Network Security Threats and Solutions: OCR Computer Science Guide

Omar Elmasry

19/08/2025

Other

Computer Science OCR 1.4

Subjects

Other

975

•

19 Aug 2025

•

1 page

Network Security Threats and Solutions: OCR Computer Science Guide

Name: Knowunity
Brand: Knowunity

Omar Elmasry

@omario.3

Network security is crucial in protecting computer systems from various... Show more

Active
Internal
Passive
about the network or retrieve
(Eavesdropping) information without changing
anything.
External
Forms of Attack
Social

Network Security Threats and Solutions

This page provides an overview of network security threats and solutions, essential knowledge for OCR Computer Science Level students. It covers various forms of attack, qualities of strong passwords, types of malware, and methods to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.

Forms of Attack

Network attacks can be categorized into four main types:

Active: Attempts to modify or delete data, or disrupt network operations.
Passive: Aims to gather information about the network without making changes.
Internal: Attacks originating from within the organization.
External: Attacks coming from outside the organization.

Definition: Data interception in computer science refers to the act of observing data traveling over a network, often using software called a packet sniffer.

Social Engineering and Common Attacks

Social engineering exploits human error and involves tricking users into revealing information. Common attacks include:

Phishing: Deceptive emails that trick users into providing sensitive information.
Brute force attacks: Systematically trying all possible passwords until the correct one is found.
Denial of Service (DOS): Overwhelming a computer or network with traffic.
SQL injection: A technique used to manipulate or retrieve data from SQL databases by inserting malicious code into input fields.

Example: An example of SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science might involve entering SQL code into a website's search bar to access unauthorized data from the database.

Highlight: To prevent SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science, it's crucial to validate and sanitize all user inputs before processing them in database queries.

Qualities of a Strong Password

Strong passwords are essential for network security. They should:

Be at least eight characters long
Include upper and lower case letters
Contain special characters and numbers
Avoid using names or complete words
Not be related to personal information

Vocabulary: Qualities of a strong password in computer science OCR GCSE include length, complexity, and uniqueness to resist various types of password attacks.

Types of Malware

Malware is malicious software designed to harm systems or networks. Common types include:

Viruses: Hide within other applications and spread by infecting files.
Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads through networks.
Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installation.
Spyware: Monitors user activities and sends information to attackers.
Ransomware: Blackmails users by encrypting files or threatening data loss.

Definition: Malware in GCSE OCR computer science refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.

Identifying and Preventing Vulnerabilities

To protect against network threats and forms of attack in computer science, organizations can implement various security measures:

Penetration testing: Scanning for security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
User access levels: Limiting user actions to reduce risks of data theft and damage.
Secure passwords: Implementing strong password policies to defend against brute force attacks.
Encryption: Encoding data to protect against interception and theft.
Anti-malware software: Preventing and removing malicious software.
Firewalls: Monitoring and controlling network traffic.
Physical security: Protecting hardware through measures like security guards and CCTV.

Quote: "Penetration testing allows organisations to find and fix threats before attackers can use them."

This comprehensive overview of network security threats and solutions provides essential knowledge for students studying Computer Science Paper 1 OCR and preparing for Computer Science Paper 2 OCR revision.

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

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Rohan U

Android user

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Elisha

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Paul T

iOS user

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•

975

•

19 Aug 2025

•

1 page

Network Security Threats and Solutions: OCR Computer Science Guide

Omar Elmasry

@omario.3

Network security is crucial in protecting computer systems from various threats. This summary covers key concepts in network security, including types of attacks, qualities of strong passwords, and methods to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.

Forms of attackinclude active, passive,... Show more

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Network Security Threats and Solutions

Forms of Attack

Network attacks can be categorized into four main types:

Active: Attempts to modify or delete data, or disrupt network operations.
Passive: Aims to gather information about the network without making changes.
Internal: Attacks originating from within the organization.
External: Attacks coming from outside the organization.

Definition: Data interception in computer science refers to the act of observing data traveling over a network, often using software called a packet sniffer.

Social Engineering and Common Attacks

Social engineering exploits human error and involves tricking users into revealing information. Common attacks include:

Phishing: Deceptive emails that trick users into providing sensitive information.
Brute force attacks: Systematically trying all possible passwords until the correct one is found.
Denial of Service (DOS): Overwhelming a computer or network with traffic.
SQL injection: A technique used to manipulate or retrieve data from SQL databases by inserting malicious code into input fields.

Example: An example of SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science might involve entering SQL code into a website's search bar to access unauthorized data from the database.

Highlight: To prevent SQL injection in GCSE Computer Science, it's crucial to validate and sanitize all user inputs before processing them in database queries.

Qualities of a Strong Password

Strong passwords are essential for network security. They should:

Be at least eight characters long
Include upper and lower case letters
Contain special characters and numbers
Avoid using names or complete words
Not be related to personal information

Vocabulary: Qualities of a strong password in computer science OCR GCSE include length, complexity, and uniqueness to resist various types of password attacks.

Types of Malware

Malware is malicious software designed to harm systems or networks. Common types include:

Viruses: Hide within other applications and spread by infecting files.
Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads through networks.
Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installation.
Spyware: Monitors user activities and sends information to attackers.
Ransomware: Blackmails users by encrypting files or threatening data loss.

Definition: Malware in GCSE OCR computer science refers to any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network.

Identifying and Preventing Vulnerabilities

To protect against network threats and forms of attack in computer science, organizations can implement various security measures:

Penetration testing: Scanning for security weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
User access levels: Limiting user actions to reduce risks of data theft and damage.
Secure passwords: Implementing strong password policies to defend against brute force attacks.
Encryption: Encoding data to protect against interception and theft.
Anti-malware software: Preventing and removing malicious software.
Firewalls: Monitoring and controlling network traffic.
Physical security: Protecting hardware through measures like security guards and CCTV.

Quote: "Penetration testing allows organisations to find and fix threats before attackers can use them."

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user