Basic Hacking Course

Module5
Data Backup and Disaster
Recovery
Module Objective
Computers store a lot of data gathered by users. But a system crash or theft may result
in the loss of all that data. To avoid this, copies of critical data should be made
frequently. This module talks about securing files and how to back up the critical data.
This module will familiarize you with:
⚫ Data Backup
⚫ What Files to Backup and How Often?
⚫ Online Data Backup
⚫ Online Backup Service Providers
⚫ Types of Backup
⚫ Windows 7: Backup and Restore
⚫ Data Encryption
Module Objective
⚫ MAC OS X: Backup and Restore
⚫ Data Backup Tools
⚫ Data Recovery Tools
⚫ Physical Security
⚫ Physical Security Measures
⚫ Laptop Theft
⚫ Physical Security Checklist
Module Flow

Data Back Windows 7 MAC OS X

Data Encryption Data Backup Tools
Introduction Backup and Backup and
Restore Restore

Physical Security Data Recovery

Tools
Data Backup
Backup refers to making duplicate copies of data that may be used for recovery after a
disaster or damage to the data. Data backup should be the top priority in computer
maintenance along with virus protection. Backup is required in case a file or group of files
is lost. Its main purpose is to create additional copies of data stored in the computer to be
used to restore the original after a data loss event.
The user should back up critical information that cannot be easily replaced. For example,
files or documents such as financial documents, bank records, software or assets
purchased, marketing strategy documents, etc. should be backed up.
Critical information should be backed up on a regular basis, and the copies of those
files must be placed in another location.
Need for Backup
Data can be lost in many different ways, such as application errors in the software,
configuration errors, or even a natural disaster. Data backup ensures that the data is
secure in case of a disaster. It is easy and cost-effective to back up data compared
with recovering the data after a disaster or system crash.
Most users have come across situations in which their systems or laptops had crashed.
Users may even lose the media on which they stored years’ worth of work documents,
bank account information, personal photos, videos, and email messages.
It is, therefore, important that the user makes backup copies of all his or her data to avoid
losing it and to prepare for emergencies.
Need for Backup
The main purpose of backups is:
⚫ To restore critical data after data loss. A disaster may lead to the loss of critical
information, but if the information has a backup copy, it would restore the information.
⚫ To restore files when they are accidentally deleted or corrupted. Due to improper
password handling or during transmission/storage, it is possible for the files to be
corrupted or deleted. This discards the request of accessing files by the authorized
party. If this occurs, backup would be an advantage and would help in restoring those
files.
⚫ In addition, backup can also be used to access older versions of files after changes
have been made in the current version.
Types of Data Loss
Natural Disaster:
Data loss can result from floods, fire, hurricanes, and power surges. It is recommended
to keep data in two different locations as it is unlikely for natural disasters to occur in two
separate location.
Human Error:
Human errors include unintended deletions, accidental formatting of the hard drive, and
mistakes on the part of the administrator or management information system (MIS)
department. Knowledge of basic computer operation will limit this risk.
Corrupt File System:
The file system manages all the files and directories on hard drive. Buggy software, virus
infections, human errors, processor overclocking, and unexpected system shutdown are
the main reasons for file corruption. Use a suitable utility for the OS version in use to
reduce risk.
Types of Data Loss
Software Corruption:
An operating system may have a write error or memory error that causes the software to
crash. For example, if a word processing program crashes, the unsaved data will be lost.
To overcome the risk, periodically save the data as it is being entered.
Computer Virus:
Malware such as Trojans and viruses cause data loss or make data unusable.
Computers are infected with viruses when software containing virus files is installed or
when files are downloaded from a malicious website. Use of anti-spyware and anti-virus
software reduce this risk of data loss.
Types of Data Loss
Hardware Malfunction:
Hardware malfunction results from controller failure, media crash, and power failure.
Errors with the hard disk drive are the most typical type of hardware problem.
Symptoms include:
⚫ An error message stating device unrecognized
⚫ The hard drive may not rotate
⚫ A rattling or scraping sound
⚫ The system or hard drive cannot operate
⚫ Loss of data accessed previously
What Files to Backup and How
Often?
The user should first decide which information needs backup and which does not.
Backing up all information only increases the cost of backup and the time required for
recovery. It may also make data recovery confusing for the user. The user has to decide
what data is critical and needs to be backed up. Some files and documents a user would
want to back up include:
⚫ Operating system files purchased with the computer, CDs, software, etc.
⚫ Important office documents
⚫ Software downloaded (purchased) from the internet
⚫ Contact information (email address book)
⚫ Personal photos, music, and videos
Data loss can be prevented by backing up on a daily basis. But backing up everything
daily can be costly and time consuming, so it is important to identify only the data that
changes.
It is always recommended to back up files regularly. The user should back up
whenever any changes are made to the important files, so that the user has the latest
copy available even if the original one is lost/damaged. Schedule backup software to
copy files on a predetermined day (example: every Monday). Essentially, every file or
item that undergoes changes since the last backup should be backed up.
Online Data Backup
Data can be backed up using the Internet. There are two types of online data backup:
⚫ Download and install software provided by an online backup service provider,
connect it to the server of the service provider, choose the files to backup, and
transfer to that server. When required, restore from the backup stored on that server.
⚫ Choose a web-based online data backup service from the browser window. This
allows you to access your stored data from any system with an internet connection.
Advantages of Online Data
Backup:
⚫ Offsite storage offers disaster recovery.
⚫ Users do not have to purchase new equipment.
⚫ There are no ongoing staff costs or media costs, only running costs that are paid
monthly.
⚫ It is easy to install and setup.
⚫ It ensures the security of data (software collects the files, compresses, encrypts, and
then transfers the data to the remote backup service provider’s servers).
⚫ Data recovery is fast and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Online Backup Service
Providers
Online backup service providers, also known as remote or managed backup services,
are the companies that provide users with a system for backing up and storing computer
files. Advantages of the online backup service providers include:
⚫ Aid from virus attacks
⚫ Ability to coordinate and manage stored data from anywhere in the world
⚫ Flawless speed in terms of restoration and backup processes
⚫ Real-time backup
Online Backup Service
Providers
⚫ Carbonite ([Link]
⚫ SpiderOak ([Link]
⚫ IDrive ([Link]
⚫ Acronis ([Link]
⚫ Mozy ([Link]
⚫ SafeCopy ([Link]
⚫ Jungledisk ([Link]
⚫ SugarSync ([Link]
⚫ Memopal ([Link]
⚫ ElephantDrive ([Link]
⚫ SOS Online Backup ([Link]
Types of Backup
Full backups:
Full backups run for complete data on all the systems during the weekend. For example,
if the backup is performed on 10 TB data, then all 10 TB will be written to a set of 10
tapes every weekend.
A few applications such a database or email data might be backed up nightly as a full
backup. Nightly backup is performed as the process consumes large network bandwidth
and various other resources that might degrade network speed.
Normal backups:
Normal backups include only the files that are marked and deemed necessary by the
user.
Incremental backups:
Incremental backups back up the files that have been changed after the last full backup
(i.e., it is a daily backup of each file on a system that has been changed since the last
backup). Although performing incremental backups is easy compared with others,
restoration using these backups is time consuming as the process follows a sequential
approach.
For example, if the last full backup was performed on a Saturday, then the files that are
changed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday would be backed up using increment
backup.
Types of Backup
Differential backups:
A differential backup backs up every file on a system that has been altered after the last
full backup. It reduces the time for restoring files that are backed up during the week. For
example, if the full backup is performed on Sunday, the differential backup would be
performed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Running differential backup on a week days could make the personnel at an organization
concentrate only on the backup process, which may result in confusion with a large
number of backups. To overcome this, differential backups are performed once or twice
a week.
Back Up the Data Using
Windows Backup
The Windows backup utility allows users to protect data by creating a duplicate copy of
the files and folders on the hard disk and then archive to an external storage device (such
as a hard disk or tape). If the original hard disk is erased accidentally, becomes
inaccessible, or is overwritten due to a malfunction, then the user can restore the
archived copy of data using Automated System Recovery Wizard or Restore Wizard.
Files are restored to their previous positions after restoring the backup data.
Windows also allows users to create a restoration point. If the system is infected by
malware, the user can choose to restore the computer to a restore point before the
computer was infected.
Steps to Backup Data
Source: [Link]
To backup and restore in the windows7 operation system:
⚫ Click Start→ Control Panel→ Backup and Restore →Set up Backup to start a
backup program.
⚫ Select the drive to save the backup and click Next.
Steps to Backup Data
⚫ In the What do you want to back up? Screen, check the option Let Windows
choose and click Next.
Steps to Backup Data
⚫ Backup in progress appears, which completes the backup process.
Restoring Data
Source: [Link]
To backup and restore in the Windows7 operating system:
⚫ Go to Control Panel → Backup and Restore → Restore my files.
⚫ In the Browse or search your backup for files and folders to restore screen, click
Browse for folders to restore a folder, and then click Next.
⚫ In the Where do you want to restore your files? Screen, check In the original
location or In the following location to browse the desired location, and then click
Restore.
⚫ In the your files have been restored screen, click Finish to complete the restoration
process.
Securing Backup on Storage
Devices with Encryption
Although making backups on the external storage media is safe and reliable, the external
media may still be stolen or corrupted, making it impossible to restore the data. If it is
stolen, the backup files may fall into the wrong hands.
The data that is backed up into the storage devices therefore should be encrypted with
encrypting software. This makes the data present in the storage device unusable for
anyone not authorized to use the device.
Some of the storage devices come with encryption software. Users may use this software
to encrypt the backed up data, but often, this encryption software is clumsy and may not
be reliable. Users may therefore choose to use any third-party encryption software
such as TrueCrypt, or other software to encrypt backup data.
Time Machine (Apple
Software)
Time Machine is a backup utility developed by Apple. It automatically saves up-to-date
copies of everything on the Mac– photos, music, videos, documents, applications, and
settings. If necessary, a user can go back in time to recover the data. Time Machine
works with Mac and an external hard drive. Just connect the drive and assign it to Time
Machine. It automatically backs up the entire Mac, including system files, applications,
accounts, preferences, music, photos, movies, and documents. What makes it different
from other backup applications is that, in addition to keeping a spare copy of every file, it
remembers how the system looked on a given day. To launch Time Machine, navigate to
the System Preferences window and click the Time Machine icon.
Features of Time Machine include:
⚫ A user can browse for files using Cover Flow.
⚫ A user can perform a Spotlight search to find what he/she needs across all backups.
⚫ Before recovering a file, use Quick Look to verify the contents of the file, then click
Restore to bring it back to the present.
Time Machine
(Apple Software)
Setting Up Time Machine
The user can change the setting in the time machine according to his/her preferences by
following these steps:
⚫ Time Machine asks the user when a hard drive is connected to the computer for the
first time to use it as a backup drive.
⚫ Click Use as a Backup Disk to open the Preferences window to configure the disk
as a backup disk.
Setting Up Time Machine
⚫ In the Time Machine preferences window, check Show Time Machine status in the
menu bar to see the status of backup.
⚫ Click lock icon to secure the data present in the backup.
Restoring Files from Time
Machine Backups
To restore files from Time Machine backups:
⚫ Connect the backup disk.
⚫ Click the Time Machine icon in the dock.
⚫ Use the timeline on the right side of the window to browse and backup files of a
certain date and time.
⚫ Select the file/folder and click the Restore button.
Windows Data Backup Tool:
Acronic True Image Home 2011
Source: [Link]
Acronis True Image Home 2011 provides home users with reliable and timeless backup
and recovery of their home PC’s operating system, applications, settings, and personal
files. It automatically creates incremental backups once every five minutes allowing users
to roll back their system, files, and folders to any point in time. It has online storage
services to automatically back up valuable data or files over the Internet to a secure
location.
Windows Data Backup Tool:
NovaBACKUP Home Protection
Source: [Link]
NovaBACKUP Home Protection automatically back up and protects important files on all
of your computers from one easy to use control panel
Features:
⚫ Automatic processes continually update your protection- no need to remember to run
backups.
⚫ Central management makes it easy to stay on top of all of the data in your home.
⚫ Disaster recovery and full disk imaging options allow you to restore your entire
system.
⚫ Fast bit technology updates your backups with bit-level incremental changes.
Windows Data Backup Tool for
Windows
Genie Backup Manager Home
Source: [Link]
Genie Backup Manager Home backs up your photos, media, email, and personal files
and folders in a secure location and recovers your data in an instant. It performs a
complete backup of your system (disaster recovery) or simply backs up only your
personal data.
Norton Ghost
Source: [Link]
Norton Ghost safeguards your system, settings, applications, and files with flexible,
comprehensive backup protection and recovers your system and data when there are
system failures. It saves recovery points to an FTP site for easier off-site management
and even backs up your data to network-attached storage devices.
Windows Data Backup Tool for
Windows
R-Drive Image
Source: [Link]
R-Drive Image is a utility providing disk image files creation for backup or duplication
purposes. A disk image file contains the exact, byte-by-byte copy of a hard drive, partition
or logical disk and can be created with various compression levels on the fly without
stopping Windows OS and therefore without interrupting your business. These drive
image files can then be stored in a variety of places, including various removable media
such as CD-R (W)/DVD, Iomega Zip or Jazz disks, etc.
TurboBackup
Source: [Link]
TurboBackup is used to back up work, synchronizing between laptop, netbook, or
desktop PCs; scheduling unattended after-hours backup; exporting data to off-site
locations to prepare for disaster recovery; or archiving personal data to a CD/DVD or
memory stick for sharing or storage.
Windows Data Backup Tool for
Windows
NTI Backup Now
Source: [Link]
NTI Backup Now is a backup and restoring solution for SMB MIS, LAN, SOHO, Personal
desktops, notebooks, and netbooks. It allows you to back up your complete PC system or
specific files and folders that includes your data, applications, photos, video, music,
financial documents, and settings.
PowerBackup
Source : [Link]
PowerBackup offers three backup methods: full, differential, and incremental to perfectly
suit user needs. Full is a complete backup of all files. Differential mode archives changed
or new files. Incremental mode archives new files created since the last backup.
Windows Data Backup Tool for
Windows
Backup4all
Source: [Link]
Backup4all is a backup program for windows that protects your data from partial or total
loss. It automates the backup process to save you time, compresses the data to save
storage space (using standard zip format), and optionally encrypts data to protect it from
unauthorized usage.
BounceBack Ultimate
Source: [Link]
BounceBack automatically backs up files that have been changed or newly created on a
continuous basis. It backs up drive contents and restores single files or folders quickly
and easily.
OopsBackup
Source: [Link]
With Oops Backup you can rest assured that your data is protected every time you make
a change – without slowing down your PC. It Detects file changes automatically and
versions and backs up the files for you.
MAC OS X Data Backup Tool:
Data Backup
Source: [Link]
Data Backup is a utility that allows you to back up, restore, and synchronize your
valuable data with minimal effort.
Features:
⚫ Allows you to back up your iTunes or iPhoto files as well as other important data or
your entire system
⚫ Schedules your backups to run automatically at a specific time
⚫ Backs up to any mounted drive including FireWire, USB, ATA, or networked drives
⚫ Creates an exact copy of a folder or drive, including bootable OS X backups
⚫ Automatically runs any data backup task on specific days or other recurring basic
MAC OS X Data Backup Tool:
SmartBackup
Source: [Link]
SmartBackup is a backup utility that creates fast and efficient backups of your data, or a
full bootable clone of your system. It can back up to anything that is mountable on your
Desktop as well as external hard disks, flash drives, iPods, and any kind of network
shares.
Data Backup Tool for MA OS X
Synchronize Pro X
Source: [Link]
Synchronize Pro X is a professional-strength file synchronization and backup utility for
Mac OS X.
iBackup
Source : [Link]
iBackup backs up the data, system, and application settings of a user. It backs up system
settings (e.g., system preferences, mail, iPhoto, iTunes, and third-party application
settings).
Roxio Retrospect
Source: [Link]
Roxio Retrospect provides individuals with the reliability, ease of use, power, and
flexibility they need to protect critical data on their Macs. Features include remote
management of one or more backup servers and disk-to-disk-to-tape backups.
Data Backup Tool for MA OS X
SuperDuper
Source: [Link]
SuperDuper produces fully bootable backups of the newest version of OS X. It allows you
to copy your Time Machine backups to other disks.
Tri-BACKUP
Source: [Link]
Tri-BACKUP backs up your files and disks, preserves each successive version of your
documents, and automatically runs your backup.
MimMac
Source: [Link]
MimMac is a backup and cloning utility, designed to back up, synchronize, merge, and
clone data.
Windows Data Recovery Tool:
Recovery My Files
Source: [Link]
Recover My Files data recovery software recovers deleted files emptied from the
Windows Recycle Bin, or lost due to the format or corruption of a hard drive, virus, or
Trojan infection or unexpected system shutdown or software failure.
Features:
⚫ File recovery after accidental format, even if you have reinstalled Windows
⚫ Disk recovery after a hard disk crash
⚫ Retrieves files after a partitioning error
⚫ Retrieves data from RAW hard drives
⚫ Recovers documents, photos, videos, music, and email
⚫ Recovers from hard drive, camera card, USB, zip, floppy disk, or other media
Windows Data Recovery Tool:
EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard
Source: [Link]
EASEUS Data Recovery Wizard provides a comprehensive data recovery solution for
computer users to recover lost data due to partition loss or damage, software crash, virus
infection, and unexpected shutdown.
Features:
⚫ Recovery deleted or lost files emptied from the Recycle Bin
⚫ File recovery after accidental format, even if Windows has been reinstalled
⚫ Disk recovery after a hard disk crash
⚫ Retrieves data from RAW hard drives
⚫ Recovers office document, photo, image, video, music, email, etc.
⚫ Recovers data from a hard drive, USB drive, memory card, memory stick, camera
card, zip, floppy disk, or other storage media
Data Recovery Tool for Windows
Advanced Disk Recovery
Source: [Link]
Advanced Disk Recovery scans the entire system for deleted files and folders and allows
the user to recover them. Hard drives, partitions, external devices, and even CDs and
DVDs can be scanned for recoverable files using Advanced Disk Recovery.
Handy Recovery
Source : [Link]
Handy Recovery is data recovery software designed to restore files accidentally deleted
from hard disks and memory cards. The program can recover files damaged by virus
attacks, power failures, and software faults or files from deleted and formatted partitions.
R-Studio
Source: [Link]
R-Studio is a data recovery solution to recover files from FAT12/16/32/exFAT, NTFS, and
NTFS5 (created or updated by Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Win7). If functions on
local and network disks, even if such partitions are formatted, damaged, or deleted.
Data Recovery Tool for Windows
VirtualLab Data Recovery
Source: [Link]
Regardless of the reason for data loss, accidental format, damaged partition, virus
attacks, deleted files, even a formatted hard drive, VirtualLab Data Recovery software
does the job. VirtualLab is incredibly easy to use, yet so powerful and robust that it is
used daily by data recovery companies world-wide.
File Scavenger
Source: [Link]
File Scavenger is a file “undelete” and data recovery utility for Windows. It can recover
files that have been accidentally delete (including files removed from the Recycle Bin, in
a DOS window, from a network drive, from Windows Explorer with the SHIFT key held
down) provided that recovery is attempted before the files are permanently overwritten by
new data.
Data Recovery Software
Source: [Link]
Windows Data Recovery Software can recover data from any logical crash or cause for
data loss on Windows. It combines TurboScan and file Tracer technology to recover data
from even the most severely corrupted hard drives.
MAC OS X Data Recovery Tool:
Boomerang Data Recovery Software
Source: [Link]
Boomerang Data Recovery Software for MacOS X recovers accidently deleted files,
folder, document, lost or damaged partitions, RAID volumes, camera/flash cards, etc.
Features:
⚫ Recovers a complete disk that no longer mounts or is formatted
⚫ Re-assembles RAID volumes and helps recover mission critical data
⚫ Scans the entire disk and recovers deleted files and documents
MAC OS X Data Recovery Tool:
VirtualLab
Source: [Link]
VirtualLab is non-destructive data recovery software that recovers deleted files, damaged
or missing volumes, formatted disks, iPods, and even photos. It performs and exhaustive
scan of the drive to locate lost partitions and files.
Data Recovery Tool for MAC OS X
DiskWarrior
Source: [Link]
DiskWarrior is a utility to eliminate directory damage and recover your files, folders,
documents, and data from a failing hard drive.
AppleXoft File Recovery for Mac
Source : [Link]
AppleXsoft File Recovery for Mac is a data recovery software tool that recovers Mac data
from corrupted, deleted, or formatted partitions and from crashed drives where
Macintosh-based file system are installed.
Disk Doctors Mac Data Recovery
Source : [Link]
Disk Doctors Mac Data Recovery software recovers lost and deleted data from HFS+ and
HFSX file systems on Mac OS X.
Data Recovery Tool for MAC OS X
R-Studio for Mac
Source: [Link]
R-Studio for Mac is specially designed for a Mac OS environment and recovers files from
HFS/HFS+ partitions. It also recovers data on disks, even if their partitions are formatted,
damaged, or deleted. Flexible parameter settings give you absolute control over data
recovery.
Data Rescue
Source: [Link]
Data Rescue recovers files from a problem hard drive or that have been previously
deleted.
Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery
Source : [Link]
Stellar Phoenix Mac Data Recovery recovers data lost or deleted from HFS, HFS+, WFS
Wrapper, FAT file system volumes, and data from HDD, USB flash drives, memory
cards, and iPods.
Data Recovery Tool for MAC OS X
FileSalvage
Source: [Link]
FileSalvage is a Mac application for exploring and recovering deleted files from a drive or
volume. It is designed to restore files that have been accidentally deleted, become
unreadable due to media faults, and stored on a drive before it was re-initialized/
formatted.
TechTool Pro
Source: [Link]
TechTool Pro is a full-featured utility program that contains options for testing and repair,
maintenance (including disk defragmentation), and data recovery for Macintosh OS.
Physical Security
Physical security is the protection of hardware, personnel, data and networks from
attacks that cause loss or damage. Factors affecting physical security include natural
disasters, fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and burglary.
Physical security is necessary to:
⚫ Prevent any unauthorized access to the computer systems
⚫ Prevent tampering / stealing of data from the computer systems
⚫ Protect the integrity of the data stored in the computer
⚫ Prevent the loss of data / damage to systems against any natural calamities
Critical components to physical security include multiple locks, fireproof safes, fencing,
walls, water sprinklers, surveillance and notification systems, heat sensors, smoke
detectors, and intrusion detectors.
Physical Security Measures: Locks
Physical security of the information systems is a major concern as the theft of data and
information systems has become common. Keys and locks are one of the safeguards for
securing critical information. Although keys and locks may not greatly help the physical
security, they act as the primary method of controlling physical access to the
information, information systems, and removable storage devices. Locks may be used to:
⚫ Protect the computer from unauthorized access by locking the doors and windows in
the computer premises
⚫ Lock the CPU and monitor to prevent them from being stolen
PCs include a locking feature. There is usually a socket on the front or a dongle at the
back that can be used to lock the PC with a sturdy cable. CPUs, laptops, and notebooks
can also be secured by locks.
Physical Security Measures:
Biometrics
Biometrics consists of methods to recognize individuals from their physical or
behavioral traits. No two individuals possess the same physical traits such as
fingerprints, eyes, face, etc. These traits can be used to authorize only certain people to
access the hardware.
Types of biometric security authentications include:
Fingerprinting:
The fingerprinting recognition mechanism involves identifying the unique fingerprint of
and individual
Retina scanning:
The retina recognition mechanism involves identifying the unique patterns of the retina by
using a low-intensity light source.
Iris scanning:
The iris recognition mechanism involves identifying the iris of the eye, which is the
colored area, with a video-based image acquisition system. The pattern of the iris is
unique to every individual.
Physical Security Measures:
Biometrics
Voice recognition:
The voice recognition mechanism involves identifying the voice of an individual by
identifying the unique speech characteristics such as the frequency between phonetics.
Face recognition:
The face recognition mechanism involves identifying the user by the analyzing the
distinctive features of the face such as the shape, pattern, and position of the facial
features.
Vein structure:
Vein structure can also be used as a biometric trait to authenticate a person; the
arrangement, location, and thickness of veins are considered unique biological traits and
are compared with stored data, thus authenticating a person if there is a match.
Physical Security Measures: Fire
Prevention
Fire is one element that can cause natural disasters. It may occur due to human error or
because of hardware failures. To prevent it, users should remember that fire can break
anywhere at any time. It needs three elements to break- fuel, oxygen, and an ignition.
Fire accidents can bring heavy losses and destructions in the workplace and may cause
major body injuries.
Physical Security Measures: Fire
Prevention
Fire preventive measures
To avoid fire-based accidents:
⚫ Make sure all the emergency doors and corridors are kept clear.
⚫ Use good quality wiring, tools, and equipment.
⚫ Avoid using equipment that gives mild electrical shock.
⚫ Keep the workplace dust-free and remove all the scraps as soon as possible.
⚫ Ensure that the trash is emptied regularly.
⚫ Install a fire alarm.
⚫ Turn of all equipment after use.
⚫ Prepare and implement a fire safety plan.
⚫ Know how to use a fire extinguisher.
Physical Security Measures: HVAC
Considerations
HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) is the technology developed for the
indoor environmental comfort of organizations. HVAC considerations include:
⚫ Power supplies to a building should have overload protection to protect the
equipment.
⚫ Fuses and circuit breakers have to be used to prevent electric fire.
⚫ Power stabilizers are recommended to avoid power fluctuations.
⚫ HVAC is also referred to as climate control.
Securing Laptops from Theft
Portability plays a dominant role in the popularity of the laptops. Laptop clientele includes
individuals who travel a lot- both business people and students. Laptop theft, however,
has been a major security concern for laptop users. Stolen laptops account for more
than 20% of the total security incidents that occur annually. Moreover, users lose
millions of dollars due to the theft of laptops and the information stored in them.
Laptops have made computing a lot more personal, and users tend to store confidential
information on them including bank account information, email account information, and
personal information such as photos, videos, and emails. Users should follow the
following measures to avoid laptops from being stolen and to recover them in case of a
theft:
Do’s
⚫ Note the laptop serial number and keep it safe.
⚫ Choose a laptop skin in order to recognize it easily.
⚫ Report laptop theft immediately.
Don’ts:
⚫ Do not leave the laptop unattended (in the car or out in the office / home).
⚫ Do not forget the password and avoid sharing it with others.
Laptops Theft Countermeasures
A lack of security measures allows an attacker to access the information stored on a
laptop. The following countermeasures help users prevent and counter laptop theft:
⚫ Encrypt sensitive data.
⚫ Back up everything on the laptop.
⚫ Install tracking tools on the laptop that help trace the location of the stolen laptop.
⚫ Set BIO’s password on the laptop.
⚫ Consider the laptop’s PC insurance.
⚫ Add third-party privacy protection for sensitive data.
⚫ Use physical locks.
⚫ Use strong, hardware-based security.
Module Summary
Backup is required in situations such as hardware failure, theft, system crash, and at the
time of disaster.
Users need to back up whenever there are changes to important files, so that the
latest copy is available even if the original is lost or damaged.
Online backup or remote backup is the method of off-site data storage in which the
contents of a hard drive are regularly backed up to another computer or the Internet
(remote server)
Normal, incremental, differential, and copy are the types of backups in Windows.
Physical security involves the protection of assets such as hardware, networks, and data
from attacks that cause loss or damage.
Laptop theft leads to the disclosure of information such as usernames, passwords,
confidential data, and other networking details related to connecting the laptop to
the corporate or Internet environment.
Data Backup Checklist
❑ Back up important documents, photos, favorites, email, etc, to CD, DVD, tape or
another disk at regular intervals
❑ Keep backup data in a safe place
❑ Keep multiple backup copies of important data
❑ Use encryption techniques to protect backup data
❑ Check for automated backup and scheduling features when selecting a backup tool
or service as manual backups are vulnerable to human error
❑ If you are using an online data backup and recovery service, check service provider’s
stability and track record
❑ Continuously verify your backup process for its effectiveness
Physical Security Checklist
❑ Survey the building and deal with obvious problems
❑ Use strong locks for the doors and windows
❑ Install appropriate air-conditioning and fire-detection systems in special rooms
❑ Maintain a temperature of less than 30 degrees centigrade and a humidity between
20 and 80 percent in the computer room
❑ Maintain a backup of sensitive information and keep it in a safe place
❑ Minimize the amount of paper and sensitive information left on desks
❑ Lock the documents in cabinets