This comparison covers Security Methods within Prevention Methods for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Prevention Methods in 3.6 Fundamentals of Cyber Security for GCSE Computer Science with 19 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 11 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Security Methods
| Method | Description | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall | Monitors and filters network traffic based on rules | Unauthorised access, malware, network attacks |
| Encryption | Converts data into unreadable code; needs key to decrypt | Data interception, theft, eavesdropping |
| Authentication | Verifying identity (passwords, biometrics, 2FA) | Unauthorised access, identity theft |
| Access Control | Limiting what users can access based on role | Data breaches, insider threats, privilege abuse |
| Penetration Testing | Authorised testing to find vulnerabilities | Unknown weaknesses, security gaps |
| Backups | Regular copies of data stored separately | Data loss, ransomware, system failure |
Practice questions for Prevention Methods
What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
Explain how penetration testing can improve the security of a network.