Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices

Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices

1. Threats to Your Digital Assets

   • Identity Theft and Hackers
     • Cybercrime
       • Common types:
         • FBI-related scams
         • identity theft
         • non-delivery of merchandise
         • advance fee fraud
     • Types of hackers:
       • White-hat hackers
       • Black-hat hackers
       • Grey-hat hackers
     • A hacker is most commonly defined as anyone who unlawfully breaks into a computer system.
     • Cybercriminals
     • Identity theft occurs when a thief steals personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, birth date, bank account number, and credit card information and runs up debts in your name.
   • Computer Viruses
     • Types:
       • Boot-sector
       • Logic bombs
       • Worms
       • Script & macro
       • Email
       • Encryption
     • Methods to avoid detection:
       • Polymorphic
       • Multipartite
       • Stealth
   • Online Annoyances and Social Engineering
     • Malware
     • Spam
     • Cookies
     • Phishing and Pharming
     • Scarceware

2. Protecting Your Digital Property

   • Restricting Access to Your Digital Assets
     • Firewalls
       • a software program or hardware device designed to protect computers from hackers.
     • Preventing Virus Infections
       • Antivirus software
         • Popular programs
           • Symantec
           • Kaspersky
           • AVG
           • McAfee
     • Authentication: Passwords and Biometrics
       • Need strong passwords
       • Password strength tests
       • Operating systems have built-in password protection
       • Fingerprint
       • Voice authentication
   • Keeping Your Data Safe
     • Backup
       • Copies of files that you can use to replace the originals if they’re lost or damaged
       • Types:
         • incremental
         • image
       • Files to backup:
         • program files
         • Data files
       • where to store?
         • Network attached devices
         • Online
         • External hard drives
   • Protecting Your Physical Computing Assets
     • Environmental Factors and Power Surges
       • Power surges
         • Power surges occur when an electrical current is supplied in excess of normal voltage. Old or faulty wiring, downed power lines, malfunctions at electric company substations, and lightning strikes can all cause power surges.
       • Surge protector
         • A surge protector protects your computer. It needs to be replaced every 2-3 years or after a major surge.
     • Preventing and Handling Theft
       • Keeping them from being stolen
       • Keeping data secure in case they are stolen
       • Finding a device if it is stolen
       • Remotely recovering and wiping data off a stolen device