Protection of Data | IGCSE Information and Communication Technology Preparation - Year 11 PDF Download

Biometrics

• Employing distinct physical or behavioral traits of individuals, like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, for verification and access management.
• Biometric data offers a more secure identification method since it is challenging to counterfeit or duplicate.

Advantages of Biometrics

• Enhanced Security: Biometrics provide a high level of security as they are difficult to replicate.
• Convenience: Biometric systems offer a convenient way for authentication without the need to remember passwords.
• Accuracy: Biometric systems have high accuracy in identifying individuals.

Disadvantages of Biometrics

• Cost: Implementing biometric systems can be expensive for organizations.
• Privacy Concerns: There are concerns about the privacy implications of storing biometric data.
• False Rejection: There can be instances of false rejection where valid users are denied access.

Digital certificate

• An electronic document that confirms the genuineness and trustworthiness of a website.
• The purpose of a digital certificate is to establish trust between different parties and ensure secure communication.
• The contents of a digital certificate typically include the public key of an entity, identification details, and the digital signature of a trusted third party.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL)

• Secure Communication: SSL creates a secure communication channel between the server and the client. It encrypts the data, making it unreadable to anyone who tries to intercept it.
• Confidentiality: SSL ensures that information exchanged between the server and client is kept confidential. For example, when you enter your credit card details on an online shopping website, SSL encrypts this data to protect it from being stolen.
• Data Integrity: SSL also verifies that the data transmitted between the server and client remains unchanged during transit. This prevents tampering or modification of the information.
• Trust Indicators: Websites using SSL are indicated by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar. This visual cue assures users that the connection is secure.

Encryption

• The process of encrypting data involves converting it into an unreadable form without the appropriate decryption key.
• Encryption is a crucial method used to safeguard data on various platforms such as hard disks, email communications, cloud storage, and secure websites like HTTPS.
• Even if unauthorized individuals access the encrypted data, they cannot comprehend it without the decryption key.

Firewall

• A network security device known as a firewall serves to monitor and regulate incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts as a protective barrier between an internal network and external networks, sifting through traffic based on established rules to thwart unauthorized access, malware, and other potential network threats.
• The primary function of a firewall is to establish a protective shield between an internal network and external networks. By screening traffic according to predetermined criteria, it ensures that only permissible data enters or exits the network.
• Firewalls play a crucial role in averting unauthorized access, malicious software, and various network risks. They act as gatekeepers, filtering out harmful elements and maintaining the security of the network environment.

Advantages of Firewalls

• Prevents attacks on the device.
• Blocks malicious sites from targeting the device.

Disadvantages  of Firewalls

• May interfere with the computer's performance and some uploads.
• Requires disabling to upload certain files, exposing the computer to potential attacks.
• Can inhibit the operation of legitimate software.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

• A security protocol that necessitates users to present two distinct types of identification to confirm their identity.
• The goal of 2FA is to enhance security by adding an additional layer beyond just a username and password.
• Typically, it combines something the user knows (password), something the user possesses (smartphone or token), or something the user is (biometric data).

User ID and password

• A common method of verifying identity involves a unique identifier known as a user ID and a confidential code referred to as a password.
• User ID and password play a crucial role in enhancing data security by permitting access solely to authorized individuals.
• Creating robust passwords and changing them regularly are essential practices to uphold security measures.
• Experts recommend utilizing a blend of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in passwords for enhanced security.

Advantages of Passwords

• Strong passwords are hard to crack.
• Frequently changing passwords enhances security.
• Employing various passwords across the system prevents or delays access to the entire system.

Disadvantages of Passwords

• Complex passwords can be difficult to remember.
• Managing numerous passwords is challenging.
• Regularly updating passwords makes it harder to create unique ones.
• Frequent updates make passwords harder to remember.
• Most passwords can eventually be cracked by hackers.