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Area of Study 2 - Applied Computing: Cyber Security

Overview

In this area of study, the focus is on how networks connect devices and how threats, vulnerabilities and risks affect the security of data and information. The work includes examining network components, communication technologies, malware, security weaknesses and protection strategies.

The area of study also considers legal and ethical requirements, including current frameworks and industry guidance used to protect information within networks.

Computational, design and systems thinking are applied when analysing case studies, evaluating network threats and justifying strategies for improving security.

Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a case study to examine a cyber security incident or a network vulnerability, evaluate the threats to a network, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information on the network.

Key Focus

  • identifying network hardware, software and communication methods
  • examining risks, vulnerabilities and threats to data and information
  • evaluating protection strategies such as updates, backups, authentication and encryption
  • applying legal, ethical and industry frameworks to cyber security decisions