9.1 Security Issues-Threats to Computers & Communication Systems

Errors, Accidents, & Natural Hazards
Human errors
Humans often are not good at assessing their own information
Human emotions affect performance; people get frustrated
Human perceptions are slower than the equipment
Information overload may also be a problem

Procedural errors
When people fail to follow established procedures, errors can occur
Software errors
Software bug: an error in a program that causes it not to work properly
“Dirty data” problems
Incomplete, outdated, or otherwise
  inaccurate data
Electromechanical problems
Mechanical systems can wear out or become damaged
They can also be badly designed or constructed
Power failures and surges can damage equipment
Natural hazards can lead to disasters
Computer Crimes
Two types of computer crime:
Illegal act perpetrated against computers or telecommunications (computer is the target)
Use of computers or telecommunications to accomplish an illegal act (computer is the tool)
Computer Crimes (continued)
Theft of hardware
Theft of software
Theft of intellectual property (piracy)
Theft of time and services
Theft of information (e.g., medical info, credit card info)
Internet-related fraud (e.g., Wi-Fi phishing, or evil twin attack)
Crimes of malice: crashing entire systems
Attacks on power-control systems and attacks
 on the Internet