1. Unit 4 IT Security
Kerris Davies

2. Security issues that threaten systems
Viruses
A virus is designed to spread from one document to another document and also has the ability to copy itself onto other documents. A virus does not have the capability to copy itself without a host cell.
Spyware
Spyware contains sensitive data. An example of this is card numbers, passwords ect.
Spam
Spam is receiving a large amount of irrelevant s. An example of this is a company promoting a product.

3. Security precautions to protect systems
By doing software updates this will prevent new viruses being made. Scanning files will check for any unauthorised changes in files which could become a threat to any unprotected files on your computer system.
By having a anti virus spyware monitor on your computer for threats that could corrupt your computer system

4. How to protect yourself
Firewalls
A fire wall is a program or hardware that helps you to identify viruses, worms and hackers that will try and take over your computer system/ software by doing this over the Internet. A fire wall will protect your laptop from any viruses from taking over your laptop, causing your laptop/computer to become corrupted. Sometimes, firewalls are installed already onto your computer system
Password
You need to ensure that you have a strong password in order to make sure that your account is protected in order to make sure that it limits the chances of your account to get hacked. It is a good idea to make sure that you have different passwords for different websites because if one of your accounts does get hacked, then the hacker will not be able to access any of your other accounts because the password is different.
Securing hardware
These are some ways on how to securing hardware, install a firewall onto your computer system. You can also install an antivirus software and install and anti – spyware software in order to protect your computer. By using different passwords this will protect your accounts from hackers. You can also check your security settings on your web browser in order to keep your accounts protected.

5. Backing up data
You should back up your data as this will make sure if you lose any data, you will be able to access the information again. You should have duplicates of your work, just in case you lose a copy. Data backups is a good storage device for security by making regular backup files it should be stored in fireproof safes. To prevent spam you should make your accounts private and personal to prevent from websites sending a lot of spam. You can prevent spam by not giving your out to unknown websites that could be a potential threat. Or you can create an address that is not for your personal use, when using unknown or untrustworthy websites that could cause viruses on your computer system.

6. Being Safe online
We can be safe online by making sure that your passwords are very strong and different for each website in order to prevent hackers from accessing your accounts. Also by installing a anti virus software on your laptop, this will prevent any viruses from corrupting your laptop.