Disaster Planning

Potential Threats to computer systems

There are many dangers that can arise from the use of computers to manage files of personal data such as:-

• software failure, e.g. virus damage.  This may have been caused by Cyber Attacks e.g. Worms, Spyware, Trojans

• Malicious damage e.g. Hacking, White Collar Crime

Other potential threats to computer systems include

•  fire, flood, lightning, terrorist attacks etc.

•  hardware failure, e.g. power supply unit failing

•  accidental damage

Cyberattacks

Computer systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks. 

Virus

Virus is a computer program or software that connect itself to another software or computer program to harm computer system. When the computer program runs attached with virus it perform some action such as deleting a file from the computer system. Virus can’t be controlled by remote.

Worm

Worms is also a computer program like virus but it does not modify the program. It replicate itself more and more to cause slow down the computer system. Worms can be controlled by remote.

Trojan Horse

Trojan Horse does not replicate itself like virus and worms. It is a hidden piece of code which steal the important information of user. For example, Trojan horse software observe the e-mail ID and password while entering in web browser for logging.

Disaster/Contingency Planning to recover from disasters

Many organisations carry out disaster planning for their computer systems.  Disaster planning is important as many organisations could not survive if the system failed and data was lost.  All computers are liable to fail, you cannot always avoid fires, floods, terrorist attacks etc.  It is vitally important that organisations recover quickly after a disaster.

Elements of Disaster Planning

There are a number of tasks that should be followed to allow an organisation to recover quickly following a disaster including:-

• Backups should be made and files should be archived off site

• There should be an alternative system and a back up power supply

• Staff need to be trained for this situation to be able to recover successfully and there should be clear instructions for staff to follow.

NOTE: For further details on BACK UP PROCEDURES please click here.