Security measures

There is a variety of security measures which can be used to protect both hardware and software.

1. Controlling physical access

   to hardware and software.

2. Backing up

   data and programs regularly

3. Implementing network controls,

   for example

   • Passwords

     Using passwords to control access to a network system.

   • Firewall

     Installing a firewall - a system that controls data going into and out of a network which prevents unauthorized use and access to your computer. A firewall can be either hardware or software. Hardware firewalls provide a strong degree of protection from most forms of attack coming from the outside world and can be purchased as a stand-alone product or in broadband routers. For individual home users, the most popular firewall choice is a software firewall. A good software firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access to your computer, and usually provides additional protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms. The downside to software firewalls is that they will only protect the computer they are installed on, not a network.

   • Encrypting data

     putting data to a form that only authorised users can understand.

   • Authentication

     Using signature verification or biometric authentication (a fingerprint reader or an eye scanner).

4. Uninterruptible power supplies

   Protecting against natural disasters by installing uninterruptible power supplies (battery backup systems providing power to a computer when the normal electricity source fails) and surge protection (electronic devices protecting the equipment from damage in case of a sudden surge in a power supply).

5. Antivirus programs

   Protecting against viruses by using antivirus programs – programs able to detect, identify and remove viruses from a computer system – and downloading updates frequently to ensure your software has the latest fixes for new viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Make sure your anti-virus program has the capability to scan e-mail and files as they are downloaded from the Internet.

6. Software is free of viruses

   Ensuring that all software is free of viruses before it is installed. Particular care should be taken when using free software and shareware (software that is free to try out but must be paid for when it is used after the trial period.