Security : Introduction

Data security is the application of safeguards to protect data from accidental or deliberate change, deletion or disclosure.

There are four main threats to the safety of data. These are :

• Accidental Damage
• Data Theft
• Hacking
• Computer Viruses

Sensible organisations take appropriate measures to ensure that the data they store remains secure. Common security measures include password systems, logs and regular backups. The most appropriate measures to use in a particular situation will depend on :

• How important the data is.
• How confidential the data is.
• How likely it is that someone will want to steal, change or destroy the data.

If the stored data relates to identfiable individuals then a company must keep data secure to comply with the Data Protection Act.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004