How can computing resources be misused and how can it be protected?
Computing resources are often misused by employees of a company or people who are trying to hack into a computer system. Some examples of misusing computer resources include using unauthorized access to find and use files, using work computers for personal gain, sabotaging computer programs, letting outsiders gain access to company resources/files, etc. According to Avasant the misuse of computing resources in a business or organization environment can be termed as Insider misuse. Insider misuse is a huge problem and it doesn’t just affect the loss of productivity it can also lead to the company gaining issues. For example, if an employee keeps pirated media in their work computer they can cause their organization to possibly get copyright violation liabilities.
Additionally the University of virginia shows that “IT abuse” is also a way computing resources can be misused. According to the University of Virginia “IT abuse” means “willful or negligent unauthorized activity that affects the availability, confidentiality, or integrity of information technology (IT) resources”. This shows us computing resources, although intended to be useful, can be used for harm if used wrongly and with ill intent. But how can someone stop the possibility of computers being misused? Thankfully there are many ways in which companies and people can keep their information safe from computer misuse.
According to Texas A&M university,some helpful tips to keep your personal data safe include keeping your software updated, strengthening your passwords, multi-factor authentication, being aware of sketchy emails, and doing regular backups on your computer. But what do these mean? Well getting your software updated regularly and strengthening your passwords is pretty forward but multi-factor authentication basically means that you can protect your information by double verifying that it’s you who wants to access the information. Some ways that multi-factor authentication works is when you put in your password, your computer or program sends you a verification code to make sure it’s really you. Another way is when you make an account for a certain website and it asks you to pick multiple personal questions that at a later date when you try to log in again it will ask you one of those questions to verify it's you. Additionally the University of virginia adds that in a work environment, you also have to be aware of “Shoulder surfers” that could be looking at you over your shoulder while you enter your password or other personal information.
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