Year 11 - Computing
Defence against malware
Cyber threats and security
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit enables pupils to develop awareness of a range of cybersecurity threats that impact the world and us as individuals. They will explore different forms of attack, both non-automated and automated and how encryption tools can be used to protect communication.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how to defend against malware and suggest ways to improve security.
Key Notes
- Software can be designed and updated to prevent cyberattacks.
- Techniques like input sanitisation, modular testing and code reviews can be used to prevent cyberattacks.
- Encryption protects data by making it unreadable without the correct key.
- Strong passwords and two-factor authentication add important layers of security against unauthorised access.
Vocabulary To Learn
- cyberattack: a deliberate attempt to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks or data
- sanitisation: to check and clean user input to stop harmful code or to delete data to stop it being recovered or misused
- operating system: the main software that manages a computer's hardware and allows other programs to run
- vulnerabilities: weaknesses in a system, software or network that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorised access, cause damage or steal data
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Installing antivirus software is enough to fully protect my device from malware.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Software can be designed and updated to prevent cyberattacks. Techniques like input sanitisation, modular testing and code reviews can be used to prevent cyberattacks.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'cyberattack'
a deliberate attempt to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks or data. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Installing antivirus software is enough to fully protect my device from malware. Correction: Antivirus software is helpful, but it's only one part of a broader defence strategy. Full protection also requires regular software updates, strong passwords, safe browsing habits and user awareness to avoid phishing and suspicious downloads.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Careers in cyber security Study Guide
- Common ciphers Study Guide
- Encryption tools to protect communication Study Guide
- Malware: malicious software Study Guide
- Social engineering techniques Study Guide
- Testing as a form of defence Study Guide
- The cost of cyber crime and hacker motivation Study Guide
- The impact of fake news Study Guide
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