Data Protection

Data Protection

1. Firewalls

   • Firewalls can be software or hardware based. Firewalls work by using a set of rules that filter and reject unwanted or suspicious network packets arriving from a remote network.
     • Software
       • A digital system such as a desktop computer can also host its own firewall system, blocking network data traveling in and out. Additional options may stop certain applications from sending and/or receiving certain packets of network data. They do this by creating a set of rules that determine which packets of network data are sent and received, which is called an access control list (ACL).
     • Hardware
       • Hardware firewalls usually exist by sitting between an external network and an internal connection-for example, the internet and a local area network (LAN), such as that used by an organisation. Firewalls form the first line of defence in protecting digital systems from external threats such as cyberattacks and viruses.
   • Benefits
     • They can stop attacker from gaining unauthorised access to device
     • Software firewalls are easy to install. There is usually a 'wizard' available to guide you through the setup.
     • You can customise the firewall settings to meet the needs of your organisation. For example, you could block all websites that are classed as untrustworthy.
   • Drawbacks
     • Firewalls can block legitimate things like access to some websites that are completely safe and trustworthy.
     • Highly effective firewalls can be very expensive. Many have a yearly subscription which can increase year on year.
     • As a firewall has to read all data going into and out of a network it may use up a lot of computer memory. This can make the performance. of a computer or network a lot slower.

2. Anti-virus protection

   • Anti-virus monirors a digital system, attempting to identify and remove malicious software though the unique digital signature in the virus before it can cause damage.
   • Most viruses infect a digital system when the unsuspecting user opens infected email attachments. Complex worm viruses can even replicate themselves from device to device via the network.