week 16

Individual Report Task: Assess and Recommend Different Tools to Protect Different Devices

Task Overview

In this task, you will assess and recommend different tools used to protect various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. Your report should evaluate the effectiveness of each tool, its strengths and weaknesses, and which types of devices and users they are most suitable for.

Your report should be 200–300 words and should provide clear recommendations based on the type of device being protected.

Title Page

Include your name, date, and a title (e.g., Assess and Recommend Tools to Protect Different Devices).

1. List of Tools to Assess and Recommend

Choose at least four different types of tools to evaluate based on the device you are protecting.

Suggested tools include:

• Antivirus Software (e.g., Norton, McAfee)
• Mobile Security Apps (e.g., Lookout, Kaspersky Mobile)
• Firewalls (e.g., ZoneAlarm, Comodo)
• Encryption Tools (e.g., BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for macOS)
• Backup Solutions (e.g., Acronis, Google Drive)
• Remote Wipe Tools (e.g., Find My iPhone, Android Device Manager)
• Password Managers (e.g., LastPass, 1Password)
• VPNs (e.g., ExpressVPN, CyberGhost)

2. Evaluation of Each Tool

For each tool, briefly evaluate its effectiveness by considering:

• Strengths – What does the tool do well?
• Weaknesses – Where does it fall short or what limitations does it have?
• Suitability – Is it best for smartphones, laptops, tablets, or desktops? Does it suit individual or organisational use?

Example:

• Norton Antivirus (Desktop/Laptop Protection)
  • Strengths: Comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats.
  • Weaknesses: Can slow down system performance if not optimised.
  • Suitability: Suitable for individual users and businesses who need strong, all-around protection for desktops and laptops.
• Lookout Mobile Security (Mobile Protection)
  • Strengths: Offers anti-theft features, malware protection, and privacy tools for mobile devices.
  • Weaknesses: Some advanced features are available only with a premium subscription.
  • Suitability: Best for individual mobile users who need security on their smartphones.
• BitLocker (Laptop/Desktop Encryption)
  • Strengths: Full disk encryption, ensuring data is protected in case of theft.
  • Weaknesses: Only available for Windows users; does not protect cloud-based data.
  • Suitability: Ideal for businesses and individuals who need strong encryption on laptops and desktops.
• Find My iPhone (Mobile Security)
  • Strengths: Can track lost or stolen devices and remotely wipe data.
  • Weaknesses: Only available on iOS devices.
  • Suitability: Excellent for iPhone and iPad users who want to protect their data if their device is lost or stolen.

3. Overall Conclusion and Recommendations

Write a short paragraph summarising which tools you would recommend for different devices, based on their strengths and the type of protection required.

Example:

“For mobile devices, apps like Lookout and Find My iPhone offer essential protection against theft and malware, while for laptops and desktops, tools like Norton Antivirus and BitLocker provide comprehensive security. Using a combination of these tools ensures that devices are protected both from physical theft and online threats.”

4. Additional Resources and Further Reading

Include useful links for further research.

Example:

• NCSC – How to Protect Your Devices
• Get Safe Online – Protecting Your Mobile Devices

Submission and Marking Criteria

Your report should be 200–300 words and should show clear evaluation and practical recommendations for protecting various devices.

✔️ Coverage of Tools – Are a range of tools discussed for different devices (smartphones, laptops, etc.)?

✔️ Evaluation and Judgement – Is there a fair analysis of each tool’s strengths, weaknesses, and suitability?

✔️ Presentation and Clarity – Is the report clear, well-structured, and in good English?

Final Note

This task will help you understand which tools are best for protecting different types of devices and why combining these tools creates stronger protection. Make sure your recommendations are based on real-world effectiveness and practical needs!

Last Updated
2025-05-12 10:43:32