Chapter 9: Security of data.

Chapter 9: Security of data.

1. The data protection act.

   • The Data Protection Act was set up in 1998 to provide rules that people or organisations which store data about living people must follow. The main purpose of the act is to protect the privacy of the individual, so that private information cannot be given or sold to businesses without the consent of that individual.

2. Loyalty cards.

   • Some supermarkets have customers data for loyalty cards. This is so they can provide offers and make sure there customers remain loyal. They will also be able to build up patterns, so they can advertise accurately.

3. Storing data securely.

   • Passwords: Passwords can be used to access computers to authenticate the user and allow them onto the system. There are guidelines as to what constitutes a good password.
     • Firewalls: A firewall is a software function that allows or denies access to people who are attempting to access a system. This can prevent access to viruses etc.
       • Screen savers: These days they are used more for entertainment than security. They were originally designed to stop damage to computer monitors. On there own they do not protect data, but they can do if they require a password to regain access to the computer.
         • Encryption: Encryption means putting data into a secret code.This will protect against theft. You can buy a specialist software that will encrypt the data.
           • Virus protection: This will prevent a computer virus copying itself onto computer files and damaging them. It will protect all of the data in those files.