Key Concepts in Cybersecurity to Know for AP Computer Science Principles

Cybersecurity principles focus on protecting sensitive information and ensuring data integrity, availability, and user trust. Understanding these concepts is crucial in AP Computer Science Principles, as they form the foundation for secure digital interactions and systems.

1. Confidentiality

   • Ensures that sensitive information is accessed only by authorized individuals.
   • Utilizes methods like encryption and access controls to protect data.
   • Involves policies and practices to prevent unauthorized disclosure of information.

2. Integrity

   • Maintains the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle.
   • Protects data from unauthorized modification or deletion.
   • Uses checksums, hashes, and digital signatures to verify data integrity.

3. Availability (CIA Triad)

   • Ensures that information and resources are accessible when needed.
   • Involves redundancy, failover systems, and regular maintenance to prevent downtime.
   • Addresses threats like denial-of-service attacks that can disrupt access.

4. Authentication

   • Verifies the identity of users or systems before granting access.
   • Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and two-factor authentication.
   • Essential for establishing trust in digital interactions.

5. Authorization

   • Determines what an authenticated user is allowed to do within a system.
   • Involves setting permissions and roles to control access to resources.
   • Ensures that users can only access information necessary for their role.

6. Non-repudiation

   • Provides proof of the origin and integrity of data, preventing denial of actions.
   • Involves the use of digital signatures and audit trails.
   • Essential for legal and compliance purposes in digital transactions.

7. Encryption

   • Transforms data into a secure format that is unreadable without a decryption key.
   • Protects data in transit and at rest from unauthorized access.
   • Utilizes algorithms and protocols to secure sensitive information.

8. Malware types and prevention

   • Includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware that can harm systems.
   • Prevention strategies include antivirus software, firewalls, and user education.
   • Regular updates and patches are crucial to protect against malware threats.

9. Network security

   • Protects the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of networks and data.
   • Involves firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure protocols.
   • Regular monitoring and updates are essential to defend against threats.

10. Social engineering awareness

    • Involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
    • Common tactics include phishing, pretexting, and baiting.
    • Education and training are key to recognizing and preventing social engineering attacks.

11. Access control

    • Mechanisms that restrict access to information and resources based on policies.
    • Types include discretionary access control (DAC), mandatory access control (MAC), and role-based access control (RBAC).
    • Regular audits help ensure that access controls are effective and up-to-date.

12. Data backup and recovery

    • Involves creating copies of data to prevent loss due to disasters or attacks.
    • Regular backups should be tested for integrity and accessibility.
    • A recovery plan is essential for restoring data quickly after an incident.

13. Security policies and procedures

    • Formal guidelines that dictate how an organization manages and protects its information.
    • Should cover areas like data handling, incident response, and user access.
    • Regular reviews and updates ensure policies remain relevant and effective.

14. Vulnerability assessment

    • A systematic evaluation of security weaknesses in a system or network.
    • Involves scanning for vulnerabilities and assessing potential impacts.
    • Helps prioritize remediation efforts based on risk levels.

15. Incident response

    • A structured approach to managing and mitigating security breaches or attacks.
    • Involves preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, and recovery.
    • Regular drills and updates to the incident response plan enhance readiness.