Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Threats to
computers
and the data
they hold
- Hackers
- Unless protected, anyone could potentially gain access to a
computer system to edit, copy or delete computer files.
Unauthorised users are sometimes called hackers.
- Malware
- Malware is the term for any computer program installed either
deliberately or accidentally on a computer with the intention of
causing harm. The most common types of malware are
- Viruses: these are programs designed to disrupt the workings of a computer.
They are called viruses because they are designed to be spread from one
infected machine to another. Viruses can be downloaded from websites or
installed by opening a file attatched to a SPAM email.
- Spyware: this is software designed to monitor the ways the computer is used and then
report this back to someone. One example is keystroke software - this could be used to
record someone's password being typed into a bank website.
- Adware: this is software designed to monitor your
internet use and then display adverts based on your
web-browsing habits. Some software producers
include adware in their programs as a way of
getting back some of the costs of developing their
products. Many people believe that adware is an
invasion of privacy.
- Phising: this is when you recieve an email pretending
to be from your bank or other business, requestiong
that you visit their website and re-enter your password
or other personal information. In reality, the website is
a fake and the owner will use the data they collect from
you to hack into your real bank account to withdraw
money. Phishing emails are examples of SPAM.
- SPAM
- The email equivalent of junk mail
- The sender will often send the same message to
thousands of random email addresses
- They are hoping that just a few people will respond
- SPAM emails often contain fake offers to buy something
- It is a very common way to send viruses
- User precautions against
unauthorised files
- Users should be very careful when using
the internet and email. In particular:
- NEVER open an email attatchment unless you are
certain what the file contains.
- This especially includes emails recieved from people
you do not know (SPAM messages)
- Be very careful when visiting websites
- Always be on the look out for
potential problems
- NEVER give out your personal data to sources
unless you can definitely trust them
- Just because a hyperlink in an email message says
it will direct you to your bank, it doesn't mean that is
where you are being taken
- ALWAYS make sure that computer security software
is kept up to date and switched on
- Never leave your computer unattended
whilst you are logged on
- Anyone can then use it to gain access to your files and other parts of the system
- One solution is to 'lock' the screen so that it can only be
unlocked by entering your password
- When shopping on the internet, always
make sure that the website you are using to
enter your payment details is encrypted