Topic 4: Computer Security (Week 7)

Module Overview:
In today’s digital world, we use computers and the internet for almost everything — communication,
banking, education, and entertainment. But with these benefits come risks. Just like in real life, there
are dangers in the digital world. This topic will help you understand what computer security is, what
threats exist, and how we can protect ourselves and our data. We will also learn about important laws
that protect our privacy and punish cybercriminals.

Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 Define computer security and explain its main elements.
 Identify common types of threats and basic protection methods.
 Understand the importance of the Cybercrime Prevention Act and the Data Privacy Act of
2012.

1. WHAT IS COMPUTER SECURITY?

Computer security (or cybersecurity) protects computers, networks, software, and data from
unauthorized access and harmful attacks. It works like a digital defense system—preventing problems,
detecting threats, and responding quickly when something goes wrong.

Key Goals of Computer Security (CIA Triad):

1. Confidentiality – Keeping your information private and only visible to authorized users.
2. Integrity – Ensuring data is correct and hasn’t been tampered with.
3. Availability – Making sure systems and data are accessible when you need them.

1.1. Types of Computer Security

Computer security comes in different forms, depending on what’s being protected:
 Cybersecurity – Focuses on systems connected to the internet.
 Information Security – Protects data from theft or illegal access.
 Application Security – Secures software and databases.
 Network Security – Keeps data safe while it's being transmitted across a network.

1.2. Common Terminologies

Here are a few important terms to remember:
Term Definition
Hacker A person who tries to break into computers or networks without permission.
Malware Harmful software like viruses, worms, or spyware.
Phishing Fake emails or messages that trick you into revealing personal information.
Firewall A protective barrier that blocks harmful data from entering your computer.
Antivirus Software that detects and removes harmful programs.

1.3. Layers of Security

Security works best in layers—just like a house with a fence, locked door, and alarm system.
 Physical Security – Prevents theft or physical damage to computers.
o Example: A company installs CCTV cameras, biometric access control (fingerprint
scanners), and security guards at the data center to prevent unauthorized entry and
theft of computers or hard drives.
o Real-world scenario: Banks use locked server rooms with restricted access to protect
their financial systems from physical tampering or theft.

 Network Security – Secures connections using firewalls and secure routers.

 o Example: An organization configures a firewall to block unauthorized traffic and uses
a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to allow remote employees to connect securely to the
company network.
o Real-world scenario: Companies like Google or Facebook use network security tools
to detect and block hacking attempts from external networks.

 Application Security – Keeps software updated and safe from bugs.

o Example: A developer regularly releases software patches and updates to fix
vulnerabilities in a mobile banking app and uses code scanning tools to detect and
prevent bugs before deployment.
o Real-world scenario: WhatsApp updates its app frequently to fix security issues and
prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in chat features.

 Data Security – Uses encryption to scramble sensitive information.

o Example: An e-commerce website encrypts customers' credit card information using
SSL/TLS encryption during transactions to prevent data theft.
o Real-world scenario: Amazon uses encryption to protect customer data, ensuring that
personal and payment details cannot be accessed by unauthorized users.

1.4. Types of Cyber Threats

Here are some of the most common ways hackers try to attack:
Threat Type Description
Malware Software that damages or steals data.
Phishing Fake emails or websites to steal passwords or data.
Spoofing Pretending to be someone trusted to trick you.
Social Engineering Tricking people into revealing sensitive information.
Ransomware Locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.
Trojan Horse Disguised as safe software but actually harmful.
Worms & Viruses Self-spreading programs that infect computers.
Eavesdropping Secretly listening to private conversations or data.
Backdoor Attacks Using hidden pathways to secretly access systems.
Polymorphic Attacks Malware that changes form to avoid being detected.
DoS (Denial of
Overloads a system to shut it down or make it unavailable.
Service)

1.5. Tools for Computer Security

To stay safe, we use a combination of tools and smart habits:
 Antivirus Software – Scans and removes viruses and malware.
Examples:
o Norton Antivirus – Offers real-time threat protection and malware removal.
o Kaspersky Antivirus – Detects viruses, spyware, and ransomware with advanced
scanning.
o Windows Defender – Built-in antivirus in Windows systems, providing basic
protection.
o Bitdefender – Known for lightweight and strong virus protection with minimal system
slowdown.

 Firewalls – Block unwanted access to your network.

Examples:
o ZoneAlarm Firewall – A user-friendly personal firewall for blocking suspicious traffic.
o pfSense – An open-source firewall/router software used for network protection.
o Windows Firewall – A built-in feature of Microsoft Windows for controlling inbound
and outbound traffic.
o Cisco ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) – Enterprise-level hardware firewall used
in organizations.
  Anti-spyware Tools – Prevent spying and data leaks.
Examples:
o Malwarebytes – Detects and removes spyware, adware, and other malware.
o SUPERAntiSpyware – Specializes in removing spyware and other malicious software.
o Spybot Search & Destroy – Detects and removes spyware and provides
immunization features.
o AdwCleaner – Removes adware, toolbars, and potentially unwanted programs
(PUPs).

 Password Managers – Help create and store strong passwords.

Examples:
o LastPass – Stores encrypted passwords online and auto-fills login details.
o 1Password – Offers secure storage for passwords, credit cards, and documents.
o Bitwarden – An open-source password manager with strong encryption.
o Dashlane – Features a password generator, secure vault, and dark web monitoring.

 Encryption Software – Scrambles your data so only authorized users can read it.
Examples:
o VeraCrypt – Open-source disk encryption for full or partial drive protection.
o BitLocker – Built-in Windows tool for encrypting entire drives.
o AxCrypt – Simple file encryption software for individuals and small teams.
o NordLocker – Cloud-based file encryption with zero-knowledge encryption
technology.

1.6. Cyber Safety Tips for Everyone

 Keep systems and software up-to-date.
 Use secure internet connections (avoid public Wi-Fi for private tasks).
 Use strong, unique passwords—and never share them.
 Think before clicking on unknown links or attachments.
 Be cautious with online purchases and personal info.
 Avoid pirated or cracked software—it often contains malware.
 Stay informed about cybersecurity threats.
 Report any suspicious activity to authorities or your IT department.

2. LEGAL PROTECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175)
This law punishes crimes done online. It covers:
 Hacking and identity theft
 Online scams and fraud
 Cyberbullying and online libel
 Spreading harmful software
It gives the government power to investigate and penalize cybercriminals.

2.1 Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173)

This law protects your personal information. Organizations must:
 Ask for your permission before collecting your data
 Explain how your data will be used
 Keep your personal data secure
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) enforces this law to ensure your digital rights are protected.

3. ETHICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY

As technology grows, it creates both opportunities and risks. One major concern is how digital systems
can affect privacy, security, and fairness. Ethical behavior means making decisions that respect the
rights and well-being of others—this is especially important for IT professionals and users alike.
From the ACM Code of Ethics, computing professionals are expected to:
 Avoid harm to users or society.
 Be honest and trustworthy in handling information.
 Respect privacy and confidentiality, especially of user data.
 Design secure systems that prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

4. COMPUTER CRIME AND ABUSE

Some actions involving technology are illegal (computer crimes), while others may be unethical but not
necessarily illegal (computer abuse). Here are examples:
 Computer Crime: Hacking, identity theft, or spreading malware.
 Computer Abuse: Sending spam or using someone’s computer without permission.

These actions violate laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) and go against ethical
standards.

5. PRIVACY AND INFORMATION RIGHTS

Privacy is the right to control personal information and be free from unwanted surveillance. New
technologies, like location tracking and data profiling, raise serious concerns about who sees your data
and how it's used.

Key protections in the Philippines include:

 The 1987 Constitution (freedom from unreasonable searches).
 The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) – requires companies to get consent and secure your
personal data.

6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal protections given to the creators and owners of works that
are the result of human intellectual creativity. These rights allow individuals or organizations to control
the use, distribution, and commercialization of their creations or inventions for a specific period of time.

Main Objectives of IPR:

 Encourage innovation and creativity
 Promote economic growth
 Reward creators for their efforts
 Prevent unauthorized use or exploitation of original works

6.1. PATENT
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention—a product or process that offers a new technical
solution to a problem or a new way of doing something. Patents give inventors the right to exclude
others from making, using, selling, or distributing the invention without permission for a certain period
(usually 20 years from the filing date).

Key Features:
 Must be novel, non-obvious, and useful
 Requires full disclosure of the invention
 Time-limited protection

Real-World Examples:
 Apple’s iPhone patent: Apple patented the design and technology behind the multi-touch
screen interface. This patent prevented other companies from copying the iPhone’s
touchscreen gestures.
 Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine patent: Pfizer and BioNTech patented their mRNA vaccine
technology, giving them exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute it.

6.2. COPYRIGHT
Copyright is the legal right that grants the creator of original works (like books, music, films, software,
artwork, etc.) exclusive rights to use, reproduce, distribute, and display the work. Unlike patents,
copyright protects the expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves.

Key Features:
 Applies automatically upon creation of the work (in tangible form)
 Lasts during the author's life + 50 or 70 years (depending on the country)
 Protects literary, artistic, and musical works

Real-World Examples:
 J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series: The books, movies, and related merchandise are
protected by copyright. Unauthorized copying or selling is illegal.
 Adobe Photoshop software: Adobe owns the copyright to the software, preventing piracy or
unauthorized distribution.
 Disney movies and characters: Disney holds copyright on characters like Mickey Mouse and
movies like "Frozen", controlling their use in other media or merchandise.

6.3. TRADEMARK
A trademark is a recognizable sign, design, logo, symbol, word, or phrase that identifies and
distinguishes the source of goods or services of one entity from another. Trademarks help build brand
identity and consumer trust.

Key Features:
 Can be renewed indefinitely as long as it is in use
 Protects brand identity, logos, taglines, product names
 Must be registered for legal protection in many jurisdictions

Real-World Examples:
 Nike’s “swoosh” logo and “Just Do It” slogan: These are registered trademarks that help
identify Nike’s products. No other brand can legally use them.
 McDonald’s Golden Arches (M logo): This trademark is globally recognized and protected.
 Coca-Cola’s bottle shape and logo: Both are trademarked to prevent imitation and preserve
brand uniqueness.

6.4 COMPARISON TABLE

Category What It Protects Duration Example
Inventions and technical
Patent 20 years iPhone multi-touch interface
processes
Life of author + 50– Harry Potter books, Adobe
Copyright Original creative works
70 years software
Brand names, logos, Renewable (usually Nike “Swoosh”, McDonald's
Trademark
symbols every 10 yrs) logo

6.5 Why IPR Matters in the Real World

1. Encourages Innovation: Startups and companies invest in R&D knowing their inventions will
be protected.
2. Promotes Creativity: Artists, musicians, and writers are more motivated to create original
works.
3. Boosts Economy: Licensing, royalties, and branding help generate economic value.
4. Protects Consumers: Ensures products are authentic and from trusted sources.

7. COPYRIGHT AND PLAGIARISM IN COMPUTING

 Copyright ensures creators have control over their work. Using or sharing copyrighted
software, music, or books without permission is illegal.
  Plagiarism is using someone else’s work without giving credit. In school and work, this is
considered unethical and dishonest—even when done online.

Tools like Turnitin are used in schools to check for plagiarism and promote academic honesty.

8. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Being in IT isn’t just about knowing how to code—it’s also about acting responsibly. Professionals are
expected to:
 Work only in areas where they are qualified.
 Use systems and data only when authorized.
 Promote public awareness about technology risks.
 Design systems that are safe, inclusive, and respect users' rights.

CONCLUSION
Computer security is like a digital shield—it keeps our personal data, files, and systems safe from harm.
As students and future professionals, knowing how to protect yourself online and understanding your
rights under Philippine laws will help you become a responsible and safe digital citizen.

Remember: Think before you click, protect your info, and stay alert.

Video Link:
 Computer Security | Definition, Components & Threats | [Link]
[Link]
 Computer Security Tips | Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice
[Link]

References:
 Secure Connections. (2022, March). Cybersecurity in the Philippines: Global context and local
challenges. The Asia Foundation.
[Link]
local-challenges/
 GeeksforGeeks. (n.d.). Computer security - Overview.
[Link]
 Du, W. (2022). Computer security: A hands-on approach.
[Link]
 Data Privacy Act of 2012 | National Privacy Commission
[Link]