BTEC

2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Lesson 12 Possible Threats to Data

(Student Book C Pg 1 - 4)

Starter What is malware?

Examples of malware include: computer worms (essentially a computer virus which does not need
to attach itself to a file le or message); Trojan horses, which appear as some benign program
allowing a hacker full access to a system; spyware; adware; and various other nasties. Malware is
never beneficial.

Malicious Threats

Opportunist

Virus

Threats to data

Trojan

Phishing

1. Explain what each of the following threats are:

Opportunist
People who find an unattended computer which has been left logged in to a system may view, steal or
damage information, programs or even hardware.
b. Viruses
These are small programs which can replicate themselves and spread from computer to computer. They are
never beneficial; usually they will make some changes to the system they infect and, even if they do no real
damage, they are undesirable. They arrive by attaching themselves to files or email messages.
.
Phishing
This is a type of threat which attempts to gain access to passwords, financial details and other such privileged
information. Often this is done by email messages pretending to come from trusted websites, instant
messaging or social networks. Normally they try to divert you to a website which looks original and which
asks for information about you.

2. What is considered accidental damage?

This may be caused by a natural disaster (e.g. " ooding), mischief or accidental mishap, and can result in
losing all of a computers data.

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Computer security is an important aspect of online communication however all computer systems are
under continuous threat of attack and the threats are ever changing. It is impossible to provide 100%
protection to a computer system.
3. What are the possible consequences of an attack?
a.
Lost of data
b.
Stolen Identify
c.
Lost of money
d.
Passwords compromised
4. It is important to protect computer systems and their data. Match the following preventative actions to
the correct description.
Physical Barrier
Passwords

Access Levels

Anti-virus Software

Firewall

Encryption

This is set up to intercept computer viruses before they can

become resident on the computer. The software can isolate
the virus, remove it and sometimes repair any damage.
These can be set up to allow individuals to have access to
only specific levels of an application and to prevent
unauthorized users from accessing particular data.
This is used to codify data so that it cannot be read by
anyone who does not have the key to the code. An
algorithm, sometimes known as a cipher, is applied to the
data at the transmission end and the reverse is applied at
the reception end.
This is a piece of software that monitors all data arriving at
your computer from the internet and all data leaving your
computer. It stops anything that it thinks is harmful or
unwanted (such as viruses, spam, Trojan horses and
hackers).
These include turning off computers and locking offices
when the systems are unattended to prevent damage by
people, the environment (e.g. fire, flooding, electrical
interference) or theft.
Sequences of characters, known only to the computer user
allow access to a computer, network or application

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Backup and recovery. Making a backup of data is the only way of recovering from a total data
disaster. Many individuals and organizations back up data to Flash solid state storage devices
or magnetic tape at night. The tapes are stored safely in a separate place, so that they are not
destroyed by any disaster, which could destroy the master system (fire, earthquake, etc.).
5. What are the different types of backups available?
Full Backup
Incremental Backup
Differential Backup
Mirror Backup
Local Backup
The dangers of identity theft and of revealing too much personal information on
social networks and via instant messaging are often reported in the news.
These threats can affect both your security and your reputation. Think about who has access
to the information you put online. Before you put photos on your social networking profile,
think about who might see them and whether you would mind. You might not want your
employer or teacher to see something that might be embarrassing or harmful to your
reputation.
Use security settings to protect your privacy and identity. Remember that not everyone is who
they claim to be. Criminals access social networking sites trying to find out information about
people. This may put you at risk of identity theft and password theft if you have revealed too
much information about yourself. Be careful not to reveal information that you might use in a
password, such as your pets name.
6. What is identity theft?
Identity theft is a form of stealing someone's identity in which someone pretends to be someone else by
assuming that person's identity
7. How can you help prevent identify theft?
Take care when shopping online
Don't accidentally on-sell or give away your identity details
Beware phishing scams
Protect your computer
Choose good passwords and PINs.

Plenary What is the Data Protection Act?

The Data Protection Act (DPA) is a law designed to protect personal data stored on computers or in an
organised paper filing system.

A.Silver