Data Level Protection Summary

Data Level Protection

• Techniques to protect data against unauthorized access.
• Essential for companies holding data.

Common Methods

• Firewalls: Monitor and control incoming/outgoing traffic.
• Anti-virus Software: Scans for and removes malware.
• Interface Design: Enhancements that improve security while interacting with data.

Firewalls

• Function: Block suspicious traffic based on security rules.
• Types:
  • Hardware Firewalls: Physical devices installed between LAN and the Internet, protecting against external threats.
  • Software Firewalls: Programs installed on each computer to filter traffic.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Prevents unauthorized access from external attackers.
  • Cost-effective for software firewalls.
• Cons:
  • Can restrict legitimate user activities.
  • Resource-intensive, possibly slowing performance.

Anti-Virus Software

• Function: Scans for and removes malware; offers on-demand and real-time protection.
• Detection Methods:
  • Signature Detection: Matches unique patterns to identify malware.
  • Heuristic Detection: Monitors behavior of processes to detect malware.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Comprehensive malware protection.
  • Affordable and easy to set up.
• Cons:
  • Requires regular updates.
  • Resource-intensive during scans.

Interface Design

• Improves security through various features:
  • Obscuring Data Entry: Prevents shoulder surfing by masking typed data.
  • Autocomplete: Reduces typing, minimizing keylogging risks.
  • “Stay Logged In”: Keeps users logged in to protect against spyware.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Reduces need for stringent security measures.
• Cons:
  • May affect usability and accessibility.

Threats Addressed by Design

• Obscuring Data Entry: Protects against shoulder surfing.
• Autocomplete: Prevents spyware from logging keystrokes.
• “Stay Logged In”: Also helps in protecting against spyware.