Effects of IT, safety and security

📌 Key points

1. Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home (e.g. washing machines, central heating, smart TVs, alarms) save time and give people more leisure time, but people may become less active and can lose household skills, and smart devices can be hacked.
2. Health risks of using computers and how to reduce them: RSI (use wrist rests and ergonomic keyboards, take breaks), back and neck problems (adjustable chairs, footrests, good posture), eye strain and headaches (anti-glare screens, regular breaks, eye tests).
3. Physical safety risks: electrocution (keep drinks away, check cables for damage), fire (do not overload sockets, keep equipment ventilated, have a CO2 fire extinguisher) and tripping over trailing cables (use cable ducts or wireless connections).
4. E-safety: do not share personal data (address, school, photos in school uniform) with strangers, use privacy settings, only use trusted websites, report and block unwanted contacts, and never arrange to meet online contacts alone.
5. Personal data identifies a living person (name, address, date of birth, medical or bank details); data protection acts say it must be processed fairly and lawfully, used only for the stated purpose, accurate, not kept longer than needed, and kept secure.
6. Threats: hacking, phishing (fake emails), smishing (fake text messages), vishing (fake voice calls), pharming (malicious code redirects users to a fake website), viruses and malware, and card fraud such as shoulder surfing, card cloning and key logging.
7. Encryption scrambles data so it cannot be understood without the key; a firewall checks traffic going in and out of a network and blocks anything that breaks its rules.
8. Other protection: strong passwords and user IDs, two-factor authentication, biometrics, anti-malware software, digital certificates (prove a website is genuine) and SSL (secure connection between browser and website, shown by https and a padlock).
9. Spam is unsolicited bulk email; use spam filters and never reply to it or click its links.

📖 Key terms

RSI

Repetitive strain injury: damage to fingers, wrists or joints caused by repeated movements.

Personal data

Data that relates to a living person who can be identified from it.

Phishing

Fake emails that look genuine and try to trick users into giving personal data.

Smishing

Phishing using SMS text messages.

Pharming

Malicious code that redirects a user to a fake website without their knowledge.

Encryption

Scrambling data so it cannot be understood without the decryption key.

Two-factor authentication

Using two different types of check to confirm identity, e.g. a password and a code sent to a phone.

Digital certificate

An electronic document that proves a website or user is who they claim to be.