Threats to Data Security

Threats to Data Security

1. Computer virus - This is program that replicates and spreads itself by infecting files on a network system attempting to make the system unreliable.

2. Trojan - This is a program that gives full control of a PC to another PC. This appears to be a valid application and the program is hidden within it

3. Worm - This is a malicious, standalone program that replicates itself to spread to other computers

4. Phishing - Attempting to acquire private information by pretending to be from a trustworthy source. This would be used to commit identity theft.

5. Spyware - A malicious software, usually secretly installed to collect information and data (e.g. user logins financial info) without the users knowledge. These could be print screens, key loggers, recording information typed etc.

6. Physical threats - These are the loss of computer components (e.g. keyboards, monitors, memory sticks etc.)

7. Adware - This is a program that automatically showing adverts to generate revenue for the author. These are usually harmless but can include spyware.

8. Hacking - Finding the weakness of a system and exploiting it. A hacker is someone who finds the weakness in a system to gain unauthorised access.

9. Denial of Service attacks (DoS)- This is an attempt to make a computer or network unavailable to its users. Someone making fake user accounts and logging into a system all at one time