Protecting networks from security threats
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare threats to the security of a computer system and suggest protective actions to take.
Key learning points
- Threats to security can be compared by likelihood and impact.
- Protective measures are used to make it difficult for attackers to achieve their goals.
- Combinations of protective measures make computer systems more secure.
- Training users of a network about risks can help keep a network secure.
Keywords
Cybersecurity - the protection of computer systems from threats
Firewall - a system that filters network traffic to protect against unauthorised flows of data in or out of the network
Common misconception
Using security measures will stop every cyber attack.
Security measures reduce the risk of cyber attacks but cannot stop all of them. New threats and advanced techniques can sometimes bypass even the best defenses.
Teacher tip
Analogies are a good way of helping pupils understand the way that technology operates. For example, a firewall could be likened to leaving doors of a house open or locked.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main risk of storing data electronically?
Q2.What is the difference between data and information?
Q3.What is malware?
Q4.Which of the following is a type of malware?
Q5.Match the malware type to its description.
Q6.What is the purpose of the Data Protection Act 2018?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the concept to its description.
Q2.Which of the following is an example of social engineering?
Q3.How does user training improve network security?
Q4.Why can’t security measures stop all cyber attacks?
Q5.What is the main purpose of combining security measures?
Q6.What is the impact of human error on data security?
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Protecting networks from security threats, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Protecting networks from security threats, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Introduction to cybersecurity unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.