Protecting Data Tools

Protecting Data Tools

1. Anti-Virus

   • This prevents malware from infecting your computer system. It detects and eliminates it.
   • Disadvatage
     • Must be maintained regularly
     • You might not be fully protected from viruses
     • It slows down the PC and network performance
   • Features
     • Scans that are scheduled to be run automatically a specific times of the day
     • Full scans for all software on your device
     • This is real-time protection

2. Encryption

   • Prevent unauthorized access where data is converted.
   • Data during transmission
     • Data during transmission uses asymmetric encryption.
     • This uses different keys to encrypt and decrypt the data.
   • Stored Data
     • Stored data use symmetric encryption.
     • This uses the same key to both encrypt and decrypt the data.

3. Firewalls

   • Blocks traffic that seems suspicious. This is either hardware device or utility program.
   • Disavantage
     • It slows down the network performance
     • To perform task maybe blocked by the firewall
     • Internet attacks from a network cannot be prevented
   • Features
     • Filters traffic deciding whether it allowed or not
     • Controls which programs can access the network/ internet.
     • Identifies and stops hackers.

4. Legislation & Codes of Practice

   • Legislation has been implemented to protect data and IT systems. These include the Data Protection Act & the Computer Misuse Act.
   • Data Protection Act (1998)
     • Protects how individual data can be used and handled.
   • Computer Misuse Act (1990)
     • Protects against the willful harm & damage of IT systems & data.