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Safety and Security in ICT

Physical Safety

Electrocution:

• Cause: Contact with live electrical wires or faulty equipment.
• Prevention:
  • Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical systems.
  • Use of insulated tools and equipment.
  • Proper grounding of electrical systems.
  • Avoid using damaged or frayed cords.
  • Unplug devices when not in use.
  • Never work on electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.

Fire Hazards:

• Cause: Overheating of electrical equipment, faulty wiring, or improper storage of flammable materials.
• Prevention:
  • Use of surge protectors and circuit breakers.
  • Proper ventilation of electrical equipment.
  • Regular cleaning of dust and debris from electrical equipment.
  • Proper storage of flammable materials in designated areas.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.

Tripping Hazards:

• Cause: Loose cables or wires running across walkways.
• Prevention:
  • Proper cable management, using cable ties or ducts to secure cables.
  • Avoid running cables across walkways or in areas where people may trip over them.

Personal Injury:

• Cause: Improper lifting techniques, repetitive strain injuries from prolonged computer use, eye strain from prolonged screen time.
• Prevention:
  • Use proper lifting techniques when moving heavy equipment.
  • Take regular breaks from computer use to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
  • Adjust the monitor position to reduce eye strain.
  • Use ergonomic chairs and keyboards to maintain proper posture.

E-Safety

Data Protection Acts:

• Purpose: Laws designed to protect individuals’ personal data from misuse or unauthorized access.
• General Guidelines:
  • Obtain consent before collecting or processing personal data.
  • Ensure data is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Secure data against unauthorized access, loss, or damage.
  • Allow individuals to access and correct their personal data.

Types of Personal Data:

• Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, email address, ID numbers, etc.
• Sensitive Personal Data: Information that requires a higher level of protection due to its sensitive nature, such as ethnic origin, political views, biometric data, etc.

Internet Safety:

• HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, a protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a user’s browser and a website.
• Cookies: Small text files stored on a user’s computer by websites, used to track browsing habits and preferences.

Email Safety:

• Spam: Unsolicited bulk emails, often containing malicious links or attachments.
• Phishing: Emails designed to trick recipients into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
• Prevention:
  • Use spam filters and antivirus software.
  • Be cautious of emails from unknown senders.
  • Never click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails.
  • Report spam and phishing emails to the relevant authorities.

Social Media Safety:

• Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that takes place online.
• Privacy Concerns: Risks associated with sharing personal information on social media platforms.
• Prevention:
  • Be mindful of what you share online.
  • Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts.
  • Report cyberbullying or harassment to the relevant authorities.

Online Gaming Safety:

• Addiction: Excessive or compulsive use of online games, leading to negative consequences in other areas of life.
• Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment that takes place within online gaming communities.
• Prevention:
  • Set time limits for gaming.
  • Be mindful of the potential for addiction.
  • Report cyberbullying or harassment to the game administrators or relevant authorities.

Data Security

Data Threats:

• Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
• Phishing: Tricking individuals into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm or exploit computer systems.
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment for their release.
• Card Fraud: Unauthorized use of credit or debit card information.

Prevention:

• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts.
• Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Firewalls: Use firewalls to protect computer systems from unauthorized access.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile phone.

Additional Security Measures:

• Biometric Authentication: Using unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, for authentication.
• Digital Certificates: Electronic documents that verify the identity of a website or individual.
• Encryption: Converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): A protocol that provides a secure connection between a user’s browser and a website.

Understanding Encryption:

• Encryption Key: A secret code used to encrypt data.
• Decryption Key: A secret code used to decrypt data.
• Plain Text: Data that is not encrypted.

Firewalls: A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

User IDs and Passwords:

• User ID: A unique identifier used to identify a user on a computer system or network.
• Password: A secret code used to authenticate a user’s identity.
• Best Practices:
  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
  • Never share passwords with anyone.
  • Change passwords regularly.
  • Use a password manager to securely store passwords.

By understanding and implementing these safety and security measures, IGCSE ICT students can protect themselves and their data from various threats in the digital world.