L16: COMPUTER SECURITY

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER SECURITY
Computer security means protecting our computer systems and the information they contain against unwanted access, damage, destruction or modification.

We need to protect our computer from any intruders such as hackers, crackers and script kiddie.

We do not want strangers to read our e-mail, use our computer to
attack other systems, send forged e-mail from our computer, or examine personal information stored on our computer such as financial statements.


TYPES OF COMPUTER SECURITY
Three types of computer security are:
a) hardware security
b) software security/data security
c) network security

a) HARDWARE SECURITY
Hardware security refers to security measures used to protect the hardware specifically the computer and its related documents.

The examples of security measures used to protect the hardware include PC-locks, keyboard-locks, smart cards and biometric devices.

b) SOFTWARE AND DATA SECURITY
Software and data security refers to the security measures used to protect the software and the loss of data files.

Examples of security measures used to protect the software are activation code and serial number.

c) NETWORK SECURITY
The transfer of data through network has become a common practice and the need to implement network security has become significant.

PERSONAL COMPUTER SECURITY CHECKLIST
In order to make sure our computers are secured, here are the computer
security checklist to follow.
 Do not eat, drink or smoke near the computer
 Do not place the computer near open windows or doors
 Do not subject the computer to extreme temperatures
 Clean the equipment regularly
 Place a cable lock on the computer
 Use a surge protector
 Store disks properly in a locked container
 Maintain backup copies of all files
 Stores copies of critical files off sites
 Scan a floppy disk before you open it
 Do not open any unknown email received