Topic pathway
Network security
Threats, prevention, authentication, malware, and security practice.
Exam-board information
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Specification section
Threats to computer systems and networks
Cyber threats, malware, social engineering, brute force attacks, vulnerabilities, and attack impacts.
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Lesson 01
Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities
Define cybersecurity threats.
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Lesson 02
Malware, Viruses, Worms and Trojans
Define malware and distinguish viruses, worms and Trojan horses.
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Lesson 03
Social Engineering, Phishing and Human Risk
Explain social engineering and phishing.
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Lesson 04
Brute Force, SQL Injection and Data Interception
Explain brute-force attacks, SQL injection risk and data interception at GCSE depth.
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Lesson 05
Denial of Service and Interception
Explain denial-of-service attacks and data interception.
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Lesson 06
Malware, Phishing and Social Engineering
Explain how social engineering can lead to malware execution.
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Lesson 07
Threat Scenario Triage
Identify threat types from mixed evidence.
Specification section
Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities
Reducing risk through anti-malware, firewalls, encryption, access controls, authentication, updates, testing, physical security, and training.
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Lesson 01
Preventing Cyber Attacks
Describe common cyber attack prevention methods.
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Lesson 02
Penetration Testing and Finding Weaknesses
Describe what penetration testing is.
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Lesson 03
Network Security Scenarios and Exam Practice
Identify cyber threats from short scenarios.