A computer security risk is any event or action that has the potential of causing a loss of computer equipment, soft ware, data and information, or processing capability.
Different Types of Security Risk:
Virus
Safeguards:
1. Purchase and install reliable antivirus software.
2. Scan all removable media.
3. Scan all files downloaded from the Internet.
4. Scan all attached files before opening them.
5. Turn off email preview.
6. Scan all software before using it, even if it is shriek wrapped.
7. Do not use pirated, illegal copies of copyrighted software.
8. Never start your computer with removal media in the drives.
Virus:
A virus is a potentially damaging computer program designed to affect your computer negativity without your knowledge or permission by altering the way it works.
3 Types of Viruses:
- Boot Sector Virus: replaces the boot program used to start the computer with modified, infected version of the boot program.
- File Virus: inserts virus code into programs files then it spreads to other programs.
- Macro Virus: uses the macro language of an application, such as word processing or spreadsheet.
Why they are commonly found in schools:
- Schools have a huge use of networks and the Internet makes the spread of viruses easier than ever. Viruses commonly infect computers through email attachments.
To Minimize the Impact of Viruses:
- Before you open or execute any email attachment you should ensure that the email message is from a trusted source and you should scan the attachment using antivirus software.
Computer Ethics:
Computer ethics are the moral guidelines that govern the use of computers, networks, and information systems.
5 Important Areas of Computer Ethics;
- Unauthorized use of computers
- hardware, software, and information theft
- information privacy
- copy right
- existence of objectionable materials on the Internet.
2 Recent Government Actions Protecting Children on the Internet:
- 2002 - Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act: Establishes the Dot Kids Domain that lists only Websites that conform to policies to protect children under the age of 13.
- 2000 - Children Internet Protection Act: Protects children from obscene and pornographic materials on the Internet.
Over voltage:
Over voltage or power surge occurs when the incoming electric power increases significantly above the normal 120 volts. This can cause immediate and permanent equipment damage.
Protect Your Computer:
- Surge Protectors for your computer and the modem, telephone lines, DSL lines, and other Internet Cables.
- An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a devise that contains surge protection circuits and one or more batteries that provide power during a temporary or permanent loss of power.