P3 - Task 2

Hacking involves re-programming a system that is not authorised by the owner or designer. If a website was to be hacked it could mean that customer’s details could be accessed and details of the company and the price of products could be changed. If a website is hacked into, the person who hacked into it has the ability to change anything that is on the website.

Viruses can cause many problems and can damage a computer. Viruses can copy themselves which means they can access the whole computer which then infects it. If a virus has infected a website, it doesn’t only infect the owner’s computer but it spreads to other users once they have entered the website. This can mean that the website would become unresponsive and not work if it has been infected.

Identity theft involves using someone else’s identity to access specific things and also to make money. Many people share their details and personal information on the internet because they think that it is secure however, personal information can be easily accessed through the internet. If someone can hack into a website, it would be easier for them to receive any information that they have given.

Firewalls are there to block unauthorised access and can be in hardware and software form. The firewall prevents any unwanted programmes coming in or going out of a network. This can also allow or deny access based on a set of rules.

Secure socket layers (SSL) encrypt sections of network connections using a keyed message authentication code. If a website doesn’t show that it is a secure website, customers are more likely to visit.

A company/website that stores details is Argos. The screen shot shows that the website is secure to use online shopping on the website and the terms and conditions of the company.