Threats to data security

Threats to data security

1. Viruses

   • A malicious computer program that can corrupt or damage files throughout the system. Most are attached to an executable file cannot do any harm unless you run or open it (e.g. email attachment )

2. Physical threats

   • Include fire, flood, earthquakes, and theft/removal of physical devices on which data is stored including USB sticks.

3. WORM

   • A malicious computer program which can automatically create copies of itself on other computers. Similar to worms but is not spread by human action it has the ability to travel on its own – creating a devastating effect

4. DOS attack

   • Denial-of-service attacks – attempt to stop a computer working by flooding it with other data such as requests etc…

5. Trojan

   • A virus which fools the user thinking it is something useful e.g. anti-virus software. They vary – can cause serious damage by deleting files/data to quite harmless causing irritation e.g. changing your desktop/adding silly desktop icons

6. spyware

   • Programs that run in a computer system to gather information and pass it onto other interested parties

7. HACKING

   • Unauthorised entry into a computer system with(out) the intention of doing damage