School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

Assignment Briefing Sheet (2020/21 Academic Year)

Section A: Assignment title, important dates and weighting

Assignment title: Wireshark Group or Individual

individual:

Module title: Cyber Operations Module 7COM1068

code:

Module leader: Stilianos Vidalis Moderator’s

initials:

Submission 14.01.2021 Target date for return of 29.01.2021

deadline: marked assignment:
23:50

You are expected to spend about 15 hours to complete this assignment to a

satisfactory standard.

This assignment is worth 50% of the overall assessment for this module.

Section B: Student(s) to complete

Student ID number Year Code

Notes for students

• For undergraduate modules, a score above 40% represent a pass performance at honours level.
• For postgraduate modules, a score of 50% or above represents a pass mark.
• Late submission of any item of coursework for each day or part thereof (or for hard copy submission
only, working day or part thereof) for up to five days after the published deadline, coursework relating
to modules at Levels 0, 4, 5, 6 submitted late (including deferred coursework, but with the exception of
referred coursework), will have the numeric grade reduced by 10 grade points until or unless the
numeric grade reaches or is 40. Where the numeric grade awarded for the assessment is less than
40, no lateness penalty will be applied.
• Late submission of referred coursework will automatically be awarded a grade of zero (0).
• Coursework (including deferred coursework) submitted later than five days (five working days in the
case of hard copy submission) after the published deadline will be awarded a grade of zero (0).
• Regulations governing assessment offences including Plagiarism and Collusion are available from
https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/governance/university-policies-and-regulations-uprs/uprs (please
refer to UPR AS14)
• Guidance on avoiding plagiarism can be found here:
https://herts.instructure.com/courses/61421/pages/referencing-avoiding-
plagiarism?module_item_id=779436
• Modules may have several components of assessment and may require a pass in all elements. For
further details, please consult the relevant Module Handbook (available on Studynet/Canvas, under
Module Information) or ask the Module Leader.

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School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

Assignment Briefing Sheet (2020/21 Academic Year)

This Assignment assesses the following module Learning Outcomes (from Definitive Module
Document):

1. Develop a deep and systematic understanding and knowledge of Information Environments in

terms of deterrence, detection, protection and reaction to access,
2. Critically reflect on the implementation and management of offensive Cyber Operations at all
levels,
3. Design and undertake substantial investigations under the context of situational awareness,
4. Demonstrate self-direction and creativity in designing and developing a cyber defence
environment
Assignment Brief:
This is an individual assessment. It is expected that the report will be in the region of 1500 words.

You are expected to conduct an analysis of the network packet capture that will be made available to you,
using Wireshark. You are required to present your findings in a factual manner to convince decision
makers of a large corporation on business strategies.

The capture will be made available to you in LB154 and through Canvas. The analysis rig you will have to
use for this activity is setup in the CSC Labs but because of UH policies on Covid-19, you will have to use
Wireshark from your own device.

The deadline is on the 14.01.2021 by electronic submission via Canvas.

Please see the table underneath for the expected structure of the report and for the breakdown of the
mark allocation. Although there are no allocated marks for references and bibliography you are expected
to use appropriate peer reviewed sources for supporting your arguments, and an appropriate referencing
style as per the University regulations.

Assignment 2 Structure and Criteria Mark

Available
Statistical analysis (network boundaries, active nodes, external sources, 20
type of traffic and protocols)
Activity narrative and attack identification (of one attacker) 20
Attack explanation (of one attacker) 10
Total 50

Submission Requirements:
You are required to submit a PDF report using the submission link provided on Canvas. You are expected
to demonstrate an insight into the implications of the problem introduced in each task by using clear and
concise arguments. The report should be well written, showing good skills in creativity and design.
Sentences should be of an appropriate length and the writing style should be brief but informative.
Remember, cyber operators report on facts and avoid comments and generalisations!

Marks awarded for:

Please see last page for what the assessors will be looking for in your reports. A rubric will be provided on
Canvas.

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School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

Type of Feedback to be given for this assignment:

In-course formative feedback and individual personalised summative feedback.

Formative feedback will be given for assignment through Canvas and during the scheduled sessions as
per the module delivery plan. Individual personalised summative feedback will be given through Canvas
for the final submission. Every week, Review & Reflection questions related to the assessment activities
will be posted on Canvas. These questions will help you to reflect on the activities you will be undertaking
as part of the assessed work for the module, self-assess your work as you progress through the module
and help you understand the subject better.

Feedback is not just the marks and the commentary at the end of the module – it is also the regular verbal
advice about your work as you undertake the scheduled activities. If you fail to participate to the scheduled
sessions and you fail to engage with the class and with the instructors, you will not receive feedback.

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School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Overall Grade Description
The follow descriptions provide the characteristics that would define achievement at the stated levels.
Criteria Fail (< 40)
No statistical analysis (or analysis is
wrong). No attack identification. No
attack explanation. Very week report
structure. Lack of originality.
Marginal Fail (40 – 49)
Statistical analysis is undertaken but it
may contain mistakes. One attack has
been identified. Vague explanation of
one attack. Report structure is not
appropriate.
Pass (50 – 59)
Complete statistical analysis. One
attack is clearly identified and
explained but link with the pcap
file is weak.
Good (60 – 69)
Very good level of knowledge &
understanding is demonstrated.
Complete statistical analysis.
Report provides complete
identification of one attack and
comprehensive explanation. Link
with pcap file and evidence of the
analysis are very strong. Analysis
may contain some errors.
Excellent (>70)
High academic learning ability
achieved with excellent
understanding of the various
attacks, demonstrating
professionalism and
methodological thinking in
conducting the analysis. Highly
developed piece of work. No
errors.
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