Viruses and Disasters: Data Protection

Topic 6 - Viruses and Disasters - Data Protection and Recovery

• PC viruses and disasters pertain to damaging software and significant events impacting computer systems, networks, and data.

PC Viruses

• It is a type of malicious software (malware) that links to a valid program or file and spreads to other files, programs, or systems.
• System failures, data compromise, or unauthorized access can occur when the infected program is used, the virus is run.

Types of PC Viruses

• File Infector Viruses: These attach to executable files. These can spread when these files run.
• Macro Viruses: Affect documents and spreadsheets by targeting macro scripts. Targets applications like Microsoft Office.
• Boot Sector Viruses: These infect Master Boot Record (MBR) of a hard disk. This can make it difficult when starting the system.
• Polymorphic Viruses: Virus changes code each new file infection, so it is harder to detect with antivirus software.
• Resident Viruses: These reside in the computer's memory, so they continue without needing an executable file.
• Non-Resident Viruses: User actions trigger, they don't reside in system memory.

Virus Symptoms

• System performs slower
• Unexpected crashes or restarts
• Unexplained disk space usage
• Disruptive pop-ups or error messages
• Corrupted files or lost data

Protection

• Use updated antivirus software
• Operating system and software must stay patched
• Avoid suspicious downloads or opening unknown email attachments
• Regularly back up important computer data.

PC Disasters

• Any destructive event causing considerable damage to a computer or data system. Could be software issues, hardware failure, or external factors.

Types of PC Disasters

• Hardware Failures: Motherboard damage, hard drive crashes, or power supply problems
• Software Failures: Malware impact, application crashes, or OS corruption
• Data Loss: System failures leading to lost files, ransomware corruption, or accidental deletion
• Cyberattacks: DDoS attacks, hacking, or phishing that disable or compromise a system
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods or fires that damage physical equipment

Disaster Recovery Strategies

• Perform regular backups of data to cloud services or external drives
• Use multiple devices or cloud-based storage for critical data for redundancy
• Implement a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) that details the steps to take during a disaster.
• Employ antivirus and a firewall to protect systems from cyber threats and malware
• Utilize surge protectors to safeguard against electrical issues

Key Strategies

• PC data protection and recovery involves protecting data stored on personal computers to ensure retrieval in possible data loss or corruption.

Backup Solutions

• Cloud Backups: Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox offer off-site data storage to keep everything safe if hardware fails.
• External Hard Drives: Use physical drives such as HDDs or SSDs to back up data regularly and have local protection.
• Automated Backup Software: Tools like Acronis, Macrium Reflect, or Windows File History automate backups to external drives or the cloud.

Data Encryption

• Full Disk Encryption (FDE): Encrypt the entire disk with BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac). Thus protecting all data from unauthorized access.
• File-level Encryption: For added data security, encrypt individual files using tools like VeraCrypt or AxCrypt

Anti-malware and Antivirus Software

• Ensure that system data remains intact by protecting against viruses, ransomware, and malware.
• Popular options include Norton, Bitdefender, and Windows Defender.

System Restore and Backup Images

• System Restore: Revert a system back to an earlier state in case of issues, through Windows' built-in system.
• Disk Imaging: Restore the entire PC with files, apps, and OS via tools like Clonezilla or Acronis True Image

Redundancy and RAID

• RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): Back up data across multiple drives by duplicating it. Set up RAID (e.g., RAID 1), so ensure redundancy for critical data
• Network Attached Storage (NAS): Act as a backup solution for numerous PCs and provide centralized storage with built-in redundancy

Data Recovery Tools

• Recover deleted or corrupted files with data recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery, Recuva, or Stellar Data Recovery.

Disaster Recovery Plan

• Having a clear, practiced recovery plan to restore data and services in the event of data loss is essential.

Secure Data Disposal

• Prevent unauthorized data recovery by securely erase data by using tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke) when disposing of old PCs.

Understanding Virus Risks

• Essential to proper data protection and recovery due to a variety of damages and system failures posed by malicious software.

Risks

• Data Corruption or Deletion: Viruses cause data files to be altered or destroyed, making them unrecoverable and unusable.
• System Crashes: Viruses cause operating systems or crucial software to crash, leading to unresponsiveness.
• Ransomeware: Malware encrypts data and demands that a payment be made for its release

Virus Risks Continued

• Spyware/Keyloggers: Passwords or intellectual property to be stolen
• Spread Across Networks: Multiple systems to be compromised via email, devices, or networks

Data Protection Strategies

• Use the following strategies for protection from disasters and the preventing of data loss.

Antivirus Software

• Use reputable antivirus solutions to detect and block viruses as they happen
• Schedule periodic scans to identify any malware that might have bypassed the initial defense

Firewalls

• Protect networks by blocking unauthorized inbound and outbound traffic. Reduces malware infections from malicious websites and network attacks through settings

Patching and Updates

• Operating System and Software: Many viruses take advantage of vulnerabilities. So ensure that all systems are updated with the latest updates.

Backup Solutions

• Make regular backups of data to protect from malware or corrupting viruses.
• Encrypted Backups: To cloud or external storage devices using the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies of data, 2 different media, 1 offsite)
• Automated Backups: Set up automated backup systems to ensure that backups are regularly

Endpoint Protection

• Using multi-factor authentication and strong device security is essential to protect all endpoint devices (laptops, PCs, or mobile devices)

Disaster Recovery Planning

• Take certain steps including outline key elements in the event of a system failure, or a cyberattack.

Data Recovery Procedures

• Leverage cloud storage and restore data from recent backups. Isolate backup data in a secure location in case of a virus infection or data corruption.

Additional Data Recovery Measures

• To prevent overwriting clean data, keep different copies of important files via version control

Disaster Recovery Tools

• System Restore Points: Revert to the system before an infection has started to use with Windows or features with other OS
• Virtualized Recovery Environments: Use virtual machines (VMs) for critical applications for faster recovery after an attack

Incident Response Plan

• Communication Plan: Have a clear one to inform clients, employess, or clients during a disaster event
• Eradication: After containment, remove the virus using appropriate malware removal tools by restoring backups
• Identification and Containment: Prevent further spread of a virus across a network by detecting and isolating infected systems

Long Term Data Protection - Best Practices

• Test backup and disaster recovery plans regularly to make sure they work when needed.
• Regularly check, test and listen to employees.
• Employee Training: Security awareness towards secure passwords, avoiding suspicious downloads, reporting phishing emails and threats and how to avoid this happening again
• Data Encryption: Protect private data from unauthorized access in the event of a breach by encrypting it

Ransomware Protection and Recovery

• Data Segmentation: Decrease damage by segregating critical data from normal files
• Network isolation is key to preventing the virus from spreading by isolating critical systems from the rest of the network
• If attacked it's advised not to pay the ransom because it promotes attacks with no data restoration guarantee

Introduction to Operating Systems

• Runs the computer hardware resources, enabling software apps to run properly

Core Functions and Components

• Ensures processes are allocated Central Processing Unit time, handles execution, and handles processing.
• Memory Management: Handles memory allocation to programs, managing both physical and virtual memory and tracks memory use.
• System Performance and Resource Allocation: OS monitors system performance and adjusts to optimize resource utilization, making sure everything runs efficiently

File System Management

• System protection (FAT, NTFS, ext4) to secure files and direct them in organized direction.

File Permissions

• Controls file access making sure sensitive information is shared only to authorized users.

Device Management

• Controlling devices such hardware in the computer such printer, display screens, etc.

Network and access Control

• Data and resources are protected from malware and unauthorized access. OS ensures only authorized users can enter the system through verification.

User Interface

• Graphical or Command-line interface allowing users to interact with software.

Encryption and Firewalls

• Security features include encryption and firewalls.

Networking

• Modern OS enable computers to communicate locally or from the internet through protocols like Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol for communication.

Types of Operating Systems

• Batch OS: processes tasks without user interaction
• Time-sharing OS: shares resources so all users get access.
• Real-Time OS Provides quick responses to outside events, which occurs in embedded systems
• Distributed OS: Multiple computers working together as a unified system
• Mobile Operationg System: ex., Android, iOS used for designed mobile devices

Popular Operating Systems

• Windows (user-friendly for desktops and workstations)
• macOS (proprietary for Apple laptops and desktops)
• Linux (flexible and widely used open-source)
• Android and iOS

Standard Operating and Maintenance Procedures

• PC Standard SOPs help ensure personal PCs work safely, efficiently, and in good order.

System Setup & Configuration

• Initial Setup: Document the software/hardware installation process
• Network Configuration: Set up network settings, including connecting to Wi-Fi or VPN
• Security Setup: Implement security policies, including device access controls, password policies, firewalls, and antivirus software.

Daily Operation Procedures

• Login & User Access: Password management, multi-factor authentication
• Application Usage: List and manage all software being used and the guidelines to install
• Data Backup: Outline all procedures for daily backups
• System Monitoring: Check system health indicators and set up logging systems

Maintenance and Support

• Software Updates: Regularly update system software, drivers, and security patches
• Hardware Maintenance: Clean hardware, check for wear/tear
• Security Scans: Run vulnerability scans with malware and antivirus software
• System Performance Optimization: Clear unnecessary files and defragment hard drives for HDDs.

Troubleshooting

• Provide a list of system crashes and provide the steps to handle
• Error Logs: Take action on error logs or contact support if support is required
• System Restore: Restore to an earlier state with backup recovery

User Education and Best Practices

• Power Management: Control power settings to increase battery span
• File Management: Make sure data is secure with organized files
• Security Best Practices: Avoid phishing, downloads or threats

End of Life and Device Disposal

• Data Wiping: Erase data prior to transferring or disposing devices
• Hardware Recycling: How recyclable hardware components work
• Device Decommissioning: List the steps for retiring older devices.

Documentation and Reporting

• Change Management: Provide procedures for software/hardware grades
• Performance Reports: Guidelines for monitoring and reviewing system health.
• Incident Reporting: How to report incidents.

Topic 7 - Maintaining the Modern Computer

• Regular tasks to help ensure optimal performance, security, and longevity

Regular Updates

• Operating system updates like the latest Mac or Linux security patches
• Critical components like graphics cards or Storage Devices
• Antivirus systems, productivity tools and browsers should all update together

Security Maintenance

• Antivirus/Antimalware software: keep your software updated and do regular scans to detect remove threats
• Firewall: ensure it is enabled to protect against network access
• Password management: unique password manager for security
• Encryption: use drive encryption to secure data

System Clean Up

• Clean disk of unnecessary files and browser caches to maintain space on the hard drive.
• Keep from using unnecessary applications to make the load faster
• Avoid defragmentation

Backup and Recovery

• Local external drives with a cloud platform for backup when failures occur
• system restore readily available

Hardware Maintenance

• Clean the computer from harmful dust buildup
• consider cooling pads and monitor the heat to avoid damage

System Performance

• Monitor battery health
• Disable unnecessary programs
• Resource management

Monitor system

• For unusual activities that happen

Network Maintenance

• Wi-Fi connections
• Network security.

Collaboration tools

• Slack helps improve communication and collaboration in remote workplaces

Cybersecurity

• Well known framework used for managing cybersecurity risks

Business Intelligence and Analytics Tools

• Power BI and Tableau are used for data analyzing and operational movements

Automation Tools

• Helps time management

Safety considerations and basic policies when working with computer equipement

Physical Safety

• Ergonomics helps maintain posture and monitors positioning at the right head level
• Cable management secures and manages cables

Electrical Safety

• Avoid overloading circuits
• Use certified equipment with the right charger

Workplace policies

• The use of personal devices with a secure network
• Compliance with regulations

8- Troubleshooting a computer

• Troubleshoot a computer which prevents the systems from working correctly

Identify the problem

• Look for slow performance with errors or system crashes.
• Get the correct detail on what issue happened and screen errors.

Isolate the cause

• Determine if related to hardware or software
• Consider environmental factors

Test Basic Solutions

• Reboot the computer to get rid of glitches or ensure proper cable connection or high CPU

Performance Diagnostic Tests

• Manufacturers provide their own code diagnostic tools

Disaster Recovery Plan

• Back up and have a recovery method step by step

Install Windows

• Power on and enter the BIOS Key to start up

Steps defining the scope of a computer-related problem

• Identify problems and understand its impacts and set measurable goals.

Steps to Resolve a computer

• Gather requirements
• Establish constraints
• Understand the impacts in which its one of its systems effects
• 5 Set Goals And Objectives

Troubleshooting techniques

• Essential skill in IT through systematic approach helps identifying a website if widespread or not

2. Establish a Theory of Probable Cause

• Hypothesis: Gather information Theory and Logical Steps:
• Test the theory which helps with the right connection to determine the correct cause
• Eliminate possibilities and see if it effects anything

Actioning the plan

• Create a plan towards the cause

Common encountered problems while using Windows

• performance is too slow or there are security issues or apps are crashing

Strategy for resolving Windows operating system problems

• Symptom Checks
• Error Messages Basic Troubleshooting Steps:
• Reboot the computer
• Check for updates

3. Check for MAware

• Check Disk Health
• Check System Resources
• Install drivers

System tools to restore and optimize performance

• Windows Built-in Disk
• SFC Checks.

Memory and CPU Usage Monitoring

• Monitor the usage

6. Startup optimization

• Task manager
• 7 Registry Cleaners

Tool to Store The System Registry

• Restore Windows

8 Reccura- Store to get deleted registry from the backup that may of been a failure

• General tips
• Power connection issues or paper jams errors

8 Checks for Problems

Troubleshooting Problems

• How to fix or identify

Check compatibility mode

Check system resources

• Check autoexec.bat

#Ensure all new updates drivers

Basics of Electrical Energy

Power Supply Unit

1- Power the device

• Ac-DC convertor 2- Transformer
• Power management to save energy 3-Safety Concerns

TOC 9- OS Fundamentals

OperatingSystem:

• Software that manages computer hardware and software Functions:
• Process mgt
• Memory mgmt
• FileSystem mgmt
• User Interface

Types of Os

• Batch- no user interaction
• Mobile used in phone's Common OS
• macOS
• Linux

Roles of OS played in Computer Operations

• Process mgt handling execution & synchronization
• Memory mgt prevent conflicts in storage
• Device mgt provides hardware drivers & coordinates access Security and access control protects from unauthorized intrusions.

Primary Command Prompt Apps

• System Info and Configuration
• System info Netstat
• File and Directory Operations List files Renames files System settings for different process.

7. Network and Connectivity Tools

• Netsh Configures network interfaces firewalls etc
• Path display

Functions of Config.sys to automate

• It includes device configuration
• Memory settings

Autoexec

• What program to apply setting

Introducing and Installing Microsofts

• Follow Installation process and prepare steps Check windows version Upgrade.

Run the application

• Post BIOS/UEFI initializations.

Editing registry

• Ensure to back up before changing

Windows Environment - Check OS

• System Requirements
• Processor: 1GHz or faster w/ 2 Cores
• RAM: at least 4GB
• Display: 99" HD Resolution

Functions of the control registry panel:

• The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database used by the Windows operating system.

Key functions

• Storage for System and Configuration:
• Customization and Configuration:
• Troubleshooting and Repair:

Adding New Hardware

-System and Security

• Device Management in Safety
• Connect USB

Repairing a Computer

Preparation and Safety

• Preparation and Safety
• Symptom Observation

Check Led Indicators

• Check for lights from the motherboard which can help with codes depending on issues

4-Hardware Diagnostics

Isolate the Components

Performance Management

• Monitor performance - run system with proper cooling • Windows Firewall

Principles behind Updating a Computer

• Energy Efficiency

List to consider what your expectations are for upgrading a system

Performance improvements

• Hardware upgrade limits
• Cost