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3.6 Cyber security

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What kinds of attack threaten computer systems?

Understand the main cyber security threats, including the difference between vulnerabilities and attacks, and forms such as brute-force and denial-of-service attacks.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Computer Science 3.6, covering the main cyber security threats, the difference between vulnerabilities and attacks, and forms such as brute-force and denial-of-service attacks.
7 min answer →

What is malicious software and what forms does it take?

Understand what malware is and the main forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware, and the harm each can cause.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Computer Science 3.6, covering what malware is and the main forms (viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and ransomware) and the harm each can cause.
7 min answer →

How do we detect and prevent cyber attacks?

Understand the methods used to detect and prevent cyber security threats, including penetration testing, anti-malware, firewalls, user access levels, passwords and encryption.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Computer Science 3.6, covering the methods used to detect and prevent cyber security threats, including penetration testing, anti-malware, firewalls, user access levels, passwords and encryption.
8 min answer →

How do attackers trick people instead of computers?

Understand social engineering, including phishing, shouldering and pretexting, and why people are often the weakest point in security.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Computer Science 3.6, covering social engineering, including phishing, shouldering and pretexting, and why people are often the weakest point in security.
7 min answer →