5,Explain the most common controls to protect computers from risks?

1 answer

The most common controls to protect computers from risks include:

1. Antivirus Software: Installing and regularly updating antivirus software helps detect and remove malware, viruses, and other malicious programs that could harm the computer.

2. Firewalls: Firewalls act as a barrier between a computer and the internet, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. They help prevent unauthorized access to the system and protect against network attacks.

3. Strong Passwords: Using strong and unique passwords for user accounts can prevent unauthorized access. Passwords should be complex, containing a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

4. Software Updates: Regularly updating operating systems, applications, and software is crucial to ensure that any security vulnerabilities or bugs are patched. This helps protect the computer from exploitation by attackers.

5. User Education: Educating users about best practices for computer safety and security is essential. This includes teaching them about phishing emails, not clicking suspicious links, downloading files from trusted sources, and being cautious while browsing the internet.

6. Backup and Recovery: Regularly backing up important data and files on external hard drives, cloud storage, or other devices helps protect against data loss caused by hardware failure, malware, or other risks. Additionally, having a disaster recovery plan in place ensures that the system can be restored quickly in case of an incident.

7. Limited Access and User Privileges: Granting users the minimum necessary access rights and privileges reduces the risk of unauthorized access and limits the potential damage caused by any malicious activity.

8. Secure Wi-Fi: Securing the home or office Wi-Fi network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, changing default passwords, and disabling remote management reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the network and keeps sensitive data secure.

9. Web Filtering: Implementing web filtering controls helps block access to known malicious websites, phishing sites, or other harmful content. It prevents users from inadvertently visiting sites that could compromise computer security.

10. Physical Security: Taking physical measures like locking computers when not in use, securing servers in locked rooms, and using cable locks for laptops can prevent unauthorized physical access and theft of data.

It is important to note that while these controls are effective, a layered approach that combines multiple controls provides greater protection against risks.