Describe the ways an organisation can ensure the security and confidentiality of electronic data. - Scottish Highers Administration and IT - Question 7 - 2023

Creating frequent backup copies of electronic data is crucial. This prevents data loss due to unforeseen events such as cyber-attacks or hardware failures.

Regularly updating antivirus software helps to protect against malware that could compromise data security. Organizations should install and routinely check for updates to ensure maximum protection.

Firewalls serve as a barrier that controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Properly configured firewalls can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to an organization's systems.

Files should be made read-only so that they cannot be altered. This preserves the integrity of the data and restricts unauthorized modifications.

Employing biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information.

Organizations should implement policies to restrict access to sensitive information based on user roles. Different permissions should be assigned to different staff members based on their needs.

Developing clear policies regarding data security and providing staff training on these protocols can help minimize risks associated with handling sensitive information.

Using security devices such as key card access and computer locks can protect physical devices from unauthorized access.

All sensitive data, whether stored on servers or being transmitted, should be encrypted. This ensures that even if data is intercepted or accessed without authorization, it remains unreadable.

External storage devices like USB drives and hard drives should also be secured. They are prone to being lost or corrupted, so using encryption and physical security measures is essential.