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EnglandComputer Science

Networks and security

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the main cybersecurity threats to a computer system or network, and how does each one work?

The common cybersecurity threats: malware, phishing, social engineering, brute-force attacks, denial-of-service attacks and SQL injection, and how each one works.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the common cybersecurity threats (malware, phishing, social engineering, brute force, denial of service and SQL injection), explaining how each attack works.
11 min answer →

What is the difference between a LAN and a WAN, and how do the bus, star and mesh topologies compare?

LANs and WANs and the benefits and drawbacks of networking, and the bus, star and mesh network topologies with their advantages and disadvantages.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on LANs and WANs, the benefits and drawbacks of networking, and the bus, star and mesh topologies with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
10 min answer →

How can a system be protected against attack, and how should data be backed up and managed?

The methods used to protect a system (firewalls, encryption, passwords and biometrics), and data management including the need for and types of backup.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the methods used to protect a system (firewalls, encryption, passwords, biometrics) and on data management, including why backups matter and full versus incremental backup.
10 min answer →

What is the difference between the internet and the web, and what does each common protocol do?

The internet, the World Wide Web and DNS, and the purpose of the common protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP and IMAP.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the internet, the World Wide Web and DNS, and the purpose of the common protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP and IMAP).
10 min answer →

Why is network communication organised into layers, and what are the advantages of doing so?

The concept of a layered model for network protocols, the role of layers, and the advantages of using a layered approach.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the layered model of network protocols: what a layer is, how the layers work together, the four-layer TCP/IP stack, and the advantages of a layered approach.
9 min answer →

How do wired and wireless connections compare, and what does each piece of network hardware do?

Wired and wireless connections and their advantages and disadvantages, and the purpose of common network hardware: the network interface card (NIC), switch, router and wireless access point.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer comparing wired and wireless connections and describing the purpose of common network hardware: the NIC, switch, router and wireless access point.
9 min answer →