Year 11 - Computing
Threats to networks
The internet and web technologies
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explore how data travels across the internet. They will explore how protocols define communication between devices and the purpose of common network protocols. They will investigate the risks to networks and the methods that can be used to protect a network.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify potential threats to a network and explain the different types of network attacks.
Key Notes
- A range of potential threats can affect the security and performance of a network.
- Network attacks can take different forms, each using specific techniques.
Vocabulary To Learn
- social engineering: techniques used to trick users into giving away personal information by manipulating their behaviour or emotions
- malware: malicious software - a program designed to cause damage to computer systems, corrupt or change files, steal data or cause disruption to services
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Network threats and attacks come only from external hackers or from sources outside a network, while internal users or trusted software pose no risk.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
A range of potential threats can affect the security and performance of a network. Network attacks can take different forms, each using specific techniques.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'social engineering'
techniques used to trick users into giving away personal information by manipulating their behaviour or emotions. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Network threats and attacks come only from external hackers or from sources outside a network, while internal users or trusted software pose no risk. Correction: Threats can be internal, like careless employees or malicious insiders, as well as external.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Computing guide library.