Data protection and Viruses

Viruses

3. List four steps that could be taken to stop a computer being infected by viruses

To prevent viruses you can install anti-virus software. Anti virus software protects the operating systems, programs and files against viruses. It regularly scans the computer and removes any viruses found.

Turn on virus protector- some programs- for example; Microsoft applications have built-in macro virus protection.

Try to know origin of each program or file you use- in the age of the internet, this is very difficult – hence the need for anti-virus software. As a rule, beware of free software and software on the internet. In contrast, have greater trust in commercial software purchased on CD-ROM, as this will have been checked for viruses before being sold.

Never double click on email attachments that contain an executable file with an extension, EXE, COM or VSB. This is how the ‘I love you ‘virus was spread.

Data Protection

1.       List four ways people can protect their data against damage, loss or attack by computer viruses

You can back up you’re computer. Making copies of your files is important, as files can be lost, deleted or in some cases corrupted, so that they do not work at all. Most computer networks automatically buck up data on to tape each night.

Computer viruses- virus protection programs not only scan a computer for harmful viruses but also protect and intercept viruses attempting to infect system or application software.

 Locking disks- floppy and removable disks can be locked by covering the write-protection hole. This prevents the changing, deletion or infection of files.

Network security- each individual user on a network is given a username with a individual password. This prevents other users accessing an individual file, changing program settings, or installing, copying, or deleting software. 

2.       Give the two ways in which the data protection act of 1998 works

Anyone in the uk processing personal data must comply with the eight principles of good practice.  Two of these are fairly and lawfully processed and processed for limited purposes.

3.       What rights do individuals have regarding the information that is held about them?

You have a legal right to find out what information is held about you on computer and in some cases paper records. You can do this by writing to the person or organisation you believe hols the information. You are not, though, allowed to check information held on you concerning such things as national security, crime prevention/ detection, salaries ans income tax.