Tasks and Duties
Objective
This task is aimed at enabling you to understand and develop a comprehensive threat model for a hardware system. You will conduct an extensive review of potential vulnerabilities in electronic and hardware systems, and design a strategic plan to mitigate these threats. As part of the Cyber Security Fundamentals course, you will integrate your knowledge into a coherent analysis and planning document.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file containing a detailed threat model report.
- Strategic planning recommendations for the hardware system security.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research and Identification: Utilize publicly available reference materials to identify common threats and vulnerabilities specific to electronic and hardware systems.
- Threat Modeling: Create a threat model outlining the potential attack vectors and risks. Consider elements such as hardware malfunctions, power supply issues, and physical tampering.
- Strategic Planning: Develop risk mitigation strategies and propose security controls. Your plan should include a timeline and resource allocation recommendations.
- Documentation: Compile your findings, modeling diagrams, and strategic recommendations in a well-structured DOC file.
- Review: Ensure to cross-reference with Cyber Security Fundamentals best practices and guidelines throughout your submission.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be evaluated based on clarity of the threat model, depth of analysis, practicality of the proposed strategies, and adherence to Cyber Security Fundamentals principles. Extra score will be given for creativity in risk mitigation measures and a well-structured strategic plan. This task is designed to require approximately 30 to 35 hours of work. Approach each section methodically to produce a comprehensive report that demonstrates a clear understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of hardware system security.
Objective
This task focuses on the phenomenon of vulnerability and risk assessment in electronic hardware systems. You will take on the role of a security analyst to identify, prioritize, and analyze risks associated with hardware components. This will deepen your understanding of the core principles of Cyber Security Fundamentals by applying them to a practical scenario.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file encompassing a detailed vulnerability assessment report.
- An analysis section where you prioritize vulnerabilities and propose risk mitigation techniques.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Identifying Vulnerabilities: Research and list common vulnerabilities in hardware systems using publicly available cybersecurity literature.
- Risk Analysis Methodology: Choose a risk assessment framework and apply it to your identified vulnerabilities. Develop an evaluation matrix to rate the risks quantitatively.
- Prioritization: Rank the vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence.
- Mitigation Strategies: Propose realistic and effective countermeasures to mitigate the risks identified.
- Documentation: Organize your findings, methodology, risk assessment, and mitigation proposals into a well-organized DOC file report.
Evaluation Criteria
The report will be evaluated based on completeness of the vulnerability list, application of a sound risk assessment methodology, depth of analysis, and feasibility of the proposed actions. Clarity of documentation and adherence to professional standards in cybersecurity risk analysis will be crucial. The task requires approximately 30 to 35 hours of dedicated work, involving in-depth research and a systematic approach to risk evaluation.
Objective
This task will have you designing and documenting a secure hardware system. The focus is on the integration of security best practices into the design phase of an electronic hardware system. You are expected to use your Cyber Security Fundamentals knowledge to create a concept design that incorporates hardware security mechanisms, safe boot processes, and tamper-evident designs.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file that detail the secure hardware design process and proposed architecture.
- A description of security features integrated within the design.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research: Review documented hardware security practices and secure design principles from reputable public sources.
- Conceptual Design: Draft an architectural design that mitigates potential security issues, including hardware encryption and secure booting methods.
- Specification Development: Develop detailed specifications outlining the security features and how they fit into the overall system architecture.
- Documentation: Clearly document all design decisions, supported by diagrams and flowcharts within a well-structured DOC file.
- Critical Analysis: Include a section that analyzes potential trade-offs and performance considerations associated with the security features.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be judged by the clarity of the design process, the comprehensiveness of the security integrations, the quality of explanations provided, and the logical flow of your design document. Extra credit will be awarded for innovative security implementations and detailed critical analysis of design trade-offs. Expect to invest 30 to 35 hours into researching, designing, and documenting a thoroughly considered secure hardware system.
Objective
The aim of this task is to simulate intrusion scenarios on an electronic hardware system and prepare a detailed incident response plan. You are to adopt the perspective of a security analyst who needs to prepare for and manage intrusion events, applying the Cyber Security Fundamentals concepts to real-world hardware security challenges.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file containing a comprehensive report of your intrusion simulation scenario.
- An incident response plan detailing the steps to be taken during an actual attack.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Scenario Development: Create a realistic intrusion scenario, describing the potential security breach and the vulnerabilities exploited. Use public case studies to inform your simulation.
- Simulation Execution: Outline the process you would follow to simulate the attack, including the sequence of events and key investigative milestones.
- Incident Response Strategy: Develop a robust incident response plan that details immediate containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident analysis.
- Risk Mitigation Recommendations: Propose preventive measures based on the findings of your simulation.
- Documentation: Prepare a detailed DOC file report that includes the simulated scenario, response plan, and evaluation of the simulation’s impact.
Evaluation Criteria
Your work will be assessed on the realism and detail of the threat simulation, the comprehensiveness of the incident response plan, and the quality of your documentation. Pay particular attention to the flow of information, clarity of steps, and alignment with Cyber Security Fundamentals. The task is designed to be completed within 30 to 35 hours, requiring deep analytical thought, systematic planning, and clear communication.
Objective
This task is centered around the development of security policies and procedures for safeguarding electronic hardware systems. You will be responsible for creating a detailed security policy document that identifies key areas of risk and outlines protective measures designed to mitigate potential threats. This task aligns with the Cyber Security Fundamentals curriculum by emphasizing procedural and policy aspects of security management.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file containing your security policy document.
- A comprehensive set of procedures detailing operational security measures and best practices for hardware systems.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Research Existing Policies: Study publicly available security policies for hardware and electronic systems to understand industry standards.
- Policy Drafting: Create a detailed policy document outlining major security objectives, roles and responsibilities, and procedural guidelines.
- Procedure Development: Develop step-by-step procedures on how to implement and enforce the security measures defined in your policy.
- Review and Revise: Critically evaluate your draft policies against best practices and incorporate necessary revisions for clarity and effectiveness.
- Documentation: Assemble your final draft in a DOC file that is comprehensive, well-organized, and professionally formatted.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation will focus on the completeness and clarity of your security policy, the practicality of the procedures, and the document’s overall cohesion and alignment with recognized cybersecurity standards. Your submission should demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of policy in hardware system security management and must reflect a careful balance between theory and practical implementation. Expect to commit 30 to 35 hours for research, drafting, and finalizing your document.
Objective
This final week’s task involves conducting a security audit and review of an electronic hardware system, followed by the formulation of future recommendations for ongoing system security improvements. You will synthesize your knowledge from previous modules to critically assess a hypothetical hardware environment, identifying both current security strengths and weaknesses. The task is tailored to encourage critical thinking and forward planning in accordance with Cyber Security Fundamentals.
Expected Deliverables
- A DOC file detailing your comprehensive security audit report.
- A section dedicated to actionable future recommendations and planned improvements for hardware security.
Key Steps to Complete the Task
- Audit Preparation: Define the scope of your audit covering key hardware security components including physical security, circuitry, firmware integrity, and system configurations.
- Audit Execution: Detail the audit process, listing the methodologies, criteria, and checklists used for evaluation. Incorporate scenarios based on public knowledge of hardware vulnerabilities.
- Analysis: Analyze the audit findings to pinpoint both security strengths and areas requiring improvement.
- Recommendations: Develop detailed future recommendations that address identified weaknesses. Propose enhancements and innovative measures to bolster overall security.
- Documentation: Organize your audit results and recommendations into a structured DOC file with clear headings, supporting arguments, and technical evidence where applicable.
Evaluation Criteria
Your submission will be evaluated based on the thoroughness of your audit process, the depth and accuracy of the analysis, and the effectiveness and innovativeness of your recommendations. The ability to critically assess a hardware system against Cyber Security Fundamentals will form the basis of the evaluation. This task, requiring 30 to 35 hours of work, encapsulates all elements of a security analyst’s role and is designed to conclude the internship with a comprehensive demonstration of your skills.