REAL SIMILAR EXAMPLE TASK 1 FULL DETAIL

 To achieve an A* grade and near-full marks (aiming for 22/22 marks) on Task 1 of the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support Services Employer Set Project (ESP), you need to produce a **fault-finding investigation report** (6 marks) and a **test plan** (16 marks) that address all identified issues, including the specific firewall issues, in a clear, structured, and comprehensive manner. This response will provide a detailed guide on **what to do**, **how to format**, **the order of content**, **what to say**, and **everything needed** to maximize your score, with a focus on the firewall issues and the broader context of the nine identified issues (three user-reported and six additional).

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### Overview of Requirements

- **Task Objective**: Investigate and resolve NexaTech IT Solutions’ cybersecurity issues, focusing on user-reported problems (Control Document B) and additional issues identified from the scenario and control documents (A, C). Produce a fault-finding investigation report and a test plan.

- **Total Marks**: 22 (6 for the report, 16 for the test plan).

- **Time Limit**: 2 hours 30 minutes.

- **Submission**: One PDF document containing both the report and test plan, named correctly (e.g., Smith_J_123456789_Task1.pdf), with an External Assessment Cover Sheet.

- **Presentation**: Arial 12pt, black font, page numbers (e.g., Page X of Y), clear labels with student details and task number.

### What to Do for an A* Grade

To score near-full marks, you must:

1. **Address All Issues**: Cover the three user-reported issues (NAS access, printer disappearance, email connectivity) and the six additional issues (router security, wireless network, NAS account, user privileges, VPN security, lack of monitoring), including the four specific firewall issues (SMB block, email block, default “Allow All” policy, no logging).

2. **Demonstrate Technical Depth**: Show understanding of networking concepts (e.g., firewall rules, DHCP, SMB, DNS) and cybersecurity principles (e.g., least privilege, logging).

3. **Follow Instructions Precisely**: Adhere to presentation, formatting, and submission guidelines (Pages 3–4).

4. **Be Clear and Structured**: Use concise language, logical organization, and professional formatting.

5. **Create a Reusable Test Plan**: Ensure the test plan is detailed, practical, and usable by other IT team members.

6. **Avoid Plagiarism**: Write in your own words, following the plagiarism guidance (Page 3).

### Step-by-Step Guide

#### 1. Understand the Issues

You’ve already been provided with the nine issues (three user-reported, six additional), including the four firewall-specific issues. Here’s a quick recap of the firewall issues for clarity, as they are critical:

- **Firewall Issue 1: Blocking NAS Access**

  - Problem: Firewall denies SMB traffic (ports 139/445) from user IPs (192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200) to NAS (192.168.1.253), causing User A’s “Network Path Not Found” error.

  - Fix: Allow SMB traffic to 192.168.1.253 on ports 139/445.

- **Firewall Issue 2: Email Connection Problems**

  - Problem: Firewall allows IMAP (port 143) and SMTP (port 25) to “Any” destination, but may block external mail server traffic or lack rules for secure protocols (IMAPS: 993, SMTPS: 587), causing User C’s “Connection timed out” error.

  - Fix: Add rules for IMAPS/SMTPS, verify mail server connectivity, check DNS.

- **Firewall Issue 3: Default “Allow All” Policy**

  - Problem: Default policy allows all traffic unless denied, increasing vulnerability.

  - Fix: Set default to “Deny All,” allow only necessary traffic.

- **Firewall Issue 4: No Logging or Monitoring**

  - Problem: No logging to track network activity, hindering threat detection.

  - Fix: Enable firewall logging, implement monitoring tools.

The other issues (printer, router, wireless, NAS account, user privileges, VPN) are equally important and must be included in your report and test plan to show a comprehensive investigation.

#### 2. Structure and Content of the Submission

Your submission is one PDF document with two main sections: the **Fault-Finding Investigation Report** and the **Test Plan**. Below is the recommended structure, order, and content.

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##### Fault-Finding Investigation Report (6 Marks)

**Purpose**: Analyze the root causes of all nine issues and recommend solutions, demonstrating technical understanding and problem-solving skills.

**Format**:

- Use Arial 12pt, black font.

- Include a cover page with your name, student number, task number (Task 1), and date.

- Number pages (e.g., Page 1 of 10).

- Use headings and bullet points for clarity.

- Aim for 1–2 pages (concise but comprehensive).

**Order and Content**:

1. **Cover Page**

   - Title: “Fault-Finding Investigation Report – Task 1”

   - Your details: Surname, Initial, Student Number (e.g., Smith_J_123456789)

   - Date: May 2025

   - Task: T Level Digital Support Services ESP, Task 1

2. **Introduction** (1–2 sentences)

   - What to Say: “This report investigates cybersecurity issues at NexaTech IT Solutions, including user-reported problems and additional network vulnerabilities, with recommendations to resolve them.”

   - Purpose: Set the context and show you understand the task.

3. **Issue Analysis** (Main Body)

   - Structure: Divide into two subsections: **User-Reported Issues** and **Additional Issues**.

   - For each issue (9 total), include:

     - **Description**: What the problem is (e.g., “User A cannot access NAS, receiving ‘Network Path Not Found’ error”).

     - **Root Cause**: Why it’s happening (e.g., “Firewall denies SMB traffic on ports 139/445”).

     - **Impact**: How it affects users/network (e.g., “Prevents file sharing, reducing productivity”).

     - **Recommendation**: Specific fix (e.g., “Allow SMB traffic to 192.168.1.253”).

   - **What to Say** (Example for Firewall Issue 1):

     - “**Issue 1: NAS Access Failure** – User A cannot access \\NAS01 due to a ‘Network Path Not Found’ error. The firewall denies SMB traffic from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to the NAS (192.168.1.253) on ports 139/445, blocking file sharing. This prevents users from accessing critical files. **Recommendation**: Update the firewall to allow SMB traffic to 192.168.1 perspective, ensure the NAS configuration (shared folder permissions, LMSAdmin account) is correct.”

   - Repeat for all 9 issues, keeping each description concise (2–3 sentences).

4. **Conclusion** (1–2 sentences)

   - What to Say: “The identified issues, including firewall misconfigurations and weak security practices, have been analyzed, and the recommended solutions will enhance network security and user functionality.”

   - Purpose: Summarize findings and emphasize improvements.

**Tips for A* Report**:

- Be specific: Reference control documents (e.g., “Control Document C, Table 1”).

- Show cybersecurity knowledge: Mention risks like insider threats (Page 5).

- Use technical terms correctly: SMB, DHCP, IMAP, etc.

- Be concise: Avoid unnecessary detail, focus on cause and fix.

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##### Test Plan (16 Marks)

**Purpose**: Provide a detailed, reusable plan for troubleshooting and verifying fixes for all nine issues, usable by other IT team members.

**Format**:

- Use Arial 12pt, black font.

- Present as tables (one per issue or grouped by issue type).

- Number pages (e.g., Page 3 of 10).

- Aim for 3–5 pages, covering all required elements.

- Include a brief introduction before the tables.

**Order and Content**:

1. **Introduction** (1–2 sentences)

   - What to Say: “This test plan outlines procedures to troubleshoot and verify fixes for NexaTech IT Solutions’ network issues, ensuring reliable functionality and security for all users.”

   - Purpose: Explain the plan’s purpose and scope.

2. **Test Plan Tables**

   - Create a table for each issue (or group related issues, e.g., all firewall issues in one table).

   - Include all required elements (Page 6):

     - **User Details**: Name, role, device type (e.g., “Amirah, Marketing Advisor, Desktop”).

     - **Test Date**: Future date (e.g., “May 10, 2025”).

     - **Computer Specification**: OS, IP, relevant settings (e.g., “Windows 10, IP: 192.168.1.50, SMB enabled”).

     - **Software**: Tools used (e.g., “File Explorer, Command Prompt”).

     - **Proposed Tests**: Specific steps (e.g., “Ping 192.168.1.253”, “Access \\NAS01”).

     - **Expected Outcome**: What should happen (e.g., “Ping successful, NAS accessible”).

     - **Actual Outcome**: Placeholder (e.g., “To be recorded”).

     - **Changes Made**: Fix applied (e.g., “Updated firewall to allow SMB”).

     - **Investigation Record**: Summary of findings (e.g., “Firewall blocked SMB; rule updated”).

     - **User Acceptance**: Confirmation (e.g., “Amirah confirms NAS access; signature/date”).

   - **What to Say** (Example Table for Firewall Issue 1):

| **Field**                  | **Details**                                                                 |

|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| **User Details**           | Amirah, Marketing Advisor, Desktop User                                      |

| **Test Date**              | May 10, 2025                                                                |

| **Computer Specification** | Windows 10, IP: 192.168.1.50, SMB protocol enabled                          |

| **Software**               | File Explorer, Command Prompt                                               |

| **Proposed Test**          | 1. Ping 192.168.1.253 (NAS01).<br>2. Access \\NAS01 with LMSAdmin account.<br>3. Check firewall rule for SMB (ports 139/445). |

| **Expected Outcome**       | 1. Ping responds.<br>2. NAS access granted.<br>3. Rule allows SMB traffic.  |

| **Actual Outcome**         | To be recorded (e.g., “Rule updated, access successful”).                   |

| **Changes Made**           | Updated firewall to allow SMB from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253. |

| **Investigation Record**   | Firewall denied SMB traffic; rule updated; NAS permissions verified.         |

| **User Acceptance**        | Amirah confirms NAS access works (signature/date).                          |

   - Repeat for all 9 issues, tailoring tests to each (e.g., for email: “Telnet mail.example.com 25”, for router: “Verify new admin credentials”).

3. **Notes** (Optional, 1–2 sentences)

   - What to Say: “This test plan is designed to be repeatable by IT staff to troubleshoot similar issues, ensuring consistent network performance.”

   - Purpose: Show the plan’s reusability.

**Tips for A* Test Plan**:

- Be detailed: Include multiple tests per issue (e.g., ping, access, verify rule).

- Be practical: Ensure tests are clear and executable (e.g., “Open Command Prompt, type `ping 192.168.1.253`”).

- Cover all issues: Dedicate at least one table row or section to each of the 9 issues.

- Include user acceptance: Emphasize user confirmation for each fix.

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#### 3. Presentation Guidelines (Page 4)

To ensure a professional submission:

- **Font and Format**: Arial 12pt, black font, saved as PDF.

- **File Name**: Surname_Initial_student number_Task1.pdf (e.g., Smith_J_123456789_Task1.pdf).

- **Labels**: Include task number, student details, and date on the cover page and headers.

- **Page Numbers**: Format as “Page X of Y” (e.g., Page 1 of 10).

- **Cover Sheet**: Complete and sign the External Assessment Cover Sheet (EACS) – Declaration of Authenticity, place it at the front.

- **Submission**: Submit to the supervisor at the end of the session (Page 7).

#### 4. Time Management (2 Hours 30 Minutes)

- **Investigation** (1 hour): Review control documents, identify causes, and plan fixes.

- **Report Writing** (45 minutes): Draft and format the fault-finding report.

- **Test Plan Creation** (45 minutes): Create and format the test plan tables.

- **Tip**: Start with a quick outline (10 minutes) to organize your thoughts, then allocate time evenly.

#### 5. What to Say for Each Issue

Below is a concise guide for what to say in the report and test plan for each issue, ensuring you cover all 9 issues comprehensively.

**User-Reported Issues**:

1. **NAS Access (User A)**:

   - Report: “User A cannot access \\NAS01 due to a firewall rule denying SMB traffic (ports 139/445) from 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200 to 192.168.1.253. This blocks file sharing. Recommend allowing SMB traffic.”

   - Test Plan: Test ping, NAS access, and firewall rule; expect successful access; record rule update.

2. **Printer Disappearance (User B)**:

   - Report: “The network printer disappears due to a dynamic IP in the DHCP scope (192.168.1.1–192.168.1.200), causing conflicts. Recommend assigning a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.201).”

   - Test Plan: Test printer IP stability, connectivity, and driver functionality; expect consistent availability.

3. **Email Connectivity (User C)**:

   - Report: “Office users cannot send/receive emails due to potential firewall blocking of external mail server traffic or missing IMAPS (993)/SMTPS (587) rules. Recommend verifying server address and adding secure protocol rules.”

   - Test Plan: Test telnet to mail server, DNS resolution, and email client; expect successful email flow.

**Additional Issues**:

4. **Weak Router Security**:

   - Report: “The SOHO router uses default credentials (admin/admin), risking unauthorized access. Recommend changing to strong credentials (e.g., NexaTechAdmin/S3cur3R0ut3r!2025).”

   - Test Plan: Test login with new credentials; expect secure access only.

5. **Insecure Wireless Network**:

   - Report: “The wireless network (SSID: LMS_Wireless_Network) uses weak WPA passphrase (LMSWireless1). Recommend WPA2/WPA3 and a strong passphrase (e.g., N3xaT3ch$3cur3W1F12025).”

   - Test Plan: Test wireless connection with new settings; expect secure access.

6. **Shared NAS Account**:

   - Report: “The NAS uses a shared admin account (LMSAdmin/Pa\$\$w0rd), posing security risks. Recommend individual user accounts with role-based access.”

   - Test Plan: Test access with new user accounts; expect controlled access.

7. **Local Admin Privileges**:

   - Report: “All users have local admin rights, enabling unauthorized software. Recommend standard user accounts and Group Policy restrictions.”

   - Test Plan: Test user account permissions; expect restricted software installation.

8. **VPN Security**:

   - Report: “The VPN lacks MFA and strong encryption, risking credential theft. Recommend enabling MFA and OpenVPN/IPsec protocols.”

   - Test Plan: Test VPN login with MFA; expect secure remote access.

9. **No Monitoring/Logging**:

   - Report: “No firewall/router logging hinders threat detection. Recommend enabling logging and using monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios).”

   - Test Plan: Test log generation and monitoring alerts; expect activity tracking.

#### 6. Firewall-Specific Content

The firewall issues are critical, so ensure they are prominent in both sections:

- **Report**:

  - “**Firewall Issue 1**: The firewall denies SMB traffic to the NAS (192.168.1.253), causing User A’s access failure. Recommend allowing SMB on ports 139/445.”

  - “**Firewall Issue 2**: Email failures in the office may stem from missing IMAPS (993)/SMTPS (587) rules or DNS issues. Recommend adding secure protocol rules and verifying DNS.”

  - “**Firewall Issue 3**: The default ‘Allow All’ policy increases vulnerability. Recommend a ‘Deny All’ default with specific allow rules.”

  - “**Firewall Issue 4**: No logging prevents threat detection. Recommend enabling firewall logging and monitoring.”

- **Test Plan**:

  - Include specific tests (e.g., “Check SMB rule in firewall settings”, “Telnet mail.example.com 587”, “Verify default policy is Deny All”, “Review firewall logs for traffic”).

  - Ensure user acceptance for User A and User C fixes.

#### 7. Submission Checklist

- **Single PDF**:

  - Cover Sheet (signed EACS).

  - Fault-Finding Investigation Report (1–2 pages, covering all 9 issues).

  - Test Plan (3–5 pages, tables for all 9 issues).

- **File Name**: Surname_Initial_student number_Task1.pdf.

- **Formatting**: Arial 12pt, page numbers, clear labels.

- **Submission**: Hand to supervisor at session end (Page 7).

#### 8. Tips for Near-Full Marks

- **Maximize Report Marks (6/6)**:

  - Address all 9 issues with clear causes and fixes.

  - Use control document references (e.g., “Control Document B, User A”).

  - Highlight security risks (e.g., insider threat, Page 5).

- **Maximize Test Plan Marks (16/16)**:

  - Include all 10 required elements per issue (user details, test dates, etc.).

  - Ensure tests are specific and repeatable (e.g., “Type `nslookup mail.example.com` in Command Prompt”).

  - Cover all 9 issues with tailored tests.

- **Professionalism**: Follow presentation guidelines exactly to avoid mark deductions.

- **Time Management**: Stick to the 2.5-hour limit; prioritize content over perfectionism.

- **Originality**: Write in your own words to avoid plagiarism (Page 3).

#### 9. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

- Missing an issue (e.g., forgetting VPN security).

- Vague tests (e.g., “Check email” instead of “Telnet mail.example.com 25”).

- Incorrect formatting (e.g., wrong font, missing page numbers).

- Exceeding time limit, leaving sections incomplete.

- Copying text directly from documents or external sources.

#### 10. Sample Timeline (2 Hours 30 Minutes)

- **0:00–0:10**: Outline report and test plan structure.

- **0:10–1:10**: Investigate issues, note causes and fixes.

- **1:10–1:55**: Write and format report.

- **1:55–2:40**: Create and format test plan tables.

- **2:40–2:30**: Review, save as PDF, add cover sheet, submit.

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### Final Notes for A* Success

By addressing all nine issues (with special attention to the four firewall issues), providing clear, actionable solutions, and creating a detailed, reusable test plan, you’ll demonstrate the technical expertise and professionalism needed for an A* grade. Your submission should be a polished, well-organized document that showcases your ability to analyze and resolve complex network issues while adhering to all guidelines.

If you need a specific section drafted (e.g., the full report or a test plan table for a particular issue), let me know, and I can provide a tailored example! Good luck, and you’re on track for an outstanding submission!