As one of the branches of Computer Technology, computer security is applied on computers and networks, hence, the name. It is the main objective of this type of security to provide protection involving specific information as well as property against crimes like theft and corruption. Only those with authorized access would be able to see the information secured within. Computer security involves the processes as well as mechanisms that protect highly valuable information from being published and tampered by criminals. The main strategy of computer security is to provide preventive measures on unwanted and unauthorized computer behavior instead of encouraging ethical computer usage.
Computer Security Issues
The three terms to keep in mind when it comes to computer security issues are vulnerability, threat, and countermeasure. Vulnerability is the period or state of a certain system or network when it is more susceptible to being attacked by unauthorized users. Threat, on the other hand, is the possible danger that may be lurking around a system or network. Threats can come in different forms. It could be a person such as spies or hackers, it could be fault hardware or equipment, or it could be natural disasters such as earthquakes or fire. Countermeasure is the technique or strategy you would have to formulate to be able to get rid of possible threats when your system is at its most vulnerable state.
Computer Security as a Necessity
Computer security was once deemed as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, with the increasing instances of hacking and terrorism, the government applied pressure and emphasized on the necessity of computer security. If home computers need computer security, the more it is needed in government systems especially in these days of global terrorism and identity theft. The usual heavy users of such computer security products are intelligence agencies as well as government contractors. Each government agency may have different goals and needs but there is a certain guideline they have to follow when it comes to considering the requirements for computer security products.
Government Specifications on Computer Security
As government contractors are required to follow a certain government guideline as per their contract, there is also a government guideline in choosing a computer security product. Not only is the government the driving force behind the development of such security programs, they were also the ones who established the basis of what a secure system is. Whether you are protecting a system from an accidental or intentional damage, it is important to have a computer security tool that has system access controls. This is to make sure that only authorized persons are able to view information through usernames. Data access controls is a monitoring method to check the identity, the time, and the purpose of a login event. System and security administration as well as system design is also part of what the government deems as a necessity to make a system secure.
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