3/23/2021 IGCSE ICT - Online Forum Security

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Section 8.7:
Security in Moderated and Un-Moderated Forums
Forums are websites where users can discuss a variety of topics.
Key Concepts of this section:
Used properly, forums are an excellent way to learn and to exchange
ideas. However, they are open to abuse and are often used for # Understand what is meant by a forum
inappropriate purposes such as spamming or phishing. # Know the difference between moderated and un-
moderated forums.
In this section we discuss two types of forums - moderated and un- # Be able to describe security issues of using un-moderated
moderated. forums.

Online forums Key Words:

Moderated forum,
# Online forums are interactive websites where people can take part in discussions. Un-moderated forum.

# Forums allow users to post their own comments to the website.

Examples:
# There are two types of forums:

Moderated forums
Un-moderated forums.

What is a moderated forum?

# A moderated forum is one where all user comments are checked by an administrator
before they are posted onto the forum.

Sometimes forum administrators are known as 'moderators'.

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# Moderators will not allow inappropriate comments to be posted to the forum.

Examples of inappropriate material would include:

Racist content
Rude or offensive content
Swear words
Spam
Phishing attempts
Content that is nothing to do with the original topic.

Users who continually break the rules of a moderated forum would likely get banned
from using it.

Moderators make sure that forum rules are followed.

Forums allow people to discuss topics.

What is an un-moderated forum?
# Un-moderated forums are also used for online discussions but they do not have
administrators or moderators.

# Un-moderated forums allow people to post whatever content they want.

As a result, discussions can tend to include offensive and inappropriate content!

# Because there are no rules, un-moderated forums are often used for the following
inappropriate purposes:

Spamming other users with adverts for rubbish products

Trying to trick people into giving up their personal data (phishing).

Comparing the security of moderated and un-moderated forums:

# The table below compares the relative security of the two types of forums:

Moderated forum Un-moderated forum

A moderator is like a forum police officer. They ensure
that forum rules are followed.
No racist or offensive content. High chance of being exposed to
racist/offensive content.

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No swearing. Comments containing swear words are

common.

Less chance of being exposed to spam. Spam adverts are frequently posted.

Personal data is more secure as forum Greater risk of being exposed to phishing
moderators will not allow phishing attempts.
attempts to be posted.
(Personal data at more risk)

Un-moderated forums o en contain inapproprate

Activity! topics of conversa on.

Security in online forums - Research Sheet

Click the above task and answer the questions about security risks
of online forums.

Un-moderated forums are less secure than moderated

forums and there is more risk of being exposed to
spam and phishing a empts.

Previous - Spam Emails Next - Encryption

Please add your questions/comments below:

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Links to Theory Units:

Section 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Section 2: Input and Output Devices Section 3: Storage Devices and Media
Section 4: Networks and the Effects of using them Section 5: The Effects of using ICT Section 6: ICT Applications
Section 7: The Systems Life Cycle Section 8: Safety and Security Section 9: Audience
Section 10: Communication

Links to Practical Units:

Section 11: File Management Section 12: Images Section 13: layout
Section 14: Styles Section 15: Proofing Section 16: Graphs and Charts
Section 17: Document Production Section 18: Data Manipulation Section 19: Presentations
Section 20: Data Analysis Section 21: Website Authoring

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