Syllabus Detail

• Data security 12 ATAR

Background

• Data security refers to protecting data (or information) from unwanted or unauthorized actions from potentially harmful users
• This applies to computer access, databases and all types of personal information
• Data security is an integral part of the IT industry as it helps to ensure the security and privacy of sensitive information

Why do we need to secure our data?

• Data security is essential to protect privacy of individuals
• It is also essential to protect intellectual property of individuals, businesses or governement
• Data is very attractive to criminals as data theft can lead to bank fraud or other illegal financial gain
• Data security can also help to prevent malicious attacks on a computer system
• To use the security practice of restoring from back ups to retrieve data when corruption occurs

Tips for securing data

• Place data servers in locked rooms to prevent physical access and theft
• Use strong passwords on network devices to prevent access to data
• Physically lock away any sensitive information on an external drive
• Enable a firewall and restrictions on Internet access
• Use an anti-malware program such as MalwareBytes and ensure it is up to date
• Use an anti-virus program and ensure it is up to date
• Secure your WiFi network with a passphrase to ensure no unauthorized access to your local network
• Activate password protection for devices to lock out unwanted guests
• Regularly backup data to separate devices and store off site with password protected copies

Further Research

• Read some more tips on data security by SpamLaws here
• Read 10 ways to secure your data on Computer World here

Worksheet and Practice (yet to be added)

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