GCSE ICT Viruses, Security & Hacking

Introduction to Viruses – what is a virus? Computer virus definition - Malicious code of computer programming How do they work - Designed to install, propagate & cause damage - Work on the memory of a system - 2 points of invasion – Disk drives / Network adapter cards GCSE ICT - Viruses

How a virus spreads: GCSE ICT - Viruses Virus

Preventative measures Anti-Virus software to scan files - must be regularly updated Firewall software - stops malicious programs being sent through networks - prevents unauthorised access (hacking) over the internet Backups (regular). Damage Caused Home computers Major organisations At worst, a total loss of data! GCSE ICT - Viruses

What is a computer virus? Malicious code of computer programming At what 2 points can a virus enter a computer system? Disk drives (i.e. floppy disk, CD) Network adapter card (over the internet, via , etc) Name two ways that will help prevent viruses Up-to-date Anti-virus software Firewalls GCSE ICT – Viruses (Recap)

Introduction to Security Methods of protecting data Up-to-date anti-virus software Passwords/Log-ons Backups - Stored away from the computer (tape, CD, removable hard-drives, off-site Web-based server) Web-based servers - Advantages Back-up data less likely to be “Lost” Can upload information at any time Backup data can be easily be downloaded GCSE ICT - Security

Web-based servers - Disadvantages May not be as secure Connection must be fast and reliable Fire/theft may cause upload/security information to be lost Keep information secure Prevent viruses - up-to-date anti-virus software - scan files at regular intervals - scan all new files GCSE ICT - Security

Keep information secure (continued…) Prevent unauthorised access - keep passwords CONFIDENTIAL! - choose random passwords - physical security (lock doors, etc) - secure & protect sensitive information GCSE ICT - Security

What kind of information should be kept confidential? Name 3 ways of protecting electronic data –Anti-virus software –Passwords/Log-ons –Keeping regular back-ups Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Web-based servers… What ways can you prevent unauthorised access? –Keep passwords CONFIDENTIAL! –Choose random passwords –Physical security (lock doors, etc) –Secure & protect sensitive information GCSE ICT – Security (Recap)

Hacking Gaining unauthorised access to a computer, electronic information or network by breaking codes and passwords to gain unauthorised entry to computer systems. Hackers can do an enormous amount of damage Stand-alone computers are usually safe Computers which form part of networks are in danger from hackers. GCSE ICT – Hacking

Hacking (continued) Many hackers may or may not have no fraudulent intent Often carried out by corrupt employees or employees with a grudge The extent of hacking is difficult to assess, much of it is only discovered by accident. GCSE ICT – Hacking

Tasks: Complete ‘hackers and viruses’ handout Continue your own investigations into viruses, security & hacking on the Internet – – – – ict.com/gcse/theory/crime/hacking/ ckers/primer/index.html ict.com/gcse/theory/crime/hacking/ ckers/primer/index.html – resources.co.uk/hackers_for_schoolresourcescouk.htm resources.co.uk/hackers_for_schoolresourcescouk.htm – ict.com/gcse/theory/crime/hacking/hacking/index.htm ict.com/gcse/theory/crime/hacking/hacking/index.htm Make any additional notes. GCSE ICT