Objective:
The purpose of this assignment is to develop practical skills in using WHOIS for domain information gathering, an essential aspect of cybersecurity investigations. Students will identify and analyze domain registration details, assess the security implications, and understand the legal and ethical boundaries in handling such information.
Guidelines:
Assignment Tasks:
Choose a publicly accessible domain for investigation. Avoid domains related to sensitive or controversial entities.
Use the WHOIS protocol to retrieve information about the selected domain, including registrar details, domain status, creation and expiration dates, and contact information.
Report Format:
Use a standard font (e.g., Arial or Times New Roman) in size 12 with 1-inch margins.
Structure your report with the following sections: Introduction, Methodology, Findings, Analysis, and Conclusion.
Content Requirements:
Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the WHOIS protocol and its importance in cybersecurity.
Methodology: Explain the process and tools used to conduct the WHOIS lookup.
Findings: Present the gathered domain information. Redact sensitive personal information where necessary.
Analysis: Discuss the security implications of the obtained information and potential vulnerabilities.
Conclusion: Reflect on the ethical considerations and legal compliance in conducting WHOIS lookups.
Ethical and Legal Considerations:
Ensure the domain selected does not belong to a private individual or a sensitive organization.
Discuss the ethical implications of gathering and using domain information.
Adhere to privacy laws and regulations in your jurisdiction regarding handling personal data.
Submission:
Submit your report as a PDF file via the designated online platform by 11:59 PM on the due date.
Evaluation Criteria:
Accuracy of Information: Correct use of WHOIS and accurate reporting of domain details.
Analytical Skills: Depth of analysis regarding security implications and potential vulnerabilities.
Ethical Reflection: Insight into the ethical and legal aspects of using WHOIS.
Quality of Writing: Clarity, structure, grammar, and adherence to the word limit.
