Threats to Data

Threats to Data

1. Types of Threats

   • Opportunity Threats
     • Threats from people who see an opportunity
   • Computer Viruses
     • Programs that try to spread across a computer
   • Other Malware
     • Software that is aiming to steal data
   • Phishing
     • Fake email or website
   • Accidental Damage
     • Damage from untrained uses
   • Hackers
     • People who purposefully try to gain access

2. Protection of Data

   • Physical Barriers
     • Real world protection such as locks and CCTV
   • Passwords
     • strong and weak passwords
   • Access levels
     • Making people only have access to certain parts of a file
   • Anti-virus software
     • Software that deletes viruses
   • Firewall
     • Software that monitors data coming in and out
   • Encryption
     • Turning data into a secret code
   • Backup and recovery
     • Making a copy of data in different places
   • Recovery
     • Replacing the data if something happens

3. Legislation

   • Data protection Act 1998
     • Businesses must confirm to the eight principles
   • Computer Misuse Act 1990
     • Punish hackers and creators of viruses
   • Copyright Act 1988
     • This protects people's data such as artworks
   • Freedom of Information Act 2000
     • This gives people the right to see data held about them by organisations and also to request access to data.