AS / A Level Computer Science

Candidates should be able to:

Explain the difference between the terms security, privacy and integrity of data

Show appreciation of the need for both the security of data and the security of the computer system

Describe security measures designed to protect computer systems, ranging from the stand-alone PC to a network of computers

Show understanding of the threats to computer and data security posed by networks and the internet

Describe methods that can be used to restrict the risks posed by threats

Describe security methods designed to protect the security of data

Notes and guidance

Including user accounts, passwords, authentication techniques such as digital signatures and biometrics, firewall, anti-virus software, anti-spyware, encryption

Including malware (virus, spyware), hackers, phishing, pharming

Including encryption, access rights