Being More Secure (Grade 10 NSC Matric Computer Application Technology): Revision Notes
Being More Secure
Why computer security matters
Computer security is something every computer user should take very seriously. When security is breached, it can cause major problems that affect both individuals and businesses. This means you need to take certain steps to prevent and detect unauthorised access to your computer.
Unauthorised use refers to anyone who gets access to your computer without your permission. In the worst-case scenario, this could mean hackers who break into computer systems to steal, change, or destroy important information.
The good news is that there are several steps you can take to make your computer more secure, starting with creating a strong password.
Create a password
What is a password?
Computer passwords help identify the correct user and prevent unauthorised access. A password consists of a string of secret characters, numbers, or words that verify your identity during the authentication process. It works together with a username and should be known only to you, allowing you to gain access to a device, application, or website.
Setting up a password in Windows 10
You can create a password in Windows 10 by following these steps:
- Click on the Start button
- Type in "Control Panel"
- Open the Control Panel and click on "User Accounts"
- Open "User Accounts" and choose "Make changes to accounts"
- Click on "Add a new user in PC settings"
- Choose "Make changes to my account in PC settings"
- Click or tap "Sign-in options" from the left
- In the Password area, click on the "Add" button
- Enter the new password correctly in both text fields where required
- In the Password Hint field, enter something that will help you remember the password, then click "Next"
- Click on "Finish" to complete the password setup
Remember to log off when you're done using your computer so that no one else can access your information.
Tips for creating a strong password
Here are some important guidelines for creating secure passwords:
- Make it long: A minimum of 12 characters is recommended - the longer the better
- Mix it up: Use a combination of capitalisation, spelling, numbers, and punctuation
- Avoid common words: Don't use names, places, or dictionary words
- Use memorable sentences: For example, use your name and date of birth in a creative way
- Try the first letter method: Use the first letters of each word as your password
Worked Example: Creating a Strong Password
Using the first letter method: "My name is Julia Mabula and I was born on 13 March 2001!" could become "MniJMaIwbo13M21" - that's 16 characters with letters (both upper- and lowercase), numbers, and symbols.
Other authentication methods
The world of computers is changing rapidly. Nowadays, you can unlock your computer and phone with just the touch of your finger. Businesses that take security seriously use various methods like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, or iris scanners to protect information on their computers.
Screen lock pattern
Users can secure their smartphones or tablets using a screen lock pattern. Every time the user turns the phone on or wakes it up from standby mode, it requires a screen lock pattern. This can be in the form of a pin, password, fingerprint scan, and nowadays, users can even unlock their devices by scanning their retina.
Here's what makes screen lock patterns useful:
- It's a simple pattern that you draw with your finger
- It makes the device more secure and less accessible to others
- If you take privacy very seriously, using a pattern to lock the device can be really handy
Biometric authentication
Modern authentication methods include several types of biometric scanning that use your unique physical characteristics:
- Fingerprint scanning: Uses your unique fingerprint pattern
- Facial recognition: Analyses your facial features
- Iris scanning: Scans the unique pattern in your eyes
These methods are becoming increasingly popular because they use something that's uniquely yours - your physical characteristics - making them very difficult for others to replicate or steal.
Remember!
Key Security Points to Remember:
- Computer security should be taken seriously by every user
- Unauthorised access can lead to serious problems including theft, changes, or destruction of information
- Strong passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid using dictionary words, names, or places in your passwords
- Modern authentication methods like biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scanning) provide additional security layers
- Screen lock patterns are simple but effective ways to secure mobile devices