Transmitting confidential information over the Internet is always a challenge. In the old days, people sent confidential information by hardcopy, and it was easy to control. This method is still being used. But it has loopholes. People can simply scan a hardcopy, and convert it into an electronic format, like a PDF file, and send it over the Internet. If the document is printed with the name of the recipient, it is possible to identify the source of the transmission, and take disciplinary action afterwards.

It is not convenient to transmit hardcopy documents from one place to another. The process is cumbersome in terms of time and cost. It is always safe to transmit hardcopy documents by deploying office assistants but this process is not efficient as it takes time, especially when the transmission is made to another country.

Two professional bodies use different ways to disseminate draft examination papers between their examination question author, reviewer and administrators. One accounting body uses the traditional method of transmission. It uses an encrypted USB drive to store the examination paper. Password is required to access the files stored in the USB drive. The password is sent to the recipients by email while the USB drive is sent to the respective recipients physically. A password is normally used for a few rounds of examination.

Another professional body uses email to transmit the examination papers and the papers are encrypted. A password is required to open the file and the password is sent to the recipients by message through mobile phone. The password is changed for each round of examination.

REQUIRED

a. Which method of transmission do you prefer?

b. Comment on the strength and weakness of the method used by the first professional body.

c. Comment on the strength and weakness of the method used by the second professional body.