BTEC

2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

Lesson 12 Possible Threats to Data

(Student Book C Pg 1 - 4)

Starter What is malware?

Malware is a term used to describe a type of software that has been created with ill intent.
Malicious Threats

Opportunist

Virus
O

Threats to data

Trojan

Phishing

1. Explain what each of the following threats are:

a. Opportunist
Someone who always takes advantage of an opportunity
b. Viruses
A computer virus is a piece of program code that, like a biological virus, makes copies of itself by
attaching itself to another program.
c. Phishing
Phishing is a form of internet fraud where criminals aim to steal valuable information such as credit
cards, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords for bank accounts.
2. What is considered accidental damage?
Accidental damage is damage that occurs suddenly as a result of an unexpected and non-deliberate
external action.

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. Losing important data if you have not made backups of documents for online storage or physical
backups you will ultimately lose all your work and will have to start from scratch.
B. Identity theft you could lose all of your bank details, your account could be cleared out and it could
take a while for you to get compensation.
C. Malware can send emails which werent written by you. If youre a part of this company you could get
in trouble and possibly lose your job.
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

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?
Online backup
Full backup
FTP backup

A.Silver

BTEC 2012
Unit 1 The Online World

Name: .

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 fraudulent practice, when somebody (usually a hacker) uses another
persons name and private information, to obtain their credit, loans, etc.
7. How can you help prevent identify theft?
Do not give out personal info
Shred receipts, credit card offers, bank statements, returned checks and any other sensitive
information.

Plenary What is the Data Protection Act?

The DPA gives people the right to be informed of what information is held about them, and also framework
to tell them about how their personal information is being handled.

A.Silver