Other Security Issues

GNVQ ICT - Intermediate

Unit 10 - Networks and Communications

Hyperlinks on the level above: [Home Page for Unit 10] [ Stand-alone computers ] [ LANs ] [ WANs ] [ Standard ways of working ] [ Electronic communications ] [ Advantages and Disadvantages ] [ Using a network ]

Hyperlinks:

On this level:

Network Hardware
Network Software
Network Security
Other Security Issues
Network Manager

On the level below:

Physical security

On the most basic level this simply means making sure that computer hardware and software cannot be stolen. Basic security can be as simple as:

	having a small padlock on each workstation to prevent unauthorised tampering with the components inside the main system unit

	securing the cables for the keyboard, mouse, network and monitor through a locked loop

	securing laptop computers to a desk leg using a metal cable

	using metal chain to loop computers together

	locking the doors of computer rooms, network offices etc

	locking workstation floppy disk drives to prevent users putting their own disks inside

Keep information secure - anti-virus protection

This may involve installing anti-virus software (to help protect the user from possible damage from computer viruses), Other anti-virus measures to reduce the risk of damage to computer data may include reducing or avoiding the use of floppy disks in more than one computer and taking care when downloading and viewing attachments to e-mails – particularly if the user does not know the sender.

Virus warning (Joke)

Be careful- these are following in the wake of the 'I Love You' virus and are potentially damaging:

The Manchester United virus:
Your PC develops a disorder whereby the memory forgets everything before 1993.

The Man United shirt virus:
This one is especially hard to detect as it changes its format every 3 months.

The Roy Keane virus:
Throws you out of Windows.

The Alex Ferguson virus:
Your computer develops a continuous whining noise and won't stop even if you switch it off.

These are less virulent, but still wise to keep an eye on them:

The David Seaman virus:
Your PC will act as though it will save something, but let you down at the last minute.

The David Ginola virus:
Computer pretends to go down, but then boots back up and is OK.

The Glenn Hoddle virus:
Disables your PC, blames it all on its previous life as a calculator.

The Manchester City virus:
Makes you think it will go down but presses escape at the last minute.

Firewalls

A firewall is a way to protect a computer that is linked to the Internet. It is possible for anyone who is using the Internet to connect directly to any other computer that is logged on to the Internet if the IP address is known. A firewall is a software program that blocks all access from outside - except where the user or network manager has set special permissions for access through certain

Save files to a secure area - not to the workstation hard disk

Another important security factor is saving work in an organised manner (by creating a series of folders where completed work files can be stored for easy later retrieval). By storing work in this way the user can easily access their work - but others cannot get access to the files stored in their secure user area.

Logging on and off a network

Users may be required to logon to a computer system or network with a username and password – this is a useful security measure to protect the files stored in the user’s folders – but relies on the user keeping their own password confidential. When work has been completed its storage in secure conditions is also important to avoid possible loss or theft.

Please email your comments to mail@ictgnvq.org.uk Created by K C Parry - Please email your comments to kcparry@ictgnvq.org.uk