Lesson 3: Computer Security
Computers are used for various purposes such as to store data, information and programs, to process data in order to generate information, to perform calculation, etc. So, it need better security and safety. If proper care is not given to the computer system then, --the valuable data, information and programs may be lost or damaged. When a hard disk of a -computer system get damaged, we lose all our data stored in it. The loss of -those important data» can cause serious damage to the organization or individual. It takes lots of money and effort to recover them. In some cases, they may not be recovered. So a computer system should be used and kept safely.
In general sense, security is freedom from risk or danger. In the context of computer computer security refers to the protection given to the computer hardware, data, information and programs from accidental and intentional harm, theft and unauthorized use. Software security creates a blockade and cyber tools that protects programs, data, information, files and other useful software to flow in and out of computer system. Hardware -security protects the hardware components of the computer system. An unauthorized person can steal, delete or damage data and information from our computer system. Computer viruses are great threats to the computer which enter into our computer mostly through internet. The protection of network is necessary to prevent illegal use and loss of several resources and information. Besides these factors, fire, dust, power fluctuation, smoke, over heating, etc. may also damage our computer system.
Why we need computer security and safety?
1. To protect valuable data, information and programs from being lost, damaged, deleted, corrupted or pirated.
2. To keep our computer system safe from viruses and crimes
3. To secure our computer system and peripheral devices from being lost, stolen or damaged.
Hardware security
Hardware security is related with the computer system and its peripheral devices such as CPU, Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printers, scanners, etc. Hardware plays a vital role in proper functioning of computer system. So, we must check and maintain all hardware components regularly. Now-a-days, hardware diagnosis facilities are available to find defective hardware components of the computer system. The protection of all hardware components from being damaged, corrupted, lost or theft is known as hardware security. Thus, the protection of computer hardware from the accidental or intentional harm is known as hardware security.
There are various factors tha cause damage to the computer hardware like fluctuations in the power supply, dust, smoke, overheat, fire, theft, etc. So, it is necessary to protect our computer system from these factors. Different security measures can be adopted to protect computer hardware. Some of these hardware security measures are mentioned below.
1. ID
Card
2. Regular
maintenance
3. Insurance
4. Free
from dust
5. Protection
from fire
6. Protection
from theft
7. Air
condition system
8. Power
protection devices.
1. ID Card
unauthorized persons can steal and damage computer hardware as well as software. So it is better not to allow unauthorized persons to use computer room. The ID card will be helpful to avoid the entrance of unauthorized person into the computer room. The security guard should check the ID card and allow only the authorized persons to enter into the computer room. This may prevent the computer hardware from being damaged.
2. Regular maintenance
The hardware components of computer system are very delicate devices. They work smoothly only if we use them properly and maintain regularly. The damaged parts must be replaced immediately because the damaged parts may cause damage to other hardware components. We should run maintenance software such as disk defragmentation regularly to make our computer system work smoothly.
3. Insurance
A computer is valuable since it is costly to purchase. Generally computer is not insured. Now a days, many people insure their computer. This may reduce the risk of economic loss due to damage.
4. Free from dust
Dust particles may infect internal as well as external parts of the computer. It causes damage to mouse, keyboard, CD, DVD, RAM, motherboard, etc. So, we should use dust cleaners frequently to avoid dust accumulation on these parts. We can decrease the dust in the computer room or in the computer system by using vacuum cleaner regularly.
Fire is also another cause that may damage our computer system. Fire may take place due to smoking, short circuiting, carelessly use of cooking fuels, etc. It is better to have a fire extinguisher to control small fire. One can use automatic fire alarm system in the computer room or at home to reduce the risk of damage caused by fire.
6. Protection from theft
A computer is a valuable and expensive device. So, its security is very important. The doors, windows should be strong and have a good reliable locking system. Instead of single locking system additional locking system, Use of door alarm, CCTV camera, SMS alarming system, phone notification system, Bell alarming system can prevent the unauthorized person or bugler to enter the computer room or home.
7. Air Condition System
During the operational period, heat is generated from the computer. Excessive heating may lead to the damage and destruction of hardware components. Over heating may be reduced by maintaining room temperature. The room temperature can be maintained by using air conditioning system. The server computers get over heated since they are used regularly once the operation has started. So, AC is the best suited for Server rooms. If possible AC can be used in the computer room for general purpose.
8. Power Protection Devices:
A computer needs 220-240 Volt AC to run smoothly. High voltage or fluctuation in the voltage may cause severe damage to the computer hardware as well as data. Our important data and files may get corrupted and may cause irritation to us due to continuous fluctuation. So, in order to protect our computer system, we need to add devices like UPS, volt guard, stabilizer, spike guard, etc. to avoid such unpredictable fluctuation of electricity.
a. UPS (uninterruptible power supply) :
UPS is a device that protects computer system from failure and fluctuation of electricity. It contains rechargeable battery which stores electricity and supply electricity when electricity fails. It controls output voltage and supplies constant 220 to 240 volt electricity.
b. Volt Guard
It is a power protection device which control the fluctuation of electricity voltage. It provides constant 220 to 240 Volt output. It prevent the high or low voltage fluctuation. Since it does not contains battery for backup, it cannot supply electricity when electric current fails.
c. Spike Guard
Sudden increase in the voltage is called spike. Spikes are very short but may contains voltage up to 2000V or more caused due to lightening, power line fault, etc. To protect our computer from such spikes, we need spike guard. Spike guard removes spikes by limiting voltage and prevent the spike being entering into the main system.
d. Voltage Stabilizers: It is a very common type of power protection device which protect the computer from frequent failure or fluctuation of voltage. It produces a fixed output voltage and remains constant regardless its input fluctuation.
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