17 March 2012

Security in computer system

Security refers to method of protecting information stored in the computer system (both data and code), as well as the physical resources of the system from unauthorized access, malicious destruction or alteration. Authorized users are those whose identity is known and are allowed to use the system resources and unauthorized users are those whose identity is not known. Thus securing a system involves following measures:
  => Preventing unauthorized access i.e. hiding the information from unauthorized access.
 => Protecting the system from intentional damage or misuse. This can be of following kinds
 (1) Theft of information
 (2) Unauthorized modification of data
 (3) Unauthorized destruction of data
 Levels of security 
To protect the system , security measures are taken as four levels:
 (1) Physical level
 (2) Human level
 (3) Network level
 (4) Operating system level
Physical level 
It is achieved by securing the physical hardware components.
The computer that store sensitive information are secured to prevent their unauthorized physical access.
 Human level
 It is achieved by using passwords to gain access to resources.
 Passwords should not be stored in a file as any user can have access to that file.
 Network level
 It is achieved by protecting data and resources that are being transferred over network against intruders. In a network data is transferred through private lines, dial up lines and internet.
 Operating system level
 While communicating in network, OS provides certain services like dial up and login gates for maintaining security.
 It is important that OS must perfect itself from accidental or purposeful security breaches.

1 comments:

A Good piece of information.

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