation, Diversity, Commonality, Depth,

Discretion, Collection, Correlation, Awareness, Response) in the context of

national and critical infrastructure protection.

Identify any two security principles from the ten security principles we

learned and evaluate and discuss how it can be applied to EnergyA.

Your case analysis needs to minimally address the following

 The relevance of cybersecurity in the energy sector

 Existing research on cybersecurity practices in the energy sector

 Why you are focusing on the specific two security principles

 For each security principle, identify its relevance in the energy sector

 For each security principle, identify how the principle can be implemented

 For each security principle, identify challenges presented in implementing it

 Discussion that connects your entire analysis with the topic and future

implications of cybersecurity in the energy sector

Your research paper should be minimally 10 pages (double space, Font – Georgia with

font size 12). The research paper needs cite at least 5 peer reviewed journal/book

references.

The bibliography should be included as a separate page and is not part of the 10 page

requirement. Student assignments will be run through Safe Assignment. Please ensure

to check the safe assignment result prior to submitting.

You will have the chance to submit your assignment up to two times. So

please submit earlier than the due date so you can check your safe assign

score. You need to check your safe assign report to ensure there is no

instance of academic integrity violations.

Please refer to this link for information on the academic integrity policy at

the university https://cumberland.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2017-2018/2017-2018-Undergraduate- Catalog/Academic-Affairs/Academic-Integrity-Policy

Please ensure to review the policy. If there are instances of academic

integrity policy violations in your paper, you will not receive a grade for the

assignment and will be referred to the department.

The university of Cumberland library can be assessed at

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/library

The research paper should include the following components.

 Title Page (Not part of the minimum 10 page requirement)

 Abstract (quick overview in your own words of the entire content of your paper,

limited to 200-350 words)

 Introduction (1-2 pages, relevance of cybersecurity in the energy sector)

 Literature Review (2-4 pages, describes the research papers that you find in

reference to the topic of cybersecurity in the energy sector)’

 Cybersecurity Implementation (2-4 pages, Why you are focusing on the two

specific security principles; For each security principle, identify its relevance in

the energy sector; For each security principle, identify how the principle can be

implemented; For each security principle, identify challenges presented in

implementing it)

 Discussion (2-3 pages) – (Your perspectives on the topic, try to connect the

security principles identified together; discuss future implications of

cybersecurity in the energy sector)

 Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs, This provides a final summary of your research

paper)

 Bibliography in APA format

The following rubric will be used to grade your assessment

Evaluation Parameters Percentage Weight

Did the student respond to the research topic 20

Did the student conduct sufficient literature review of the topic 20

Did the student provide relevant examples to support viewpoints 20

Did the student meet the content requirements of the assignment and

discuss the key points identified in the question

20

Did the student provide a critical perspective on the topic 10

Did the student create a professional, well-developed report with proper

grammar, spelling, punctuation and APA formatting

10

Total 100%

Please refer to the following for APA guidelines

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_st

yle_guide/general_format.html

Please also refer to the Learning Commons Tip Sheet uploaded for resources that assist

with developing your research.