What Is Secure Computing? Computer Security (Also Known As Cyber Security or IT Security) Is Information

INTRODUCTION
What is Secure Computing?
Computer security (Also known as cyber security or IT Security) is information

security as applied to computers and networks. The field covers all the processes
and mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services
are protected from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction.
Computer security also includes protection from unplanned events and natural
disasters. Otherwise, in the computer industry, the term security -- or the phrase
computer security -- refers to techniques for ensuring that data stored in a computer
cannot be read or compromised by any individuals without authorization. Most
computer security measures involve data encryption and passwords. Data
encryption is the translation of data into a form that is unintelligible without a
deciphering mechanism. A password is a secret word or phrase that gives a
user access to a particular program or system.
Diagram clearly explain the about the secure computing
Working conditions and basic needs in the secure computing:
If you don't take basic steps to protect your work computer, you put it and all the
information on it at risk. You can potentially compromise the operation of other
computers on your organization's network, or even the functioning of the network
as a whole.
1. Physical security:
Technical measures like login passwords, anti-virus are essential. (More about
those below) However, a secure physical space is the first and more important line
of defense.
Is the place you keep your workplace computer secure enough to prevent theft or
access to it while you are away? While the Security Department provides
coverage across the Medical center, it only takes seconds to steal a computer,
particularly a portable device like a laptop or a PDA. A computer should be
secured like any other valuable possession when you are not present.
Human threats are not the only concern. Computers can be compromised by
environmental mishaps (e.g., water, coffee) or physical trauma. Make sure the
physical location of your computer takes account of those risks as well.
2. Access passwords:
The University's networks and shared information systems are protected in part
by login credentials (user-IDs and passwords). Access passwords are also an
essential protection for personal computers in most circumstances. Offices are
usually open and shared spaces, so physical access to computers cannot be
completely controlled.
To protect your computer, you should consider setting passwords for particularly
sensitive applications resident on the computer (e.g., data analysis software), if the
software provides that capability.
3. Prying eye protection:
Because we deal with all facets of clinical, research, educational and administrative
data here on the medical campus, it is important to do everything possible to
minimize exposure of data to unauthorized individuals.
4. Anti-virus software:
Up-to-date, properly configured anti-virus software is essential. While we have

server-side anti-virus software on our network computers, you still need it on the
client side (your computer).
5. Firewalls:
Anti-virus products inspect files on your computer and in email. Firewall software
and hardware monitor communications between your computer and the outside
world. That is essential for any networked computer.
6. Software updates:
It is critical to keep software up to date, especially the operating system, anti-virus

and anti-spyware, email and browser software. The newest versions will
contain fixes for discovered vulnerabilities.
Almost all anti-virus have automatic update features (including SAV). Keeping
the "signatures" (digital patterns) of malicious software detectors up-to-date is
essential for these products to be effective.
7. Keep secure backups:

Even if you take all these security steps, bad things can still happen. Be prepared
for the worst by making backup copies of critical data, and keeping those backup
copies in a separate, secure location. For example, use supplemental hard
drives, CDs/DVDs, or flash drives to store critical, hard-to-replace data.
8. Report problems:
If you believe that your computer or any data on it has been compromised, your
should make a information security incident report. That is required by University
policy for all data on our systems, and legally required for health, education,
financial and any other kind of record containing identifiable personal information.
Benefits of secure computing:
 Protect yourself - Civil liability:

You may be held legally liable to compensate a third party should they
experience financial damage or distress as a result of their personal data being
stolen from you or leaked by you.
 Protect your credibility - Compliance:
You may require compliancy with the Data Protection Act, the FSA, SOX or
other regulatory standards. Each of these bodies stipulates that certain
measures be taken to protect the data on your network.
 Protect your reputation – Spam:
A common use for infected systems is to join them to a botnet (a collection of
infected machines which takes orders from a command server) and use them to
send out spam. This spam can be traced back to you, your server could be
blacklisted and you could be unable to send email.
 Protect your income - Competitive advantage:
There are a number of “hackers-for-hire” advertising their services on the
internet selling their skills in breaking into company’s servers to steal client
databases, proprietary software, merger and acquisition information, personnel
detailset al.
 Protect your business – Blackmail:
A seldom-reported source of income for “hackers” is to·break into your server,
change all your passwords and lock you out of it. The password is then sold
back to you. Note: the “hackers” may implant a backdoor program on your
server so that they can repeat the exercise at will.
 Protect your investment - Free storage:
Your server’s harddrive space is used (or sold on) to house the hacker's video
clips, music collections, pirated software or worse. Your server or computer
then becomes continuously slow and your internet connection speeds
deteriorate due to the number of people connecting to your server in order to
download the offered wares.

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INTRODUCTION

What is Secure Computing?

Computer security (Also known as cyber security or IT Security) is information

Diagram clearly explain the about the secure computing

Working conditions and basic needs in the secure computing:

Up-to-date, properly configured anti-virus software is essential. While we have

It is critical to keep software up to date, especially the operating system, anti-virus

7. Keep secure backups:

Benefits of secure computing:

 Protect yourself - Civil liability:

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