P3 - Unit 28

Security Risks

Hacking

Hacking when someone finds a weakness in a computer system or network then exploits it this could involve stealing data or deleting it is mostly used to steal valuable data.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is stealing someone else’s identity and personal information this could involve creating false websites so you can steal people’s bank details, name and address and other valuable information such a credit card details, Identity theft over the Internet happens all the

Time because people put all there details on the website before checking it’s a safe and secure site.

Viruses

Viruses are made to corrupt or steal data from another computer; they are normally hidden in files downloaded from the Internet or in emails. Viruses are dangerous to the computer by performing actions like closing down anti-virus software and stopping the computer from performing basic actions until the virus is removed the computer will be unstable and unsecure

Security Protection Mechanisms

Firewalls

 A firewall is like a barrier if the firewall is on then it will stop anything it see’s as a threat it will also ask for your permission to do something giving you a clear warning it something maybe dangerous and affect your computer. It will not let network transmissions based on set rules. Hardware and software are the two types of firewalls. Firewalls for hardware can be used as a part of a router and firewalls for software are programs that are used on the computer, like Windows Firewall. Firewalls also help to stop the spread of viruses on the computer.

Passwords

Passwords are a good way to keep your data or information safe, it is important to have a good strong password so people won’t be able to guess it easily. It is good to have a combination of numbers and letters in your password to make it stronger it is also not a good a idea to write your passwords down on your computer as someone could gain access to them also you should check your computer for key loggers which record every key you type.

SSL

SSL stands for secure socket layer, this will provide communications security over the Internet, and SSL encodes the data of network connections above the transport layer and the lower sub-layer of its application layer using a message confirmation code for safety. Websites that use SSL will have a certificate to show that their websites are safe to use. This will make more people want to use the website because they know it’s safe to use.