– other processing to take place

– a temporary halt in the system

– backup and recovery

– the transfer of data or information

– hardware devices

• hardware in storing and retrieving
  • hardware secondary storage devices, including:
    • magnetic disks
    • optical disks
    • network storages
    • flash memory
    • magnetic tapes

– the characteristics of hardware, including:

- random or sequential access

- volatile or non-volatile

- permanent or non-permanent

– hardware interface software

– file management software

– database management systems

– file formats for different data types

– Internet browser

- used to access a machine independent data store

- using search engines to access data

– encryption/password protection

– security of stored data whether stored centrally or distributed

– paper based storage systems

– microfiche

– libraries

– the security of stored data

• Data security involves a series of safeguards to protect data, such as passwords, personal objects, biometric devices, firewalls, data encryption, securing waste, carefully screening employees and having appropriate backup procedures.
  
  
• Passwords are secret words or numbers that are typed on the keyboard to gain access to a computer system. Good data protection systems require users to change their passwords often, so that only authorised people can have access to certain data.
  
  
• Objects such as a key, plastic card or badge can be required to gain access to the information system. They are often used together with a personal identification number (PIN).
  
  
• Biometric devices are used to verify personal characteristics such as fingerprints, hand size, signature, eye and voice.
  
  
• Data encryption is used to prevent data from being intercepted and read during transmission. The data is ‘scrambled’ so that it is meaningless to anyone other than the recipient, who uses the same encryption software to convert it back.
  
  
• Firewalls are used on computer networks to check all data coming from outside sources (such as the Internet) for the purpose of verification and authentication.
  
  
• Waste is secured, since discarded printouts are potential sources of confidential information. This kind of waste can be secured by shredding.
  
  
• Backup procedures need to be secure and reliable. A regular plan of copying and storing data will guard against data loss. It is good practice to keep at least one backup copy in a fireproof safe or off-site.
  
  
• The weakest link in the security of any information system is the people in it. Employees need to be carefully screened. This can be difficult, as even well respected and otherwise honest employees can commit computer crimes.

– unauthorised retrieval of data

• Unauthorised retrieval of data refers to people gaining illegal access to information systems. These people are called hackers. Hackers are often involved in information theft or financial theft. Their crimes are often not reported due to adverse publicity and are not regarded in the same light as conventional robbery

– advances in storage and retrieval technologies and new uses such as data matching