Plagiarism Policy

At Network Security Journal, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical conduct. Plagiarism undermines the credibility of research and the trustworthiness of scholarly communication. This Plagiarism Policy outlines our approach to identifying, managing, and addressing plagiarism to ensure the integrity of our published content.

Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or words without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as one's own. This includes:

  • Direct Plagiarism: Copying text verbatim from another source without quotation marks or proper citation.
  • Self-Plagiarism: Reusing one's own previously published work without proper citation or disclosure.
  • Mosaic Plagiarism: Incorporating phrases, sentences, or ideas from other sources into one's own work without proper citation, even if the text is slightly modified.
  • Accidental Plagiarism: Unintentional failure to credit sources correctly, often due to lack of knowledge or oversight.

Submission Guidelines
1. Originality and Citation

  • Original Work: Authors must ensure that their submissions are original and not under consideration elsewhere. All sources of information and ideas must be properly cited.
  • Citation Practices: Use appropriate and consistent citation styles as required by Network Security Journal (APA style). Ensure all sources referenced in the text are included in the reference list.

2. Declaration of Originality

  • Cover Letter: Authors are required to include a declaration of originality in their cover letter, affirming that their manuscript is original and has not been published or submitted elsewhere.

Detection of Plagiarism
1. Plagiarism Screening

  • Pre-Submission Screening: Manuscripts may be screened for plagiarism using automated detection tools. This helps identify potential issues before the review process begins.
  • Post-Submission Checks: Submissions are subject to further plagiarism checks during the peer review process. Any detected similarities with existing works are investigated thoroughly.

2. Handling Plagiarism Allegations

  • Investigation: If plagiarism is suspected, a detailed investigation is conducted. The process includes reviewing the manuscript, comparing it with identified sources, and consulting with the author.
  • Author Response: Authors will be given an opportunity to respond to any allegations of plagiarism. They must address the concerns raised and provide clarification or corrections if needed.

Consequences of Plagiarism
1. Initial Actions

  • Minor Issues: For minor cases of plagiarism, authors may be asked to correct the manuscript by properly citing sources or revising text. The manuscript may be resubmitted for further review.
  • Serious Issues: In cases of serious or deliberate plagiarism, the manuscript may be rejected or withdrawn from consideration. Authors may also face sanctions, including being barred from submitting future manuscripts.

2. Post-Publication Actions

  • Retraction: If plagiarism is discovered after publication, the affected article may be retracted. A retraction notice will be issued, explaining the reasons for the retraction.
  • Correction: If minor issues are identified, a correction or erratum may be published to address and rectify the problem.

Author Responsibilities
1. Adherence to Guidelines

  • Ethical Standards: Authors must adhere to ethical standards and avoid any form of plagiarism in their submissions. Familiarize yourself with the journal’s guidelines and citation practices.
  • Disclosure: Disclose any potential overlap with previous publications and ensure that all sources are correctly cited.

2. Response to Concerns

  • Timely Response: Respond promptly and thoroughly to any inquiries or concerns regarding plagiarism. Provide necessary explanations and corrections as requested.

Reviewer and Editor Responsibilities
1. Vigilance

  • Identification: Reviewers and editors should be vigilant in identifying potential plagiarism and report any concerns to the editorial office.
  • Fair Evaluation: Provide fair and objective assessments of manuscripts, considering the originality and integrity of the work.

2. Confidentiality

  • Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding any allegations or investigations related to plagiarism. Ensure that sensitive information is handled with care.