Security and Safeguards (Grade 12 NSC Matric Computer Application Technology): Revision Notes
Security and Safeguards
Computer operating systems come with built-in security features that help protect your applications and personal information. These security measures work behind the scenes to prevent harmful software, such as keyloggers, from discovering sensitive information like banking passwords. Without these vital protections, malicious software could cause serious damage to both your computer system and your personal security.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to computer security. The most effective protection comes from developing good digital habits before threats can reach your system.
Avoiding security threats
The most effective way to stay safe online is to prevent security threats from happening in the first place. Think of it as building strong digital habits that act as your first line of defence. Here are the essential steps you can take to protect yourself:
Creating strong digital habits
Use secure passwords - Your password is like the key to your digital life. Make it strong and unique for each account you create.
Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If one account gets compromised, all your other accounts using that password become vulnerable.
Pay careful attention to websites and links - Before clicking on any link, take a moment to check if it looks legitimate. Cybercriminals often create fake websites that look very similar to real ones.
Don't share sensitive information unnecessarily - While sharing information online is part of using the internet, you need to be selective about which websites receive your personal details. If you provide your email address to every website you visit, don't be surprised when your inbox fills up with spam emails.
Recognising dangerous communications
Don't open suspicious emails - Be wary of emails that seem too good to be true, ask for sensitive information, contain executable attachments, or have poor spelling and grammar. These are often signs of phishing attempts or malware distribution.
Warning Signs of Malicious Emails:
- Requests for sensitive information like passwords or bank details
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Poor spelling and grammar
- Claims of urgent action required
- "Too good to be true" offers
Don't download suspicious programmes or attachments - Even if you recognise the sender's email address, never download unexpected attachments. Your friend's account might have been compromised, and they could unknowingly be sending you a virus.
Keeping your software current
Keep your antivirus application up to date - Your antivirus software is your last line of defence against malicious threats. Regular updates ensure it can recognise and block the latest security threats that cybercriminals develop.
Keep your other software up to date - Software developers regularly release updates to fix security weaknesses that hackers might exploit. Installing these updates promptly helps keep your computer secure.
Use two-factor authentication whenever possible - This security feature requires both your password and a second verification method (usually your mobile phone) to access your accounts. This means that even if someone discovers your password, they still can't access your account without physical access to your phone.
Two-factor authentication significantly increases your account security. Even if your password is stolen, the second verification step acts as an additional barrier against unauthorised access.
Safeguards against criminals, viruses and threats
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you cannot avoid all security risks. Fortunately, there are powerful software solutions designed to protect you against threats you might not even notice. These protective programmes work continuously in the background to keep your system safe.
Firewalls
A firewall acts as a digital security guard for your network connection. It carefully monitors all data flowing in and out of your computer, checking whether each piece of information meets specific security standards. If the firewall detects any suspicious activity that doesn't follow the established security rules, it immediately blocks that data from reaching your computer. This prevents malware from spreading across computer networks.
How Firewalls Work:
A firewall is responsible for monitoring all incoming and outgoing traffic on a network. If the firewall detects any traffic that is not within the defined set of security rules, it is blocked.
Popular firewall software includes ZoneAlarm, Comodo, and GlassWire. While Windows 10 includes a basic firewall system, you might need additional protection against more sophisticated malware attacks.
Antivirus programmes
An antivirus programme functions like a digital immune system for your computer. It continuously scans your system and any connected storage devices to detect, identify, and remove malicious software. The programme operates as a background process, which means it works quietly without interrupting your daily computer use.
What Antivirus Programmes Do:
An antivirus programme is a computer programme designed to detect, identify, prevent and remove malware from your computer. It runs continuously in the background to provide real-time protection.
Well-known antivirus programmes include Bitdefender, Norton, and Webroot. Windows 10 comes with "Windows Defender" as its built-in antivirus protection. While this basic programme provides adequate protection for most users, you might need more advanced antivirus software if you face serious security threats.
Interestingly, antivirus programmes were originally developed specifically to combat computer viruses, which is how they got their name "antivirus."
Anti-spyware
Anti-spyware software provides specialised protection against spyware programmes that try to secretly monitor your computer activities. These protective programmes work by constantly monitoring your emails, tracking the websites you visit, and checking files you download. When the anti-spyware detects a malicious programme attempting to install itself, it prevents the installation from completing.
Anti-spyware Function:
Anti-spyware programmes are designed to prevent, detect and remove spyware programmes from your computer. They work by monitoring system activities and blocking suspicious installations.
Examples of reliable anti-spyware programmes include Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and AVG. Some anti-spyware programmes focus exclusively on blocking spyware, while others provide comprehensive protection against various types of malicious software, including viruses.
Key Points to Remember:
- Prevention first: The best security strategy involves developing safe digital habits before problems occur
- Keep everything updated: Regular updates to your antivirus and other software provide protection against the latest threats
- Use multiple layers of protection: Firewalls, antivirus, and anti-spyware work together to create comprehensive security
- Be suspicious of unexpected communications: Don't open emails or download files from unknown sources
- Enable two-factor authentication: This extra security step significantly reduces your risk of account compromise