IGCSE ICT Applications – SECURITY OF DATA (Revision Notes)

What is Data Security?

• Data Security is the process of protecting data from loss, corruption, unauthorized access, and misuse.

• Data Security is the process of sharing data with everyone without restrictions.

• Data Security is the process of deleting all data regularly.

• Data Security is the process of ignoring data protection measures.

Answer explanation

Data Security focuses on safeguarding data from loss, corruption, unauthorized access, and misuse, making the first choice the correct definition. The other options misrepresent the concept.

What is the purpose of Data Security?

• To ensure data remains accurate, available, and confidential.

• To allow unrestricted access to all data.

• To make data easily shareable without any restrictions.

• To remove all security measures from data.

Answer explanation

The purpose of Data Security is to ensure data remains accurate, available, and confidential. This protects against unauthorized access and data breaches, unlike the other options which promote unrestricted access.

Match the following causes of data loss with their correct descriptions:

• Human Error

• Disk crashes or power failure

• Hardware Failure

• Accidental deletion or overwriting

• Malware Attack

• System crashes, viruses

• Software Error

• Fire, flood, earthquake

• Natural Disaster

• Virus, worm, ransomware

Which of the following is an example of Human Error as a cause of data loss?

• A) Hard drive stops working

• B) Employee deletes file

• C) Files encrypted by hackers

• D) Unauthorized person takes data

Answer explanation

The correct choice is B) Employee deletes file, as it directly involves a human action leading to data loss. The other options involve hardware failure, cyber attacks, or unauthorized access, which are not classified as human error.

Which of the following is an example of Hardware Failure as a cause of data loss?

• A) Database corruption

• B) Damage to data centre

• C) Hard drive stops working

• D) Employee deletes file

Answer explanation

C) Hard drive stops working is a clear example of hardware failure, directly leading to data loss. In contrast, A) and D) involve software issues or human error, while B) pertains to physical damage but not specifically hardware failure.

Which of the following is an example of Software Error as a cause of data loss?

• A) Database corruption

• B) Files encrypted by hackers

• C) Laptop or USB stolen

• D) Fire, flood, earthquake

Answer explanation

Database corruption is a software error that can lead to data loss, as it affects the integrity of the data stored. In contrast, the other options involve external factors or malicious actions, not software errors.

Which of the following is an example of Malware Attack as a cause of data loss?

• Employee deletes file

• Files encrypted by hackers

• Hard drive stops working

• Damage to data centre

Answer explanation

Files encrypted by hackers is a clear example of a malware attack, where malicious software locks access to data, leading to data loss. The other options do not involve malware.

Which of the following is an example of Natural Disaster as a cause of data loss?

• A) Damage to data centre

• B) Unauthorized person takes data

• C) Files encrypted by hackers

• D) Database corruption

Answer explanation

A) Damage to data centre is a natural disaster that can lead to data loss, such as from floods or earthquakes. The other options involve human actions or technical failures, not natural disasters.

Which of the following is an example of Theft as a cause of data loss?

• Laptop or USB stolen

• Fire, flood, earthquake

• Accidental deletion or overwriting

• Disk crashes or power failure

Answer explanation

Theft, such as a stolen laptop or USB, directly results in data loss as the physical device containing the data is taken. Other options like natural disasters or accidental actions do not fall under theft.

Match the following methods to their correct examples:

• Backup storage

• Fingerprint / facial scanners

• Security cameras

• Monitor entry points

• Locks & keys

• Kept in fireproof safes or offsite

• Biometric access

• Restrict access to server rooms