FILE SECURITY/INSECURITY: MEANING AND CAUSES OF DATA LOSS (SS2 NOTES)

 

HANDLING COMPUTER FILES 2

FILE INSECURITY/SECURITY

MEANING  AND CAUSES/SOURCES OF DATA LOSS

Meaning of File Insecurity/File Security

This is the concept that a file is always vulnerable to attack and is prone to be lost or missing in the computer. This fact creates battle between those looking to improve security, and those looking to bypass/outsmart security.

While

File security refers to the measures put in place to protect files and ensure that only authorized users can access them. This can include measures such as setting strong passwords, encrypting files, and implementing access controls.

Causes of Data Loss

Data loss can be caused by many different factors, and each poses a unique problem for data recovery. The common causes of data loss are:

1. Human Error: Humans are not infallible — we all make mistakes and sometimes they’re big ones. For businesses, these mistakes can result in the unintentional deletion of data files

2. Viruses and Malware: viruses can steal and delete swaths of data or bring business operations to a crawl, destroying company functionality

3.  Hard Drive Damage: Hard drives can also be damaged if a computer overheats, typically caused by overuse or a build-up of dust in the computer.

4. Power Outages: shutting software systems down without warning can result in the loss of unsaved data, but it can also cause existing files to be corrupted due to improper shutdown procedures

5. Computer or Laptop Theft: Laptop theft is a serious risk and can happen anywhere if a laptop is left unattended. On top of losing data, laptop theft also poses the threat of a data breach. Ensure that crucial data stored on laptops is backed up to a safe location.

6. Liquid Damage: Spilling coffee or water on your laptop or computer can cause a short circuit, making it difficult to recover your computer, let alone the data stored inside.

7. Disasters: From tornadoes to fire, disasters can happen when you least expect them and have devastating impacts on your business. They can destroy your computer, your data and even your business entirely.

8. Software Corruption: Improper shutdowns can corrupt your data or delete your progress, wasting time and losing valuable data. When software is corrupted it may not be able to run again, meaning you cannot access data stored in that software.

9. Hard Drive Formatting: Accidental formatting of your hard drive can cause you to lose data instantly.

10.Hackers and Insiders: hacking and data breaches have become a much more common problem, making good cyber security measures essential. Unauthorized guests in your network can cause serious damage to your data, deleting and stealing any data they wish.

Class Activities

1. Differentiate between file security and file insecurity.

2. State five (5) causes of data loss

3. What would happen if sensitive personal or business files were accessed by unauthorized individuals?

4. What is the role of encryption in securing files?

5. What are the dangers of using public Wi-Fi to access or share files?