SECURITY

SECURITY

1. losing data or having it found by competitors can cost billions, especially for a company.

   • data is at risk from: hacking, viruses, technical breakdown, interception, physical theft and discarded components.
   • methods to reduce unauthorized access include: access levels, password design and encryption techniques.
     • access levels - each user is only permitted to access the data required for their job Users can be given read access or read/write access, depending on whether they need to alter the data or only view it.
     • password design - systems can require strong passwords above a certain length and with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols Strong passwords are far harder for a computer to crack.
     • encryption techniques - data can be encrypted so that only those with the correct key can view it XOR encryption (Vernam Cipher) is an uncrackable encryption.
   • methods to prevent data loss include backup and archiving.
     • backup - keeping copies of data allows it to be restored if the primary data is lost Backups can be made in generations each backup stores only the changes since the last backup, so data can be restored to any previous version.
     • archiving - when data is no longer in frequent use, it can me moved to a new storage location outside of the primary servers.

2. compression - data can be compressed to save storage space and memory. compression uses complex algorithms.

   • lossless compression - data is compressed using algorithms that don't alter the contents. the compressed data can be restored to exactly how it was before compression
   • lossy compression - slight alterations are made to the data during compression . the data cannot be restored exactly some information is lost. lossy algorithms can produce much smaller files than lossless algorithms. lossy algorithms can only be used with images, audio or video, where slight changes to the colour of a pixel, or amplitude of a sample, will not be noticeable.

3. network security

   • hacking is possible as computers can be accessed from remote locations. viruses spread more easily through a network, particularly if there are security flaws. technical breakdowns can have a bigger impact as the loss of a main server or switch can put all computers out of action . interception of data becomes possible as data is transferred through computers
     • different measures can be taken to protect data
       • antivirus software should be installed to detect and remove any viruses that spread through the network. firewalls should be used to prevent viruses from transmitting data or receiving instructions. two-factor authentication can reduce the chance of a hacker gaining entry by requiring two forms of authentication instead of one.
   • businesses should have policies in place to protect data: acceptable use policy examples include rules on use of social networks, personal email and storage and transport of data users who breach the policy can be disciplined or fired. disaster recovery policy details exactly how the company prepares for disasters and how to recover as quickly and possible Includes details of backup frequency and location and procedures to restore from backups.