6.2 Threats and controls

Threats refer to potential risks and vulnerabilities that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Controls are measures, safeguards, and practices put in place to mitigate these threats and protect data.

There are several types of data threats that can affect computer devices, including:

Malware
Phishing
Insider threats
Data breaches
Physical damage
Man-in-the-middle attacks

There are several controls that can be implemented to mitigate data threats, including:

Access controls: These controls limit access to data to authorized individuals only. Access controls can be implemented through various methods, such as user authentication and authorization, data encryption, and firewalls.
Data backup and recovery: Data backup and recovery procedures help ensure that data is recoverable in case of data loss or corruption. These procedures involve regularly backing up data to secure locations and testing the recovery process to ensure it is working correctly.
Network security: Network security involves implementing measures to protect networks from unauthorized access, data theft, and other cyber threats. These measures include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and network monitoring tools.
Employee training and awareness: Employee training and awareness programs educate employees on data security best practices, such as password management, email security, and safe browsing habits. These programs can also help reduce the risk of insider threats by promoting a culture of security and awareness.
Physical security: Physical security measures, such as locks, security cameras, and access controls, help prevent unauthorized physical access to data storage locations.
Incident response: Incident response plans outline procedures for responding to security incidents, such as data breaches or cyber attacks. These plans help minimize the damage caused by security incidents and facilitate a prompt and effective response.