Cyberspace,network security and data transfer

• Cyber crime


  Using a computer to intentionally commit a crime, e.g. stealing data or money
• Hacking


  Gaining unauthorised access to a computer with the intention of corrupting or stealing data
• Malware


  Malicious software that is unintentionally downloaded onto a computer by a user
• Malware can enter the network through browsing the internet, opening email attachments, via a USB storage device, etc.
• Malware can store itself automatically on a computer hard drive as a hidden file
• Malware can be activated when a certain program is opened or when a predetermined condition is met, e.g. a certain date
• Spamming


  Sending junk emails to users, for example adverts for products
• Phishing


  Sending emails that, when opened, appear to be from a reliable source asking the user to update their personal information. This information is then used by hackers for the purpose of identity theft.
• Data encryption


  The process of scrambling data using a key before it is transmitted onto a network
• Data encryption


  • Makes the data unreadable or meaningless if intercepted
  • Users with the encryption key software can unscramble the data when it arrives at its destination
• Usernames and passwords


  • Users on a network are allocated a unique user ID and a randomly generated password
  • Users are required to change passwords regularly by the network software to enhance security
  • Each time a user logs on, the system checks their user ID and password against a database of user details
  • Network software can disable the user ID for a period of time after unsuccessful log-on attempts
• Access levels


  • Users are allocated different levels of access to files
  • Access rights can be classified as read only, read and copy or read and write
  • Access rights are stored in a table linked to the user ID and password
• Backup


  • A copy of the data that can be loaded or restored on to the system if the original data is lost or corrupted
  • Network backups are usually automatically scheduled to run at certain times, e.g. the end of each day
• Firewall


  • A piece of software or hardware that monitors and controls data entering or leaving a network
  • Uses security settings to block data that does not comply with the organisation's rules
• Protocols


  • Agreed standards or rules for sending or receiving data on a network
  • Protocols are agreed by hardware manufacturers and software developers
• Protocols used for data transfer


  • File transport protocol (FTP)
  • Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)
  • Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)
• File transport protocol (FTP)


  Allows users to download or upload files over the internet
• Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP)


  • A protocol used by the World Wide Web to transfer webpages over the internet
  • Sends a command on behalf of the user to the web server so request a webpage
  • If a webpage cannot be located the HTTP will report an error, e.g. 406 File Not Found
• Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS)


  • Uses a secure socket layer (SSL) to ensure data is transmitted securely over the internet
  • Uses encryption for sending data and decryption for receiving data
  • Web browsers display a padlock icon on screen to show that the web page currently in use is secure
  • The main use of this protocol is in financial applications, e.g. online PayPal transactions