Security of Data (Edexcel IGCSE Accounting)
Revision Note
Written by: Dan Finlay
Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham
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
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