Computer Security

Computer Security or IT security is the protection of computer systems from theft of or damage to their hardware, software or electronic data, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the service they provide.

• Hardware
• Software
• Firmware

Goals of Computer Security

1. Confidentiality
2. Data Integrity
3. Availability
4. Control
5. Audit

1. Confidentiality

Typically achieved by:

• Physical isolation
• Cryptography
• Background checks on People

2. Data Integrity

 Typically achieved by:

• Redundancy
• Backups
• Checksum & digital Signatures

3. Availability

Typically achieved by:

• Harding
• Redundancy
• Reference Checks on People

4. Control

Typically achieved by:

• Access Control lists
• Physical Security

5. Audit

Typically achieved by:

• Log Files
• Human auditors & expert systems

What to Secure? - Types of Computer Security

• Physical Security → Controlling who gets access to a computer
• OS Security → Permission controlling schemes, making sure users are authorized to perform certain actions.
• Access Control → managing who can Access what resources, from physical machines to programs to networks. 

Potential Losses due to security Attacks

Basic Computer Security Checklist

• Check if the user is password protected
• Check if the OS is updated
• Download software from reputable sources
• Check if the antivirus or antimalware is installed
• Terminate unusual service running that consumes resources
• Check if the firewall is on or not
• Check for your backups regularly
• Clear your private data from web browsers

Securing your Operating System (OS)

1. Keep your windows OS up to date
2. Update your software
3. Create a Restore point
4. Install antivirus product
5. Install a proactive security solution for multi-layered protection
6. Backup your system
7. Use a standard user account
8. Keep your user account control enabled
9. Secure your web browser before going online
10. Use an encryption software tool for your hardware

 Antivirus

→ Antivirus software, or anti-virus software (abbreviated to AV software), also known as anti-malware, is a computer program used to prevent, detect, and remove malware.

• Scanning
• Integrity
• Interception

Securing your Networks : Firewalls

A firewall i a network security system tat monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermine security rules.

• Cisco ASA Seies
• Checkpoint
• Fortinet
• Juniper
• SonicWALL
• pfSense

Securing Your  Network : IDS

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a device or software application that monitors a network o systems for malicious activity or policy violations.

Securing Your Network : VPN

A virtual private network extends a secure and encrypted connection to share data remotely through public networks.