BTEC 2012

Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Lesson 12 Possible Threats to Data

(Student Book C Pg 1 - 4)

Starter What is malware?

A hostile, intrusive or annoying piece of software or program code.

Malicious Threats

Opportunist

Virus

Threats to data

Trojan

Phishing

1. Explain what each of the following threats are:

a. Opportunist
People, who find an unattended computer which has been left logged into a system may
view, steal or damage information, programs or even hardware.
b. Viruses
Small programs which can replicate themselves and spread from a computer to computer. They
make changes to the system. They arrive to your computer by attaching themselves to files or
email messages.
b. Phishing
This is a type of threat which attempts to gain access to passwords, financial details and
other such privileged information.

2. What is considered accidental damage?

This may be caused by a natural disaster (e.g. flooding), 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.
Identity theft
b.
Firewall
c.
Backup and recovery
d.
Encryption

4. It is important to protect computer systems and their data. Match the following
preventative actions to the correct description.
Physical Barrier
1.
Passwords
2.
Access Levels
3.

Anti-virus Software
4.

Firewall
5.

Encryption 6.

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. 4.
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. 3.
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. 6.
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). 5.
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. 1.
Sequences of characters, known only to the computer user, which
allow access to a computer, network or application. 2.

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
2

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

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 system backup of all data held for a specific purpose.

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?
When someone steals personal data in order to use them to open bank accounts and get
credit cards, loans or passport or a driving license in your name.

7. How can you help prevent identify theft?

Technology can be used to monitor indiviadlas.

Plenary What is the Data Protection Act?

A.Silver