Topic 5 - section 4

Topic 5 - section 4

1. Threats to ICT systems

   • Threats to ICT systems include:
     • Fire
     • Theft
     • Deliberate
     • Damage
     • Power loss
   • Any user of ICT systems needs to be aware and know threats
   • Where do they come from?
     • Virus
     • Trojans
     • worms
     • Spyware
     • Adware
     • Hacking
     • Spam
     • Abuse by staff
     • Theft
     • Natural disasters
     • Faulty hardware

2. Threats from hardware/software

   • Hardware
     • It is fairly reliable but can and does break and you have to be prepared
     • The main problem would be the hard drive being damaged rendering the data unusable
     • Theft
       • Common especially of laptops
         • They are small and easy to conceal
         • Often used in public places
         • Very desirable and easily sold
   • Software
     • Especially bespoke software and sometimes packages can contain bugs which can cause damage and loss data

3. Threats from fire, precautions can include...

   • No smoking
   • No overloading the power outlet
   • wires should be safety checked often
   • Bins should emptied regularly

4. Hacking

   • Involves breaking into a secure computer system.
   • once they have hacked into the system they may...
     • Do nothing, be happy they hacked in
     • Gain access to sensitive or personal data
     • Use personal data to commit blackmail
     • Damage data
     • Deliberately alter data to commit fraud

5. DOS attacks

   • The latest virus scanning and removal software should be installed on all computers to stop the spread of viruses
   • A denial of service attack is an attack on a secure system of an organisation so that the organisation is deprived of their resources
   • The websites get overwhelmed with request that the website loses connectivity

6. Problems with power

   • Human error
   • Power surge
   • Cable damage
   • substation overload

7. Internal and external threats