Security of Data (Edexcel IGCSE Accounting)

Security Issues

What are the security issues a business faces when using a computerised system?

• Storing financial data in a computerised system can present a range of issues, including:

  • Data could be lost

    • The information could be accidentally deleted

    • The user might forget to save after entering the information

    • There might be a technical issue while data is being entered

  • Confidential information might be shared

    • The user might access the information on their own personal devices

      • The information might be seen by other users of those devices

    • The information might be sent to the wrong person via email

  • Data might be accessed by others

    • Passwords might be guessed by others

    • Data could be hacked

Methods of Protecting Data

How can a business protect the security of its electronic data?

• Firewalls

  • A firewall is a security system that monitors both incoming and outgoing computer network traffic

    • They can help protect networks from hackers

    • They can help prevent viruses and spyware

• Antivirus and anti-spyware software

  • A virus is a simple program made to harm a computer system which spreads by duplicating and attaching itself to files

  • Spyware is software that enters a user's computer, gathers data from the device and user, and sends it to third parties without their consent

  • Software that detects and removes viruses and spyware from computers should be installed

• The business should use secure passwords

  • Passwords should not be shared or written-down

  • Passwords should be complex, including a mixture of characters

  • Passwords should be changed regularly

How can a business prevent the loss of its electronic data?

• Users should save regularly

  • This prevents data from being accidentally deleted

• The business should back up their data at regular intervals

  • They could save a copy on an external hard drive

  • They could save a copy to a secure cloud-based service

• Data should be password-protected or encrypted

  • This prevents files from being edited by people other than designated users