Date of Award

Fall 2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Computer and Information Technology

First Advisor

Melissa J. Dark

Committee Member 1

James E. Dietz

Committee Member 2

Brandeis H. Marshall

Committee Member 3

Samuel P. Liles

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to determine if there are greater benefits than costs associated in the participation of public K-12 school corporations in the Indiana Cybersecurity Services Center (INCSC). This thesis is an ex-antecost-benefit analysis policy assessment of the INCSC. The study consisted of a sample of 6 school corporations from which 5 were classified as small and 1 was large. Three methods were considered for data collection; however conducting interviews was the most effective method due to the interaction with IT personnel from each organization in order to analyze current costs related to 4 areas of interest: (a) networking hardware; (b) Antivirus software; (c) computer hardware; (d) IT personnel. These costs were compared to those potential costs if products and/or services would be procured through the INCSC.

School corporations, with the goal to enhance their level of information security, would only receive benefit from participating in the INCSC when procuring networking equipment and Antivirus software. The author also recommends exploring the costs and legal implications of data breaches as well as considering insurance products.

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