Data Security

Data Security

What is data security?
1. Data must be kept safe and secure from loss or accidental damage when being stored or transmitted by computing devices.
2. Keeping data secure means preventing unauthorised users from accessing the data.
3. Data can be kept safe by:
  1. Saving work regularly
  2. Never working on the only copy of the work
  3. Shutting down the computer properly
  4. Storing storage media such as CDs and other removable media carefully
4. Data can be kept secure by:
  1. Physically protecting the data
  2. Encrypting the data
  3. Using passwords to control access to the data
5. Many organisations use backups and secure storage methods to safeguard their data by using passwords for access and by encrypting stored or transmitted data. The proper use of backups can also help to keep data safe and secure.
Access rights and permissions
1. All files and folders have access rights and permissions to control who can read, edit and save the file.
2. Organisations can control which files people are allowed to look at by setting different access permissions to the file.
3. Files and folders can be protected by setting the access rights to read-only so that the files cannot be altered. Individual documents can have passwords so that only authorised staff can open the file to read and/or edit the contents.
4. Passwords can be set for whole documents or parts of the document only eg. in spreadsheets, an office worker may be allowed to enter data about prices but not be allowed to change the formulas.
Physical Security
1. Using security guards to protect physical goods in supermarkets
2. Posting guards at doors of offices where the computers are used or at the doors of the rooms where the data is stored on computer servers.
3. Having electronic security locks that need a code to open
4. Using RFID tags in staff badges to keep out unauthorised people
  1. Badges with RFID tags can be used to control where staff can access; changing the data of the tag will allow them to access different areas.
5. Not having the computer systems on the ground floor with windows that can be broken to gain access
6. Facing computer screens away from windows, doors and walkways to stop people seeing what is being dislayed
7. Having bars or strengthened glass on windows and doors. Also strong doors
Encryption
1. Encryption software uses an encryption code/key to scramble the contents of data files - the proper code is needed to unscramble (decrypt) the file so it can be read and used.
2. Data is meaningless if the file is encrypted and the proper code isn't available.
3. Data can be scrambled using encryption software when it is stored or transmitted between computers over networks - digital signatures are sued to check that a website or message I authentic and is an example of encryption in use.
Secure Websites
1. When customers by goods or use services online, the data should be encrypted before being transmitted. Customers should check that the website is using encryption before entering their personal details.
2. A secure website will show a small padlock and will use https rather than http in the URL to show that encryption is being used.

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	Created by Caroline Millan about 8 years ago