Understanding Computer Security
July 29, 2008 by Antivirus Ware.com - Download Norton Antivirus software instantly!Just like with anything else in this world, when it comes to the notion of operating a secure computer environment, there is much to educate oneself about. Basically, it comes down to understanding security and information.
Security
The use of the internet, as well as computer networks, has become all encompassing. All too often, the terminology is bandied around frequently, but generally speaking, computer security applies to the protection of networking uses of a computer as well as its significant resources. When the computer is connected to other computers and servers in a network, the risk of security vulnerabilities increases. When you think about the concept of security, just think of the initials “CIA”. No, that isn’t the Central Intelligence Agency. It stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and either Authentication or, in some cases, Availability.
Information
If your computer environment needs to be secure, so does the information that is introduced into it. Denying the access of unauthorized users is what confidentiality is based upon. Integrity relates to the protection of informational changes from parties that are not authorized to view these changes (user login, passwords, etc.). The integrity of databases and their relative resources are compromised by hacking. The importance of maintaining secure controls over an individual’s personal and private information revolves around the following for aspects:
- How the information is collected or gathered
- How the information is used
- Who is allowed to use the information
- What purposes the information is used for
