Level 2 Principles of ICT Systems and Data Security (Unit 11)
Common physical threats to ICT systems Hammaad Hayat 166610
Briefly describe the consequences of each of the following common physical threats to ICT systems and data including hardware
damage, loss and theft.
Deliberate damage to hardware
An example of deliberate damage to hardware is scratching the screen with sharp
object or smashing the keyboard with a hammer which will lead to high cost to repair
the hardware for the company as it contains valuable private data of their customers.
Also this will lead company to lose time/money as they try to recover the information.
Deliberate damage to equipment
There is range of examples for deliberate damage to equipment: Food on keyboard
and motherboard printing large amount of paper to damage the printer.
Another example is taking work laptop to play high quality games leading it to burn
out and losing valuable data from their work.
Inadequate physical security
Not sure how to do this box?
Physical security requires 100% high concentration as it is very important for IT
resources for business. It has been a challenge as years has been increased as there
are more sensitive devices e.g. USB drives and smartphones. This is real problem as
they able access data easily and smoothly. Another way of physical security could be
affected by attack on nature e.g. power fluctuation, possibly causing a permanent loss
of data which is very hard to get back.
Loss or theft due to size or portability of devices
Due to an increase of phones/laptop becoming thinner, smaller and lighter leading to
massive target for thieves to make decent money quickly and will lead more devices
to be easily stolen.
Theft due to size or portability of devices
The device might have valuable data/parts inside which will increase risk of
competitors who might want to steal confidential company data which possible lead
company to be bankrupt. Also, bank details might be stolen for fake use.
Accidental damage to hardware
An example of accidental damage to hardware is by natural disasters, this will lead the
data to become corrupted. Another example of accidental damage to hardware is by
human error, downloading an unknown software/file will affect CPU. This will cause
laptop to slow down.
Accidental damage to equipment
An example of accidental damage to equipment is downloading the incorrect drivers
which badly affect the performance of laptop/computer as drivers are only brand and
model specific.
