Security : Limiting Physical Access

Access to a computer system and data can be limited by keeping the system in a locked room. Locks and keys, security guards and video cameras can be used to ensure that unauthorised people can not gain access to the area in which the computer system is situated.

This would not however stop an employee who had the authority to access the computer room from causing deliberate or accidental damage or stealing important data.

A further limitation of this solution is that it is not always possible to limit access to a computer system physically. Some systems, such as the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) used by banks to dispense money have to be available for the public to use. Also, many computers are connected to networks and can be accessed from other computers on the network which are located elsewhere.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004