Threats to data

Threats to data

1. Opportunist threats

   • People who find an unattended computer that has been left logged in to a system may view, damage or steal information or even damage the hardware.

2. Computer viruses

   • Computer viruses are small programs which can duplicate themselves and spread from computer to computer.
   • They will usually make some changes to the system and are never beneficial, even if they do not do any real damage.
   • They can spread through files or email messages.

3. Other malware

   • Malware- A hostile, intrusive or annoying piece of software or program code
   • Examples
     • Computer worms: A computer virus which does not need to attach itself to a file or email message
     • Trojan horse: Appears as a benign program and allows hackers to gain full access to a system; spyware; adware etc.

4. Phishing

   • A type of threat which attempts to gain access to passwords, financial deatails and other types of privileged information.
   • Can pose as a trusted website. instant messaging or social network by email.
   • Hackers will try to divert you to a website which looks original and will ask for personal information.

5. Accidental damage

   • Can be caused by natural disaster, mischief or accidental mishap. This can result in losing all of the computers data.