Cyber

Security
and
Information
misuse
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should
be able to:
1. Outline the concepts of cyber security
and computer misuse.
What is cyber security?

► Cybersecurity refers to a set of

techniques used to protect the integrity
of networks, programs and data from
attack, damage or unauthorized access.
Elements of cybersecurity

► These are other concepts that come up whenever cyber security is

mentioned. Elements include:
► Vulnerability
► Threat
► Attack
► Countermeasure
vulnerability

► This a cyber-security term

that refers to a flaw in a
system that can leave it
open to attack.
► This may also refer to any
type of weakness in a
computer system, or in
anything that leaves
information security open to
threat.
 ► In computer security, a threat is a possible danger
Threat that might exploit a vulnerability to breach security
and therefore cause harm.
 ► In computer security, an attack is any attempt to
expose, alter, disable, destroy, steal or gain
unauthorized access to or make unauthorized use
of an asset.
► Some examples of common cyber security attacks
Attack include:
► Phishing attacks
► SQL injection
► Denial of Service
► Malware
 ► A cyber countermeasure is defined as
an action, process, technology, device,
or system that serves to prevent or
Countermeasures mitigate the effects of a cyber attack
against a victim, computer, server,
network or associated device.
 Computer and information misuse

► Computer misuse is the

unauthorized act with intent to
impair operations of the
computer.
► Information misuse refers to the
use of information for any other
purpose than was initially
intended.
Ways in which information can be misused

► Information may be misused in the following ways:

► By collecting information about people without their permission.
► By vengeful employees or employers who want to spread propaganda on
unsuspecting persons
► By willfully storing incorrect information on an innocent person that may be
available to the public
► When unauthorized persons are able to view and/or change information
► By using information for purposes other than those for which it was intended
Ways to reduce
information misuse

Ways to reduce information misuses:

► Enforcing Data protection laws
► Utilizing Security Systems
► Keeping information accurate and up to
date
► Having severe penalties for when
employers and employees distribute
private information.
Data Protection laws

Data protection laws generally state that

personal data must:
► Be obtained & processed fully and
lawfully.
► Be held for specified purposes.
► Not be used for any reason besides its
original purpose.
► Be relevant and adequate.
► Be accurate and up to date.