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Systems analysis and design is a stepwise process for evaluating and developing information systems by understanding the needs of the business to improve on or develop effective and efficient functioning solutions to technical challenges.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
The benefits of systems analysis and design include the identification of operational efficiencies achieved by improvements to existing systems, the alignment of system functionality with organizational strategic objectives, early risk identification of potential threats to processes, the minimization or reduction of r...
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
A systems analyst is a professional whose primary functions are to utilize systems analysis and design techniques to support information systems and solve challenges presented when using information systems.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Systems design generally involves the following activities: designing the data, interface design, and process design. The tools used in systems analysis and design are varied and aid in the understanding of the system in its current and/or future state.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
SDLC is a framework that defines the stages of software development, from its inception to its retirement, providing a blueprint of the tasks to be completed for each stage of the cycle: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Agile is an iterative approach to software development that considers uncertainty in changing environments and allows Agile teams to respond to those changes quickly to deliver smaller, consumable work packages. The Manifesto for Agile Software Development maintains the four Agile Manifesto values and describes how Agi...
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
An analysis and design team includes members such as the designer, systems architect, user experience researcher, and systems analyst, among other important participants in the systems analysis and design process.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Defining the business problem is multifaceted and includes asking directed questions to uncover the issues that need to be addressed and the problem at hand.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Various tools can be used to understand user needs and how users will interact with the system. These include both visual tools, such as flowcharts, and textual tools, such as user stories.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Not having complete or correct user requirements can delay a project and result in additional costs. Taking time up front will save valuable resources in the long run.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Through proper planning in the early stages of systems development, analysts can feel confident in delivering a system that works for the stakeholders and meets the user requirements.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
The systems design process defines the architecture, interfaces, and data for a system that satisfies the specified requirements.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Systems designs can be logical (a high-level view of the system, including actors and the relationships between the actors and the system) or physical (the specific hardware and software components, along with detailed systems diagrams and layout of the systems).
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Data move through the system in a cycle from initial data creation to the eventual archiving or destruction of the data.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Prototypes are used for early detection of problems, expanded user engagement, increased satisfaction with the final product, and greater savings of time and money associated with rework. CAD is used by designers and engineers because of its ease of visualization, level of detail, capacity for specialization, and abili...
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Input/output control is a component of the design process. Input is the raw data that are processed through the functions of the system. It is controlled by the directives used to submit responses into the system by the user, producing an output according to the system logic. Output is the information delivered to user...
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
A systems design task list provides a road map through each step of the design process, allowing teams to have an organized workflow and make informed decisions through each step.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
The enterprise network system is composed of interconnected computers and other devices that allow for the exchange of data and information and the sharing of resources.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
The most commonly used network architectures are peer-to-peer and client/server.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
User-centered design (UCD) creates a product that uses an interdisciplinary approach to design with focus on the user experience and feedback. Applying user feedback to guide the design process strengthens the output of the design and creates a relationship with the user.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
UCD is iterative in nature and includes the practices of building, refining, and improving a product, project, or initiative.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Best practices associated with a UCD approach include defining the business goals, understanding users and aligning business goals, generating the design solution, evaluating the final product, and continuing to refine the product.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Mobile applications require special design considerations. This includes keeping the flow simple, highlighting key features of the application, and designing features for touch screens.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
Effective website design includes making sure accessibility standards are met for images, text, and sound. The website design should also incorporate mobile accessibility in the process.
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/4-summary
advanced encryption standard (AES) : symmetric encryption algorithm used globally to secure data, known for its speed and security
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/5-key-terms
artificial intelligence (AI) : branch of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation
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asymmetric encryption : (also, public-key cryptography) type of encryption that uses a public and private key
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authentication : process of verifying the identity of a user or device, often through credentials such as passwords or digital certificates
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brute-force attack : attack method where an attacker systematically checks all password or encryption key possibilities until the correct one is found
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buffer overflow : condition where an application writes more data to a buffer than it can hold
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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) : certification that signifies proficiency in ethical hacking techniques and tools, and the ability to assess the security of computer systems by looking for vulnerabilities in a lawful and legitimate manner
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/5-key-terms
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) : certification that focuses on management and governance of information security
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) : advanced certification that focuses on the knowledge and skills required to design, implement, and manage a comprehensive information security program
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classless inter-domain routing (CIDR) : method for allocating IP addresses and routing IP packets more efficiently than traditional classful IP addressing
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confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA) triad : foundational model in cybersecurity that ensures information is protected, accurate and trustworthy, and readily available to authorized users
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continuous monitoring : ongoing process of assessing the security posture and compliance of an IT infrastructure by automatically collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on various security controls
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Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT5) framework : comprehensive framework developed by ISACA for IT governance and management that helps organizations meet business challenges in the areas of regulatory compliance, risk management, and aligning IT strategy with organizational goals
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cryptographic key : string of data used by encryption algorithms to transform data into a secure format and its subsequent decryption
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cybersecurity : practice of protecting systems, networks, devices, and data from online threats
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data packet : small unit of data transmitted over a network
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dictionary attack : attack method where an attacker uses a precompiled list of likely passwords
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digital signature : electronic signature that uses cryptographic techniques to provide authentication and ensure the integrity of the signed digital document or message
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distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) : attack that uses multiple computers or servers to overwhelm a network resulting in loss of usability
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Domain Name System (DNS) : system that translates human-readable domain names to IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using familiar names
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dynamic IP address : address that is assigned each time a device connects to the internet; changes periodically, although not necessarily every time the device connects
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encryption : process of transforming legible data into a coded format, making it unreadable to unauthorized entities
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environmental threat : uncontrollable external factor such as a natural disaster or hardware failure that can damage data centers and disrupt business operations
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ethical hacking : process of attempting to break into an organization’s computer systems, network, or applications with permission to identify vulnerabilities
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external threat : threat that originates from outside an organization, typically posed by cybercriminals or state-sponsored attackers who aim to exploit vulnerabilities for financial or strategic gain
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fileless malware : type of malware that exploits in-memory processes to conduct its nefarious activities
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firewall : network security system that uses security rules to monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic
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hashing : process of converting data into a fixed-size string of characters, typically used for security purposes to ensure data integrity
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HTTP Secure (HTTPS) : protocol that adds a secure, encrypted layer to HTTP via SSL/TLS protocols
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) : protocol that is proficient at transmitting hypertext over the internet
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incident response : predetermined set of procedures and steps taken to identify, investigate, and respond to potential security incidents
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information privacy : right and measure of control individuals have over the collection, storage, management, and dissemination of their personal information
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information security : practice of protecting information by mitigating information risks and vulnerabilities, which encompasses data privacy, data confidentiality, data integrity, and data availability; employs methods such as encryption, firewalls, and secure network design
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information security management system (ISMS) : framework that helps organizations manage their information security by defining policies, procedures, and controls
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information security risk management (ISRM) : field that involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and information systems
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Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) : international association that provides IT professionals with knowledge, credentials, education, and community in IT governance, control, risk, security, audit, and assurance
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intellectual property (IP) : creations of the mind that are protected by law from unauthorized use or replication
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internal threat : one that originates from within an organization, such as disgruntled employees or poor security training for employees resulting in social engineering attacks
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internet protocol (IP) address : unique identifier that allows a computer to be addressed in order to communicate on the internet
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Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) : suite of protocols that provides end-to-end encryption and secure data exchange
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intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) : tool that monitors networks for malicious activity or policy violations
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IT governance : process of managing and controlling an organization’s IT capabilities to improve IT management, ensure compliance, and increase the value of IT investments
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keylogger : tool or technology often used maliciously to capture keystrokes on a computer to obtain sensitive information such as passwords
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log file : file generated by security applications that contains event information that aids in determining the status and health of a network
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malware : malicious software designed to damage, exploit, infect systems, or otherwise compromise data, devices, users, or networks, using viruses, worms, and spyware that is installed into the basic input-output system (BIOS) of a computer
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media access control (MAC) address : unique identifier that allows a computer to be addressed in order to communicate within a local area network
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multi factor authentication (MFA) : security measure that requires users to verify their identity using multiple forms of credentials, such as a password, a security token, or biometric data, to access a system
https://openstax.org/books/foundations-information-systems/pages/5-key-terms
network security : process of guarding network infrastructure and IT systems from unauthorized access, misuse, malfunction, or improper disclosure to unintended parties
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packet sniffer : (also, network analyzer or protocol analyzer) tool that captures and analyzes network traffic
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phishing : type of social engineering attack that appears as a trustworthy entity in digital communication but steals user data, such as login credentials and financial information
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pretexting : social engineering attack that involves creating a fabricated scenario to obtain private data
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protocol : fundamental rule or procedure that governs communication between devices in a network
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protocol analyzer : tool that examines network communication protocols to understand how data are exchanged between devices and applications on a network
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ransomware : type of malicious software that encrypts users’ files such as photos, documents, or other sensitive information and demands a ransom for their release
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risk appetite : level of risk an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its ambitions or goals
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risk management plan (RMP) : strategic document that outlines how risk is assessed, monitored, and mitigated within an organization
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risk tolerance : number of unfavorable outcomes an organization is willing to accept while pursuing goals and other objectives
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role-based access control (RBAC) : method of access control that bases data access on a person’s role in the organization, giving each employee the minimum level of access they need to perform their job functions
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rootkit : software that enables attackers to have access to a system masquerading as operating system processes
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router : device that forwards data packets to the appropriate parts of a computer network
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RSA encryption : asymmetric cryptographic algorithm used for secure data transmission; particularly useful in public-key cryptography
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Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) : communication protocol that establishes a secure connection between devices or applications on a network by encrypting data sent between a browser and a website or between two servers
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security information and event management (SIEM) : security solution that collects, analyzes, and correlates security data from different sources to detect and respond to security threats in real time
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Security+ : entry-level certification that covers foundational skills and knowledge in network security, compliance, operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, data and host security, access control, and identity management
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server : powerful computer or computer program that provides data to other computers (clients) over a network
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social engineering : manipulation of employees into revealing sensitive information, often leading to unauthorized system access
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static IP address : permanent address assigned by an administrator that remains the same over time and is essential for services such as hosting servers, email servers, and network devices, or when remote access is required
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strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis : commonly used method that helps in understanding both internal and external factors that could pose risks
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subnet : logically visible subdivision of an IP network, increasing its efficiency and security
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subnet mask : address used in routing and network organization that divides the IP address into network and host addresses
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switch : device that connects and segments various components within a local network
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symmetric encryption : type of encryption in which one key both encrypts and decrypts the data
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Transport Layer Security (TLS) : updated version of SSL that uses an encrypted tunnel to protect data sent between a browser, a website, and the website’s server
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Trojan : program that conceals itself as a safe program but often carries many other different types of malicious payloads
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virtual private network (VPN) : service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, typically the internet, ensuring private data remains protected
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virus : malware that attaches itself to clean files and propagate to other files and programs
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