Data Loss

Data Loss

1. Hacking

   • Breaking into a secure computer system to obtain data
   • Hackers are usually a proficient programmer who have technical knowledge to be able to exploit the weaknesses in a security system
   • Once a hacker has gained access to an ICT system, they can...
     • Do nothing and be content that they have managed to gain access
     • Gain access to sensitive or personal data
     • Use personal data to commit blackmail
     • Deliberately alter data to commit fraud

2. Computer Theft

   • Stealing the computer or other hardware
   • If a computer is stolen, then the hardware, software and data will be lost
   • Companies can be seen to breach the Data Protection Act 1998 if it can be proved that they didn't have adequate enough security measures to prevent the loss of any personal data
   • Laptops are vulnerable to theft because they are small and light enough to be taken and put into a car boot. They are often used in public places and are easy for thieves to sell them
   • Can be caused by...
     • Doors being left unlocked
     • Leaving it in your car

3. Virus Attack

   • Can be caused by...
     • Workers using pen drives
     • Disks
   • Connection to the Internet increases the risk of viruses being spread to the internal network

4. Power Loss

   • Standby power systems will keep power supplied and the computers up and running until the main power is back on
   • Standby Power
     • Stored Power
       • Short losses of power
       • Consists of banks of batteries
       • Sometimes referred to as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
     • Combination of stored power and a generator
       • Generator power is generated by using diesel or petrol
   • Tends to be a slight delay between losing power and starting the generator, batteries are also needed to provide power during this interval

5. Natural Disaster

   • Earthquakes
   • Tidal Waves
   • Volcanoes
   • Lightning Strikes
   • Floods
   • Gales

6. Faulty Hardware

   • Usually reliable but can break down therefore you need to be prepared for this
   • The hard drive could become damaged which will render the data causing the programs to become unusable

7. Faulty Software

   • Especially bespoke software and soemtimes packaged software can contain errors which can cause damage or loss of data

8. Fire

   • Fires can be a serious threat and it can cause a big loss of ICT systems
   • Precautions...
     • No smoking in any computer rooms
     • Power sockets should not be overloaded
     • Wiring should be checked regularly for safety
     • Bins should be emptied regularly
     • Do not leave large quantities of paper lying around
     • Install a sprinkler system
     • Use fireproof safes to store media containing programs and data
     • Remove backup copies off-site
   • Can be caused by...
     • Smoking
     • Faulty wires

9. Vandalism

   • If you can't use the computer because it has been vandalised, you can can't access the data

10. User Error

    • Someone making a mistake