Here are the key points:
Why data is important:
- Data contains the intellectual capital and knowledge of an organization. It includes information about customers, business processes, operations, finances, etc. This data drives decision making and performance.
- Loss of data can significantly impact an organization's ability to operate effectively and achieve its goals. It can also damage reputation and trust.
Other assets to protect:
- Intellectual property like patents, trademarks, copyrights
- Physical assets like facilities, equipment, inventory
- Human capital like employees and their knowledge/skills
Types of malware:
- Viruses - Self-replicating programs that attach to other programs and spread when those programs are executed. They can corrupt or delete data.
- Worms - Self-replicating programs that spread over networks and consume network bandwidth. They do not require host programs to replicate.
- Trojan horses - Malware that masquerades as legitimate programs. They do not replicate like viruses/worms but once activated, can give an attacker access and control of the infected system.
Relationship between worms, viruses and Trojans:
- Worms and viruses differ in their replication techniques. Worms spread on their own while viruses need host programs.
- Trojan horses do not replicate like viruses or worms. They simply provide unauthorized access to a system. However, they are sometimes used to deliver viruses or worms upon execution.