Computer Science

a simulated cyberattack used to test the security of a computer system, network or application

the measures and practices used to protect systems, networks and data from unauthorised access, damage or theft

a cybersecurity professional who is authorised to break into systems in order to find and fix vulnerabilities

the process of monitoring and analysing computer network traffic to gather information and detect intrusion

Testing as a form of defence

The cost of cyber crime and hacker motivation

Social engineering techniques

Malware: malicious software

Defence against malware

Encryption tools to protect communication

Common ciphers

The impact of fake news

Careers in cyber security

This unit enables pupils to develop awareness of a range of cybersecurity threats that impact the world and us as individuals. They will explore different forms of attack, both non-automated and automated and how encryption tools can be used to protect communication.

Cyber threats and security

to test security by simulating real cyberattacks

What is the main purpose of penetration testing?

someone who is authorised to test and improve security

someone who breaks into systems without permission

Which of the following best describes an ethical hacker?

Which type of penetration test involves some knowledge of the system?

Put these steps of a penetration test in the correct order:

penetration testing is authorised, while hacking is unauthorised

Which statement best explains the difference between penetration testing and illegal hacking?

What term describes the use of deception to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information or granting unauthorised access?

What do you call the method or value used to encrypt and decrypt messages?

Which cipher shifts each letter by a set number of places?

Arrange the steps in encrypting a message using a cipher:

to turn readable information into a coded form

to turn coded information back into readable form

the scrambled, unreadable version of a message

Starter Quiz

What is the main purpose of a cipher?