Investigating Anonymous Technologies for Legitimate and Illegitimate Purposes

Learning Outcomes
This assignment addresses the following learning outcomes from the module syllabus:
•  Critically evaluate methods and techniques used for cybercrime.
•  Investigate, summarise and review emerging technologies and their use in cybercrime.
•  Discuss cybercrime topics and implications from a multidisciplinary/multi-viewpoint perspective.

Assignment Description
Anonymous technologies, the same way as other technologies, can be used for legitimate and  illegitimate purposes. This assignment comprises two parts.

You may choose to investigate one specific c/ass of anonymous technology (e.g., anonymous web  browsing, anonymous P2P communication, anonymous emailing service, anonymous content distribution), one specific technique (e.g., onion routing, proxy server, mix network, remailer), or one specific application (e.g., Tor, I2P, Freenet, Mixmaster, Osiris Serveless Portal System).

The essay should contain a maximum of 1600 words — excluded the list of references, and should:
(i)   Summarise, in no more than 150 words how the chosen class, technique, or application works.

Use references to provide deeper explanations and definitions.
(ii)   Discuss how the chosen class, technique, or application has been used by Internet users for legitimate purposes.
(iii)   Discuss how the chosen class, technique, or application has been used by cybercriminals (illegitimate purposes).
(iv)   Discuss and critically evaluate which measures can be adopted against the chosen anonymous technology used by cybercriminals.
(v)   Critically evaluate and discuss the literature, rather than simply regurgitating what you have read.
You have to interpret, reflect and be critical about what you read and about the sources you  actually use.
(vi)  Contrast and compare the legitimate and illegitimate viewpoints (usages) of the chosen anonymous technology.
(vii)  Use in-text citations where neccessary, which should be in Harvard style'.

There is no template to follow for the essay; it is up to you to make it look neat, logically  structured and coherent. Also, remember that the language used should be specific, precise, objective, direct, and simple. You should not use colloquial language, should use your own words, and you are advised to use short sentences, appropriate for technical writing.

3. Submission
Learning to write concisely is an important skill to develop and is useful throughout your academic and professional career. Your mark will be penalised if you exceed the word counts or page limits.
•  For every 10% you exceed your word limit, you will have 10% of your marks removed until a maximum of 100%. Your word limit does not include references, but does include citations (quotes).

You should use Microsoft Word to complete this assignment. If you use a word processor other than Microsoft Word then you should check to ensure that the document layout is the same as Microsoft Word. The essay should be in a single column format with the default settings (font, margin, space) of MS Word. The submission should be done via Turnitin on Blackboard.

Assignment Description

4. Penalties for late submission
Except where an extension of the hand-in and/or discussion deadline dates have been approved (using extenuating circumstances forms), lateness penalties will be applied in accordance with University policy as shown in Table 1².

Table 1: Late submission penalty

5. Extenuating circumstances and extension Extensions are granted when there are serious and exceptional factors outside your control. 
Everyday occurrences such as colds and hay fever do not normally qualify for extensions. Where  possible, requests for extensions should be made before the hand-in date.

http://www uc an ac uk/aqasu/academic regu ations php

6. Unfair Means to Enhance Performance
The University operates an electronic plagiarism detection service (Turnitin) where your work will 
be automatically uploaded, stored and cross-referenced against other material. You should be aware 
that the software searches the World V/ide Web, extensive databases of reference material and work 
submitted by members of the same class to identify duplication.

To avoid accusations of plagiarism, give an in-text citation and provide bibliographic details of 
any source used in the references list. Remember that you can reuse ideas from different sources 
but not literal text.

Plagiarism is not acceptable and you will face consequences when it is detected by Turnitin. For 
detailed information on the procedures relating to plagiarism, please see the current version of 
the University Academic Regulations.³

7. Reassessed Work
Reassessment in written examinations and coursework is at the discretion of the Course Assessment 
Board and is dealt with strictly in accordance with University policy and procedures. Revision 
classes for referrals will take place during ’reassessment revision, appeals and guidance week’ as 
marked on the academic calendar.

The mark for the reassessed module is subject to a maximum of 50%. This is not the case when you 
got EC approved.

Please see the UCLAN Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook for information and penalties 
related to “unfair means to enhance performance"°.

http://www uc an ac uk/aqasu/academic regu ations php
4 http://www uc an ac uk/aqasu/academic repu ations php

CO4515 Trends in Cybercrime - Assignment 1 Marking Scheme

All references contain mandatory bibliographic details and are formatted with the Harvard 
referencing style. All in-text citations are made correctly using the Harvard referencing style.

94/100 (High DISTINCTION)
Within this category, your mark will be decided based on additional comments (can be found on 
Turnitin)

74/80/87 (DISTINCTION)
Within this category, your mark will be decided based on additional comments (can be found on 
Turnitin)
Choice of literature demonstrates an excellent grasp of the topic area and is logically integrated 
providing critical viewpoints.

The essay demonstrates a masterly understanding of the topic area and contrasts different 
viewpoints using the salient points to demonstrate a deep understanding.

The essay fell within word limits and is written using own words.

The essay is well-written and easy to read in terms of sentencing and language (clear and 
appropriate to technical writing). The essay is perfectly structured and sections were well 
connected making the entire paper coherent.

All references contain mandatory bibliographic details and are formatted with the Harvard 
referencing style. All in-text citations are made correctly using the Harvard referencing style.

Choice of literature demonstrates an outstanding grasp of the topic area and is well integrated 
providing different viewpoints.

The essay demonstrates an outstanding understanding of the topic area and contrasts two different 
viewpoints.

The essay fell within word limits and is written using own words.

The essay is well-written and easy to read in terms of sentencing and language (clear and 
appropriate to technical writing).
All references contain mandatory bibliographic details and are formatted with the Harvard 
referencing style. All in-text citations are made correctly using the Harvard referencing style.

Literature is relevant and up to date for the topic
area.

62/65/68 (MERIT)

Within this category, your mark will be decided based on additional comments (can be found on 
Turnitin)

52/55/58 (PASS)
Within this category, your mark will be decided based on additional comments (can be found on 
Turnitin)
The essay demonstrates a clear understanding of the topic area, and provides relevant citations to 
demonstrate a deeper understanding.

The essay fell within word limits and is written using own words.

The essay was readable and contained no typographic, spelling or grammatical errors.

All references contain mandatory bibliographic details and are formatted with the Harvard 
referencing style. All in-text citations are made correctly using the Harvard referencing style.

Your summary does not demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic area. Your summary may not be 
clear, well explained, or may be missing vital information. Your explanation may not make best use 
of citations.

Essay demonstrates a limited understanding of the topic area, and provide only a limited and 
descriptive viewpoint.

The essay may have slightly exceeded the word count.

Few minor issues related to readability of the essay.