Consequences of poor e-security
Inadequate e-security measures can result in compromised computers and corruption of files, some of which may be lost. Computers that are not adequately protected are open to a range of online threats that can:
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compromise the operating system, enabling a remote attacker to control the computer’s functions
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potentially provide access to sensitive information, such as financial details, to criminals
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potentially corrupt files leading to information loss.
Computers with inadequate e-security measures can be compromised either intentionally by criminals targeting valuable information or by pranksters who look for ways to break security measures for fun, or even unintentionally, by friends/colleagues unwittingly passing on viruses from their own inadequately protected computer systems. Viruses can also be introduced by the user through a connection to a USB memory drive (they can become infected if used on an infected computer) or by downloading infected files from the internet or email attachments.
Providing students and staff with education about e-security will assist them to protect their computers.