Threats to Data Security

Threats to Data Security

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

   • Hacking

2. Worm

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

3. Physical Threats

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

4. Spyware

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

5. DoS Attacks

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

6. Phishing

   • A request for personal information which can be used to carry out identify theft (e.g. official-looking email with a link)

7. 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 )

8. 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