notes on data security

1. Apply Security Measures To Data,
Hardware, Software In Automated
Environment

2. Introduction
• Data security ensures data is available only to those who
need it for legitimate purposes.
• Important for privacy, trust, and regulatory compliance.
• Similar to physical security—attackers look for weak
points.

3. Key Maxims of Dat
a Security
i. There is no such thing as absolute security: We can raise the attacker’s cost of
breaching our data security to a very high level, but absolute guarantees are not possible.
ii. Data security is always a question of economics: What is the value of what you are
protecting? How much time, effort, and money are your opponent’s willing to spend to
get through your defenses?
iii. An attacker doesn’t go through security, but around it: Their goal is to find and
exploit the weakest link.
iv. Don’t underestimate the value of your asset: Often common everyday data is
underestimated. Mundane data can be very important.

4. Definition of Key Terms
 Data security: This is the process of making sure data is available only to those who need it for
legitimate purpose.
 Data: This is the information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or
processing.
 Data privacy /Information privacy: It is the aspect of information technology that deals with
the ability of an organization or individual to determine what data in a computer system can be
shared with third parties.
 Security threats: This is the process of an illegal entity gaining access to a company’s data or
information.
 Control measures: This is any measure taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of security threats.
 Cyber criminals: These are illegal users who use many different methods to lure you into parting
with your confidential personal or business information.

5. Classification of Data Security & Privacy
• Confidentiality of Data: Only authorized individuals
can access data.
• Cloud Computing: Storing data securely in online
environments.
• Access Control: Role-based access to sensitive data.

6. Types of threats
• Threats: Potential dangers exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Types of Threats:
• Physical Damage: Fire, floods.
• Natural Events: Climate, earthquakes.
• Information Compromise: Eavesdropping, theft.
• Technical Failures: Equipment or software malfunctions.
• Function Compromise: Abuse of rights, errors in use.

7. Origins of Threats
• Deliberate (Hacking, illegal data processing).
• Accidental (Equipment failure, human error).
• Environmental (Natural disasters, power loss).
• Negligence (Ignoring security best practices).
• Risk Categories:
• Damage level, ease of exploitation, discoverability, impact on
users.

8. Countermeasures to Security Threats:
Physical Security Measures
• Electronic destruction devices to prevent data
theft.
• Encryption for storage devices and network
protection.
• Restricted access with biometric authentication
and locked cases.

9. Common Computer Threats
• Computer Viruses: Spread through infected files.
• Trojan Horses: Malware disguised as legitimate software.
• Malicious Spyware: Keyloggers, screen capture tools.
• Computer Worms: Self-replicating malware.
• Spam & Phishing: Deceptive emails leading to malware
infections.
• Rootkits: Tools providing unauthorized access.

10. Detection Methods
• Monitoring network traffic.
• Using antivirus software.
• Analyzing logs for suspicious activities.

11. Protection Against Computer Crimes
• Using Strong Passwords: Unique and complex combinations.
• Regular Software Updates: Patch security vulnerabilities.
• Network Security Measures: Encryption, VPNs.
• Awareness of Security Breaches: Stay informed and take action.
• Identity Theft Prevention: Protect personal information online.

12. Challenges in Big Data Security
• Real-Time Protection: Continuous monitoring.
• Data Provenance: Tracking data origin for authentication.
• Encrypted Access Control: Securing data with encryption.

13. Incident Response and Recovery: Incident
Handling process
• Identification of security breaches.
• Containment and mitigation of impact.
• Eradication of security threats.
• Recovery and restoration of data and systems.
 Importance of a Response Plan: Reduces downtime and limits damages.

14. Security Compliance and Legal Frameworks: Key
Regulations
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• ISO 27001 (Information Security Standard).
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Heavy fines, reputational damage.

15. Emerging Threats and Future Trends
• Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity: Enhancing defense
mechanisms.
• Quantum Computing Risks: Potential to break encryption.
• Ransomware Evolution: Increasingly sophisticated attacks.
• Zero Trust Security Models: Ensuring authentication at all
levels.

16. Best Practices for Organizations
• Implement Security Awareness Training: Educate employees
on threats.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Adds layers of security.
• Regular Security Audits: Identify and fix vulnerabilities.
• Backup Data Frequently: Prevents data loss from attacks.

17. Notable Cases on Cybersecurity Breaches
• Yahoo (3 billion accounts compromised).
• Equifax (147 million personal records stolen).
• Facebook-Cambridge Analytica (Data misuse scandal).
• Lessons Learned: Importance of proactive security
measures.