Computer security and copyright

Computers make it so easy for us to create information which is essentially data that is processed. It is very easy for us to create different forms of information using a computer. What makes it even better is that this information can be shared. We can share this information using networks, which means we can send it to different people and depending on the system we are using, we can even work collaboratively on the information.

The thing that we have to remember is that this information is in digital form which makes this data risky. It means that whatever technology system we are using, it is at risk of attack from individuals that do not have the authorised access access to the system and from malicious software.

 

Why do people attack systems?

• To cause damage to systems

• For fun and enjoyment

• To challenge themselves

• To steal data and make money from it

• To use the computers to attack other networks

 

What are some of the security risks?

Malware is the name given to anything that is malicious. You will often see on websites that it is referred to as malicious software. It is a group of software that can cause damage to computers but that may not always be the case. Below I have listed some of the malicious software that are out there. Do not forget that a software is basically a program that has been coded. It is has been coded using a language such as VB or C++ etc..

 

Virus

A computer virus is a malicious program that attaches itself to files. The files are called hosts. They are generally spread through the use of emails i.e. in the form of attachments. The host, i.e. file can be spread across different devices i.e. each time you copy the file, you are spreading the virus. Think of it like a human virus. I would class viruses as destructive malicious programs that can cause a lot of damage to computers.

 

Spyware

Spyware: Spyware is not malicious and in most cases it will not cause any damage to the computer. Spyware is classed as privacy invasive software which means that they generally track your browsing history such as the things you have purchased and looked at etc..

There are some spyware that can be a nuisance and slow down your computer but they won't necessarily cause any damage to your computer like a virus does which can make some computers inoperable. The software will collect information without the user’s knowledge and that is why it is a security risk. Some freeware software you install will be bundled with spyware and some do specify that they will track and collect information from your computer.

 

Worm

Worm: A worm is a malicious program. It is a program that replicates itself and spreads to different networks. When it replicates, it uses resources and slow down the computer. It spreads across different computers using computer networks. A worm does not attach itself to anything compared to a virus. Worms also cause damage to networks compared to viruses that corrupting system files. There are some types of worms that just spread across different networks and do not cause any damage.

 

Trojan horse

A trojan horse is a non-replicating malware, unlike worms, a trojan horse will contain malicious code and when that code is executed it will cause damage to the computer. The code itself will determine what actions it will perform so it is the individual who has created it that decides how the malicious program will behave. The trojan horse will appear inside of programs, tools that will appear to be useful and harmless but once it is clicked on, it will activate its malicious code and cause damage to the computer. 

 

Summary

We have gone through the main types of malware but you also have to remember that when you are entering data using forms or data into different website, you cannot be sure that the data you are entering is kept secure. Most companies take security seriously and if you are transmitting sensitive data such as credit card details then they will encrypt that information. You can tell if a website is encrypting your information as it will have a padlock.

 

Encrypting data is the process of making data secure by changing the original data into a form that is not understandable. The data can only be converted back to the original form if the individual has the key that was used to encrypt the data. Why would you encrypt data? You encrypt data so that if anyone gets hold of the data they will not be able to access the data and read the contents.

 

We know how important security is and individuals and business all try to keep their computers safe because more and more of us are shopping online and we are transmitting sensitive information across the Internet

 

How can we keep safe online?

1. Keep all of your software up to date

2. Use different passwords on different website.with each password being a minimum of 8 characters containing uppercase, lowercase and numbers

3. Do not share your password with anyone

4. Use an antivirus software such as AVG

5. Use a firewall such as Comodo to prevent hackers accessing your computer

6. Make sure the website is using a padlock before log-in

7. In terms of networks, you can add restrictions and you can add different levels of access for data

8. Do not use torrents or download illegal software as these are bundled with malicious software

 

Think about the last example. At school you have access to the R-drive but you cannot add anything to it or delete anything. The  permission you have is Read, and you are denied Write and Delete. The same thing is true for the G-drive. This is the staff drive and no student has access to this drive. This is essentially different levels of access for different users. This is so data is not deleted and the system is not compromised.

 

You can find some of the things we have discussed in the link below and you can do some extra research yourself but for the exam it is important you know the definitions. 

http://www.bullguard.com/bullguard-security-center/pc-security/computer-threats/malware-definition,-history-and-classification.aspx

 

Copyright

The Internet has made it so much easier for us to share information. A few years ago over 30 percent of all Internet traffic was from bit-torrent. This is the technology that allows individuals to share information. This makes it easier to share pirated material as you view what you want and you can download it from other individuals. If you have not created that information or software then it means that it is copyrighted. This means that it is protected by copyright laws which gives the owner the power to prosecute anyone if they are using their work as their own. 

 

Copyright law covers the following:

• Books

• Music

• Software

• artwork

• photographs

• Digital documents

 

Developing technology systems

In today's world, everyone is looking for that competitive advantage. This is quite true for businesses as they want to have that edge over their competitors. Technology is one way that allows business to take advantage of it. Businesses usually improve their technology or develop new technology to:

• Cut down cost: This can be done by automating certain processes which means you will cut down on number of staff working. It can also be done by using IT to reduce energy consumption

• Improve product

• Improve service: This can be done by automating certain processes so it can be done quickly and to make it easier for customers to interact with the system and staff to manage it

• Competitive advantage: If you develop a system that offers some form of reporting or a service that other businesses do not offer, you will have an advantage. For example you may have a system that is built-in to boilers that will track the last time it was serviced, when it needs parts replacing and self-diagnosis 

 

Applications of technology systems and issues summary

 

1. Give three examples of the uses of technology systems in different sectors, e.g. finance and construction

2. what are the environmental benefits and drawbacks of using technology

3. Give three reasons why an organisation might want to develop and improve its technology system

4. Give two benefits of using robots in (Computer Aided Manufacturer) systems examples of why 

 

Note: Questions taken from: BTEC First Information and Creative Technology | Pearson.

 

Things you will need to reflect on

 

Using technology in businesses is an important part of reducing cost, improving service as well as performance. You also have to consider Health and Safety. 

 

The health and safety I am referring to are the following: 

1. Regular breaks: It is important that when you are using computers that you take regular breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries and to rest your eyes 

2. Positioning: It is important that you are sitting properly, your back is straight, your feet well supported, your eyes slightly above the screen and you hands not too far away from the keyboard. The reason why we do this is to prevent strain or discomfort. It is also a requirement for businesses to ensure that their staff are able to use the devices properly and that appropriate measures are put in place to reduce RSI 

3. We mentioned about security already but it an important aspect of technology systems

 

Key terms

Malware: malware is a name given to malicious software. We went through different types of malware and the characteristics of them as well

 

Sustainability: this involves protecting the environment and using resources that does not danger the environment.

 

Computer hardware devices

Definitions

The term hardware is given to anything we can physically touch. It is used to describe physical devices and components used in computer systems. For example, if we looked at a desktop computer. we have the input: mouse / keyboard, output: monitor and we have the base unit as well. Software is code, or programs/applications that we use to control the hardware.

Hardware devices

It is important that you know about different computer systems and what they are used for as well as the features they have. The table below will go through this.

 

SystemFeaturesKey usesLaptopPortable computer, small in size and quite powerful.Mobile computing, ability to access Wi-Fi or use 3G.Personal Computer

Different types of processor: single core, dual core, quad core

Processor speed: 3.05 ghz

RAM: example 2 GB, 4 GB

Type of operating system: Linux, Windows, OS X

Storage capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB (solid state or standard)

Network connectivity: Wired or wireless

 

 

Browsing the Internet, running word processing software, playing games etc ...

ServerPowerful computers that have lots of storage space, good cooling and plenty of RAM to be able to handle all the requirements 

Providing different roles such as print server role, file server role and application server

TabletTouch screen, compact  Web browsing, gaming, social mediaProgrammable digital devicesDevices with digital control, for example a television, microwave overControlling the hardware Games consoleA computer that is designed not only to play games but to also other multimedia functionality that it offersGaming

 

 

Browsing the Internet, running word processing software, playing games etc ...

ServerPowerful computers that have lots of storage space, good cooling and plenty of RAM to be able to handle all the requirements 

Providing different roles such as print server role, file server role and application server

TabletTouch screen, compact  Web browsing, gaming, social media

Programmable digital devicesDevices with digital control, for example a television, microwave overControlling the hardware 

Games consoleA computer that is designed not only to play games but to also other multimedia functionality that it offersGaming

 

Hardware devices uses

Hardware devices are used by technology systems for:

Input: this is where you are sending instructions or commands to the system. For example clicking on something is using an input device such as a mouse to send instructions to the computer. Devices: mouse, keyboard, touch-pad, microphone, sensors and digital camera

 

Output: this is where you see the results of instructions that have been processed. In others words this can also be the transfer of information out of the system. For example to be displayed onto the monitor. Devices: monitor, speaker, printer, projector, robots arms 

 

Storage: this is where all of your data is going to be saved such as your documents, images, music, videos etc... This data will still reside when the computer is turned off. There are different types of storage devices such as optical media i.e. CDs, DVD, magnetic media such as hard disks and solid state drives

 

Different types of printers

 

Inkjet: These are quite cheap to purchase but you will usually have to pay for the cartridges once they run out and over time this will cost more than the device. Companies generally tend to sell the printers at a low cost and sell the cartridges at a higher price. This is probably where most of their profits come from. This form of printer is common in homes as it is quite inexpensive and seen in offices as well. The reason why people use these printers is that they produce high quality printing and so are ideal for printing photos but not recommended for large volume printing.

How does it work?

The print head assembly is the heart of the printer. This is what fires the ink droplets onto the printer. The printer has a nozzle, depending on the design that fires the ink. The only drawback I can think of from personal experience is that the nozzle can dry up if you don't use the printer for long period of time.

 

Laser: Laser is quite common in offices and it is gaining popularity in homes due to the cost side. Laser is much cheaper to run and maintain compares to inkjet. Initially you will pay the printer but the toner itself can cost quite a bit though compares to inkjet it is much cheaper in the long run,

How does it work?

The printer uses a laser. The laser is used to create an image of each document, an image made of toner. The powder sticks to the page due to static electricity.

 

Video that shows this process