Computer and Database Security

Computer security was first formally addressed by the Department of Defense in 1973 (Schwalls, 1989, p. 122). Increased utilization and dependence upon the computer by business, schools (DeLoughry, 1989, p. 1) and those organizations supporting the defense industry, place computer and database security at a premium. While they are easier to utilize than their predecessors, today's computers are also more vulnerable to unplanned interference. Clearly, a key element of good computer security is the detection and correction of these vulnerabilities (p. 1)). Vulnerabilities refer to any hardware, firmware, or software weakness or deficiency in design that leaves an information system open to internal (employee derived) or external tampering. Such tampering permits the alteration or compromise of information or the denial of this service. The best known of the computer vulnerabilities are viruses. The cost to industry and the taxpayer due to computer viruses, has been estimated at over $1 million (p. 1). Since viruses can cause the loss of programs, information, or system time, one can readily see that this estimate may fall far short of actuality. As computer technology becomes more and more available to a greater spectrum of u

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oteurs (Hoffer and Straub, 1989, p. 40). They are dangerous because once introduced, they attach themselves to legitimate programs. They have the ability to take on all of the legitimate program's characteristics including its own inherent security privileges. Consequently, if the program attacked is authorized to delete transactions or files, then the virus may instruct the computer to delete all files or records in its authorized domain. viruses can literally remain dormant for months before their destructiveness is activated by the computer's internal clock or calendar. Viruses also have the ability to copy themselves into master software and operating systems, hiding copies inside numerous other legitimate programs. All infected programs within the information system become contagious and the virus passes to other programs and systems. Thus a single, strategically placed virus can infect thousands of other systems (Hoffer and Straub, 1989, p. 40). The present-day computer virus probably had its start in the late 1950's or early 1960's during the "Core War." This refers to what, on one level is called a game and on another level is a destructive program designed to destroy the operation of another program (Phelps, 1989,
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Approximate Word count = 2369
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)

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