Internet Security - BTEC IT Unit 21

Charlotte Gallichan Unit 21

Assignment 1

Internet security

Security Risks

Viruses – A virus is a computer program that copies itself and infects the computer without out the user knowing or giving permission. The name virus is used, but wrongly, to refer to malware, adware and spyware which are programs which do not have the reproductive capability.

Hackers – Hackers are people who break into computers, usually by attaining access to administrative controls. Hackers can do various annoying things from deleting, stealing and modifying files to placing various malicious programs and changing settings.

Spyware - Spyware are programs that use your computer to access the internet to send information from your computer to another computer without your knowledge or permission. The majority of this information is a record of your browsing habits, downloads and sometimes even your name and address.

Techniques

Anti Virus software – Antivirus software is used to prevent, protect, detect and remove all types of programs and files which are malicious to the computer.

Firewall – A firewall is designed to block unauthorised access whilst permitting authorised communications and connections. It is a device/devices which is set to configure to permit, deny, encrypt, decrypt or proxy all incoming and out coming computer traffic between security domains depending in the set criteria and rules.

SSL – An SSL (Secure Sockets layer) is a cryptic protocol that provides security for communications for over networks.

Logon/ password – A ...

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Techniques

Anti Virus software – Antivirus software is used to prevent, protect, detect and remove all types of programs and files which are malicious to the computer.

SSL – An SSL (Secure Sockets layer) is a cryptic protocol that provides security for communications for over networks.

Logon/ password – A logon password system is way to secure your computer system by using it when you start up your computer. However on the internet browser sites you need to make sure that you are putting your details into the right site otherwise your username and password may be stolen.

Security Assessor

IDS – IDS or Intrusion detection system is both a software and hardware which is designed to detect unwanted attempts at accessing, manipulating and or disabling the computer system through the internet or other similar networks. Attempts may take the form of malware or employees trying to hack the system however an IDS cannot detect an attack in a properly encrypted line of traffic.

Legal Constraints

Data protection act – An act which declares the protection of personal data. The key principles of the act include:

Data may only be used for what the specified purpose is
Personal data must not be kept for any longer than is necessary
Personal data must be kept up to date
Data must not be given to other people without the consent of the individual it is about, unless there is a legislation valid reason for some other valid reason
Any factually incorrect information on the subjects should be corrected

Computer Misuse Act – This is an act that specifies that you may not

Have unauthorised access to computer material
Have unauthorised access with the intent of committing or making it easy to commit other crimes.
Have unauthorised access to modification of computer material.

Copy the work
Rent, lend or sell copies of the work to the public
Perform, broadcast or show copies of the work to the public
Adapt the work and pass it off as your own

However acts that are allowed

Using the material for private research and study
Performance, copies or lending the material for educational purposes
Criticism and news reporting of the material
Copies of the material that is lent by the librarian
Recording broadcasts to be viewed at a more convenient time
Producing a backup copy of the material for personal use of the computer program

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