Unit 4 IT Security

Security issues that threaten systems Viruses-A virus is a simple program designed to cause harm to someone else's computer. A virus spreads by duplicating and attaching itself to other files. The extent of the damage depends on the virus Spyware-Spyware is software that is installed on a computing device without the end user's knowledge. Such software is controversial because even though it is sometimes installed for relatively innocuous reasons, it can violate the end user's privacy and has the potential to be abused. Spam-Spam means sending massive amounts of electronic junk mail that people haven't asked for. In legal terms it means to send 'unsolicited commercial email' This term is used because the vast majority of spam is sent in order to try and persuade you to buy something.

Security precautions to protect systems Viruses- install anti virus software, keep the anti virus software up to date so u don’t get any viruses, run regularly scheduled scans with anti virus software, keep your operating system current, secure your network so you don’t get viruses, think before you click, keep your personal information to yourself or keep it safe, don’t use open wi-fi and use multiple strong passwords Spyware-The key in all cases is whether or not you (or someone who uses your computer) understand what the software will do and have agreed to install the software on your computer. There are a number of ways spyware or other unwanted software can get on your computer Spam-Try to avoid opening spam emails and clicking on links in spam messages. ◾Don’t buy anything from a spammer. Not only do you risk comprising your security and infecting your computer with malware - viruses and so on - you also reward and encourage the spammers. ◾Don’t be tempted to reply. The mailbox is probably unread. ◾Don’t threaten the spammer. Some mails will be seen and spammers have rights too. Threatening messages could expose you to legal action. ◾Avoid ‘unsubscribe’ options. Cynically, spammers often include an ‘unsubscribe’ link. Far from removing the menace, clicking it will confirm that your address is active and probably attract even more spam. ◾Use a disposable email address. You could use this account especially for buying online or writing to newsgroups. If you find that you are getting a lot of spam at this address, you can simply delete it and set up another

How to protect yourself Firewalls-firewalls these can be either hardware , software or both. A firewall can be told to block certain traffic (such as all emails and suspect IP address) or only to allow certain traffic(such as from a single, trusted device), blocking everything else Passwords-to protect yourself the password must be impossible to guess. When it comes to passwords, it’s obvious that the human brain functions entirely different than a computer. A password like a3Jfi9nC looks complicated and therefore you might think it were secure. Infact, this password could be cracked within a mere 2 hours on average laptop hardware. Securing hardware-you can get a Norton app on your computer to stop it from getting viruses and spams

Backing up data Why back up data? You would backup data by using a hard drive or installing a system and then you would select all of your apps you have downloaded and store them in your hard drive so if anything gets deleted on your computer you will have back up in your hard drive How to securely back up data someone can keep all the data safe using a fire safe so you don’t lose the information all at once. You can also back up your data to the cloud, this is a strategy for backing up data that involves removing data offsite to a managed service provider for protection.

Being Safe online How can we be safe online? We can be safe online by making sure what you are doing, we can also be safe on apps we use like social media such as making sure there are no spams and viruses however passwords and usernames are important because you have to use strong passwords but not your names and birthdates. To be safe you will need to install a anti virus app to make sure you keep all your apps safe from getting a virus. If you lose information in school you can get it back by asking the technicians because they save the information onto their computer so if you lose it they can get it back for you