APUS ePress: Information Technology

Wilda L. Duncan
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS) CONC Enterprise Software Development
Awarded: August 2017
Capstone Instructor: Dr. James Marion
Abstract: Health and fitness applications are popular in our society today. Many people track health and fitness affects on these apps on a regular basis. This research determines what the popular health and fitness apps are and the prevalent characteristics of health and fitness apps. Further, as part of the research, a survey using an electronically distributed survey instrument was conducted to determine what the favorite features are of health and fitness apps from the perspective of the user. Additionally, user input verified what kinds of improvements or enhancements they would like to see in future developments of health and fitness apps. This research was done electronically using qualitative methodology.

Kenneth L. Bernstein
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: May 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: The proliferation of wireless access to privileged networks in the enterprise introduces a potentially large attack surface and a unique set of security concerns. Using wireless technologies, attacks against the network are based on proximity rather than physical access. Currently, the monitoring of an organization’s wireless access points, including security auditing, is performed by IT security professionals in a time-consuming process, if performed at all. This project addresses the need for an efficient system to monitor a campus’ wireless landscape by developing an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle containing wireless monitoring components. This vehicle will be constructed using commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software, and will be capable of automatically traversing a preset course while monitoring and logging data from all 802.11 wireless access points within range, including malicious access points. Ultimately, this unmanned aerial vehicle was constructed and tested successfully, but sustained damage during testing, placing the project in an out-of-scope condition for both time and financial resources. Therefore, this project can be considered a partial success.

Brian T. Collins
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: November 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Denise D. Eggersman
Abstract: The age of technology and the advent of the systems that support it have expanded the capabilities of numerous organizations throughout the world, however, IT projects continue to fail at an alarming rate. The purpose of this study is to determine why IT projects are failing focusing on three key variables that include project leadership, team dynamics, and the processes and procedures that support the project. This study will analyze all three variables to determine which variable has the most significant impact on IT project failure. Understanding the impact leadership, team dynamics, and the processes and procedures that support the project have on a project’s final outcome is critical to the success of future IT related projects. This study will also incorporate theories, concepts, and case studies from a combination of scholarly, peer reviewed articles and other online sources to ultimately draw a viable conclusion as to why IT projects continue to fail even with the monumental advancements in technology over the last ten years.

James R. Fitzer
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: The increased importance of information protection, coupled with rapidly changing security landscape, has led to information security professionals finding it difficult to stay ahead of emerging threats. This problem has been compounded by the increased prevalence of agile software development methodologies, which ensure a rapidly changing system. This project unifies the principles of Agile software development, particularly Scrum, with established security best practices in the form of a technical book for mass-market publication. The book provides a guidance and framework for using the Scrum method to construct an information security program, conduct risk assessments, and implement policies and controls. This is accomplished through a review of existing knowledge on the topics of agile development and information security, and the author’s work to unify the two. Additionally, it provides guidance on leading such a team, and lessons and anecdotes from the author’s experience conducting security management on the Northern Border Integration Demonstration (NBID), an agile project. The book will be published through mainstream retail outlets and presented at conferences and events.

Paul B. Hanton
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: The technology industry is huge and will only grow as the world’s reliance on technology expands at an ever increasing rate. This ends up generating a large amount of profit along with a large number of jobs that need to be filled by qualified individuals. It is no secret that right now women are vastly underrepresented in the technology industry with no concrete explanation why. Some common theories are that women are not naturally good or interested in technology, the education system is failing young women, or there are not enough role models. This paper seeks another explanation that it is the technology culture and sexism that keeps women out of technology, or subtly forces them out. This study uses qualitative analysis and looks at two case studies which highlight the type of culture in the technology industry that keeps women out. The case studies, and the accompanying figures, show that in the short term, the culture needs to change in before more women will go into the technology industry. At the end of the paper, some recommendations for future research are given along with some recommendations on how to address the issue of the lack of women in technology.

Karen M. Littlewood
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: May 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Miriam Masullo
Abstract: The Department of Defense (DOD) is continuously seeking to find new technologies that further the security posture of its information systems. Often these technologies surround the protection of its network infrastructure and the software that is utilized on the network, but this suggests that the underlying platform is inherently secure. It is possible to find a proprietary OS platform stack that is more secure than the current standard being utilized today. The benefits of a proprietary OS platform stack are numerous: enabling compatibility within DOD branches and agencies in accordance to DOD 8330.01 and 8100.04 Unified Capabilities and on the Joint Information Environment (JIE); a more cost-efficient method of testing, implementation, and maintenance conducted centrally through DISA and the JITC; a standard OS platform utilized on the JIE can be fully compliant with DOD IA requirements; compatibility simplifies the creation of policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on a local level because all local commands can share documents as they are created or updated.

Alex Munoz
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: February 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Beverly JN Bowen
Abstract: Credit and debit cards have become the preferred method of payment for many, thanks to their low cost, convenience, and limited liability. As acceptance of these payment methods has become commonplace, criminals likewise increasingly target these accounts to commit fraud. Although various initiatives over the years have aimed at reducing credit card theft by hardening, or implementing additional security features, the overall system of processing these transactions is based on outdated technology. This study examines current technologies, their vulnerabilities, known exploits, and alternatives to existing processes, for the purpose of securing credit card information and transaction processing. Various countermeasures are evaluated in a three level probability impact matrix in order to compare their effectiveness in preventing credit card theft. The researcher concludes that by implementing established technologies and extending the standards currently used for credit card transactions, backward compatibility is ensured, while also allowing the deployment of more secure systems at low cost.

Derrick B. Rumer
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: August 2015
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: Anonymous networks provide users the opportunity to navigate the internet anonymously by adding additional connections between client and server that mask the users IP address and provide other layers of security that protect user identities while navigating the web. With this technology also come ramifications when criminals use the technology to cover their tracks. This paper will provide insight to digital anonymity as well as review previous research conducted on the subject. The United Stated Government and law enforcement agencies have made great strides in combatting crimes conducted over anonymous networks. The purpose of this study is to determine if the United States Government and law enforcement agencies are adequately prepared to combat crimes conducted over anonymous networks. This research also contains a survey polling willing participants on topics of digital anonymity to include personal experiences and opinions on issues surrounding this topic. The survey will be used to determine if U.S. citizens believe that anonymizing technologies should be federally regulated. It will also determine if the participants feel that regulating such a technology infringes on their constitutional right to privacy.

Ann H. Ziluck
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: February 2012
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: E-Discovery poses many challenges to legal and information technology teams who must quickly produce information required for litigation. The extraordinary volumes, types, electronic and manual formats, and repositories of data produced by even small organizations must be quickly searched and analyzed as part of the E-Discovery process. Data created and stored in cloud computing, social media and mobile computing environments intensify the typical complexities of e-discovery since traditional advanced search analytics, digital forensics and E-Discovery techniques are more difficult or in some cases impossible with these technologies. Cloud computing and social media environments often prevent extraction of metadata required for defensible production of information. Digital forensics is impossible in some cloud computing environments, preventing experts from obtaining defensible and reproducible data sets. Legal and information technology teams must carefully consider the use of cloud computing and social media environments and ensure their corporate constituents that they are empowered to perform structured, effective, and scientific e-discovery practices for regulatory and legal compliance.

Joshua D. Brandt
Program: Information Technology: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS) CONC Digital Forensics
Awarded: August 2014
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Novadean Watson-Stone
Abstract: Biometrics technology has the potential to improve security, protect privacy, and increase accessibility. However, the technology has not been utilized to its full potential. This paper will review existing literature and past studies to highlight existing biometrics, biometrics usage, privacy concerns, and actions that can be taken to mitigate those concerns. The purpose of this literature review is to identify potential uses for biometrics in the United States and steps that can be taken to implement that technology. Additionally, this paper will discuss a study conducted to determine the current attitudes of American citizens towards biometrics. The study was conducted electronically using both quantitative and qualitative methodology and determined that there are several factors that influence acceptance of biometrics by Americans including the security of the information, the age of the participant, and the education level of the individual. The study also determined that Americans are generally accepting of biometrics use, but there are some concerns about the technology, how it is used, and its accuracy.