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Year 9 - Computing

Preventing cyber attacks

Introduction to cybersecurity

Unit Summary

This unit takes pupils on a journey of discovery about techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems and infiltrate networks. They will consider the value of data to organisations and what it is used for. They will look at social engineering techniques and common cybercrimes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the effects of cyber attacks and suggest ways they can be prevented.

Key Notes

  • Cyber attacks can target individuals, organisations and countries.
  • The effects of cyber attacks can be financial and disruptive.
  • The WannaCry Ransomware Attack in 2017 affected more than 200 000 computers in 150 countries.
  • The infection and spread of WannaCry may have been stopped by using a combination of security measures.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • cyberattack: a deliberate attempt to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorised access to computer systems, networks or data
  • ransomware: malware that blocks access to a user's data until payment is made

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • As long as you use all security measures, a computer system connected to a network can be totally safe from cyber attack.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.

Cyber attacks can target individuals, organisations and countries. The effects of cyber attacks can be financial and disruptive.

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: As long as you use all security measures, a computer system connected to a network can be totally safe from cyber attack. Correction: No computer system on a network can be completely safe, even with all security measures. Cybercriminals can find new ways to attack, so security only reduces the risk and doesn't completely eliminate it.

More Lessons In This Unit

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