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Protecting systems and data
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No single tool keeps data safe. Organisations combine software, rules and backups.
Anti-malware and encryption
Anti-malware scans files, detects malware and removes or quarantines it. It must be updated regularly to spot new threats.
Encryption scrambles data using a key so that it cannot be understood without the key. Stolen encrypted data is useless to a thief without the key.
Encryption scrambles data using a key so that it cannot be understood without the key. Stolen encrypted data is useless to a thief without the key.
Acceptable use policies
An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a set of rules that users of an organisation's systems agree to follow.
For example: do not install software, do not share passwords, do not open suspicious attachments. It tells users what is expected and what happens if they break the rules.
For example: do not install software, do not share passwords, do not open suspicious attachments. It tells users what is expected and what happens if they break the rules.
Backup and recovery
A backup is a copy of data kept separately, ideally off-site or in the cloud, so it can be restored after loss, damage or a ransomware attack.
Backups must be made regularly and tested.
A recovery procedure is the plan for restoring data and getting systems working again.
Backups must be made regularly and tested.
A recovery procedure is the plan for restoring data and getting systems working again.
A school's files are encrypted by ransomware. Which protection method lets it recover without paying?
- The school can wipe the infected systems.
- Then it restores clean copies of its files from a recent backup.
Answer: Restoring from a recent backup
Protect systems with up-to-date anti-malware, encryption, acceptable use policies, and regular, tested backups with a recovery plan.
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