Chapter – Five

Computer Safety and Security

Computer Security
 Computer security is a branch of computer
technology known as information security as applied
to computers and networks.
o It is the concept of attaining a secure computing
environment (i.e., an ideal state free from risk or
danger) by detecting the vulnerabilities associated
with computer use.
o It is a general term relating to measures designed
to protect computer assets in all configurations.
 The protection of information assets can be handled
using technology, processes and training.

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 Computer Security is technique developed to

safeguard information and information
systems stored on computers.

 Potential threats include the destruction of

computer hardware and software and the
loss, modification, theft, unauthorized use,
observation, or disclosure of computer data.

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Threats of Computer Systems
 Threat is a source of probable trouble or attack
to a system that could cause losses. One of the
threats in computer system is Virus.
Computer Viruses
 Computer viruses are software programs
that are able to reproduce themselves.
 It is the intellectual creation of a human
computer programmer.
 If a program is not able to replicate, then it
is not a virus. Most computer viruses are
damaging.
 Computer virus is a program that is
intentionally done to harm users’ program
without permission.
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Techniques to Reduce Security problems
 Antivirus software is a computer program
that detects, prevents, and takes action to
disarm or remove malicious software
programs, such as viruses and worms.
 Backup:-In information technology, a backup
or the process of backing up refers to making
copies of data so that these additional copies
may be used to restore the original after a
data loss event.
 Storing backup copies of software and data
and having backup computer and
communication capabilities are important
basic safeguards because the data can then be
restored if it was altered or destroyed by a
computer crime or accident.
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Data encryption and decryption
 Another technique to protect confidential
information is encryption (Encryption, process of
converting messages or data into a form that
cannot be read without decrypting or deciphering
it.
 The root of the word encryption—crypt—comes
from the Greek word kryptos, meaning “hidden”
or “secret.”)
 Data encryption is a process in which plaintext
data is converted into cipher (SECRET) text so
that it cannot be read. More generally known as
“encryption”.
 Decryption is the process of extracting the
original information from the encrypted data.
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 Passwords: Passwords are confidential

sequences of characters that allow
approved persons to make use of specified
computers, software, or information.

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 Rules for Safe Computing

 These simple rules will protect /secure/ your

system from computer virus infection
 Never load unknown disks into system
unless the disks are virus free
 Do not use infected software (executable
files) unless they are free of virus infection
 Backup your data regularly to protect the
data loss from any cause

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 Prevent unauthorized access

 Lock your computer when not in use

 Install antivirus program on to your

computer and update regularly/configure
to update itself automatically if there is
internet connection

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 Environmental factors

 Temperature: integrated circuits and other

devices in the computer systems are sensitive to
temperature. During normal operation, the
computer generates heat, which is tolerable to the
circuitry.
Measures:
 Reset the system if intermittent failure occurs;
 Keep the cooling ventilator cleans
 Keep the system disk in cool and dry place
 If possible, install air conditioner in the room

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Dust: The static electrical charge that builds up in the
computer systems and the monitor attracts dust.

 Dust is a major contributor for integrated circuits

failure in the system. Electro mechanical devices such
as printers and disk drives have a number of moving
parts that get dirty causing overheating and early
failures

Measures:

 Clean computer systems and its peripherals

periodically

 Use dust covers

 Keep computer room windows closed

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 No smoking near the system

 Do not touch the surface of disk drives and other

internal components

 Clean the inside portion as well as the area with a

vacuum cleaner

 Blow the dust in the screen with a pressurized anti-

static spray

 Use soft brush to clean the screen and clean the

cabinets with mild soap and then dry them with a

piece of soft cloth.

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