Chapter 1.
3: Computer Management - Summary
This chapter covers various aspects of computer management, including cyber threats,
malware, security measures, and hardware/software-related concerns.
1. Categories of Threats to Data
Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into revealing confidential
information.
Malware: Malicious software designed to harm computers.
Unauthorized Access: Gaining illegal access to systems.
Software Issues: Problems related to software bugs, vulnerabilities, or
misconfigurations.
Human Error: Mistakes leading to data loss or security breaches.
Hardware Failure: Physical failures a ecting system performance.
Incorrect Hardware and Software Configuration: Misconfigured systems
causing ine iciencies.
2. Cybersecurity Threats
Social Engineering
Identity Theft: Using stolen personal information to commit fraud.
Catfishing: Creating fake online profiles to deceive others.
Phishing: Sending fraudulent messages with links to fake websites to steal
information.
Pharming: Redirecting a website’s tra ic to a fraudulent site to steal data.
Malware (Malicious Software)
Computer Virus: Attaches to programs and spreads through files.
Computer Worm: Spreads across networks without user intervention.
Trojan: Disguised as legitimate software to harm systems.
Rootkit: Grants unauthorized administrator access.
Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.
3. Preventing Cybercrimes and Malware
Security Measures
Firewall: Blocks unauthorized access to networks.
Strong Passwords: Should include numbers, special characters, and
uppercase/lowercase letters.
Secure Websites: Ensure URLs begin with HTTPS and have a padlock icon.
Email Safety: Avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking unknown links.
Protecting Online Identity: Limit sharing personal details, use privacy settings,
and disable location sharing.
Anti-Virus Software
Detects and removes malicious software.
Should be updated and configured for automatic scans.
Software Updates
Fix vulnerabilities and improve performance.
Can be applied as patches (small fixes) or service packs (larger updates).
4. Unauthorized Access & Security Measures
Physical Security
Locking up servers and using surveillance.
Cloud storage or o -site servers for sensitive data.
Non-Physical Security
Strong passwords, user permissions, firewalls, and data encryption.
Security Technologies
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Uses radio waves to identify objects.
NFC (Near Field Communication): Short-range wireless communication
between devices.
Biometric Security: Uses physical traits (fingerprints, facial recognition) for
authentication.
MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): Uses multiple verification methods
(password + OTP).
OTP (One-Time Password): A temporary password valid for one transaction.
Security Tokens: Devices generating temporary codes for authentication.
5. Human Error & Prevention
Common Human Errors
Accidental deletion of data.
Losing mobile devices or storage drives.
Weak passwords.
Prevention Strategies
Automate backups.
Enforce strong password policies.
Use MFA for authentication.
Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO)
Incorrect input results in incorrect output.
Implement validation to ensure data correctness.
6. Hardware Failures & Data Protection
E ects of Hardware Failure
Data corruption or loss.
System crashes and business interruptions.
Protection Measures
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Provides backup power and prevents
damage from power surges.
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): Uses multiple storage drives to
prevent data loss.
Backups:
o Full Backup: Copies all data.
o Di erential Backup: Saves changes since the last full backup.
o Incremental Backup: Saves changes since the last backup.
Cloud Backup
Data is stored online for easy access and security.
Requires an internet connection.
Potential risk if the cloud provider shuts down.
7. Incorrect Hardware and Software Configuration
Software Compatibility: Ensure hardware meets software requirements.
Device Drivers: Essential for communication between the OS and hardware.
Hardware Upgrades: Verify compatibility before upgrading.
8. Data Encryption
Encryption: Converts data into unreadable format to protect it.
Decryption: Converts encrypted data back to readable form.
Encryption Key: A unique identifier for encryption/decryption.
Encryption Types
Local Encryption: Protects files stored on devices.
Automatic Encryption: Used in ATMs, web browsers, and VoIP calls.
Digital Rights Management (DRM): Protects copyrighted digital content.
9. E ects of Cybercrimes
Reasons for Cybercrime Prevalence
Low risk for criminals.
Di iculty in detection.
High number of online users and transactions.
Why Social Networks Are Vulnerable
Users share personal information.
High number of potential victims.
Trust in online connections increases risk.
E ects on Businesses
Loss of Productivity: Downtime due to malware removal.
Service Disruptions: Network failures or ransomware attacks.
Financial Losses: Costs of security measures and potential ransoms.
Reputation Damage: Customers losing trust in the business.
Conclusion
This chapter emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity, proper hardware/software
management, and data protection measures to ensure system integrity. Organizations
and individuals must implement strong security protocols to prevent unauthorized
access, malware infections, and cyber threats.