O-Level Computing (7155) Security, Ethics and the Impact of Computing: computer ethics and laws, malware and cyber threats, data protection and privacy, and social and environmental impact

Why this module matters

Security, Ethics and the Impact of Computing is about using technology responsibly and safely, and understanding its effects on people and the planet. This module teaches you the ethics and laws around using others' work, the malware threats you must defend against, why personal data must be protected, and the social and environmental consequences of computing. It is a theory module examined in the written Paper 1, often through explain and discuss questions that reward balanced, well-reasoned answers.

This guide ties together the matching dot-point pages, each with its own worked detail and practice. The strands below cover ethics, threats, data and impact.

Computer ethics and laws

Start with the responsible use of others' work and ideas. See computer ethics and laws for the concepts.

Intellectual property is the rights a creator has over their work. Copyright protects original works (such as software, music and writing) from being copied or used without permission. Plagiarism is presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own. Acceptable use policies set out how systems may be used. A key idea is the difference between legal (allowed by law) and ethical (morally right): following the law is the minimum, while acting ethically goes further.

Cyber threats and malware

Next, the threats to systems and data. See cyber threats and malware for the types and defences.

Malware is malicious software. The main types are:

• Virus: attaches to a file and spreads when that file is opened by a user.
• Worm: self-replicating and spreads across networks on its own.
• Trojan: disguised as a useful program to trick the user into installing it.
• Ransomware: locks or encrypts the victim's data and demands payment to release it.
• Spyware: secretly gathers information about the user.

Defences include antivirus software, keeping software updated, firewalls, strong passwords, and user caution with downloads and email attachments.

Data protection and privacy

Personal data needs care. See data protection and privacy for why and how.

Personal data (names, addresses, identification numbers, passwords, financial details) can be misused for identity theft, fraud and scams, so it must be protected to preserve privacy and safety. Good practice includes strong passwords, encrypting sensitive data, limiting who can access it, keeping software updated, and being careful what is shared online. The principle is that data has value and mishandling it causes real harm.

Social and environmental impact

Finally, the wider effects. See social and environmental impact for a balanced view.

Computing brings benefits (wider access to information, communication, automation and new services) but also costs. The digital divide is the gap between those with good access and skills and those without, which disadvantages people as life moves online. E-waste is discarded electronics, which can pollute if not recycled, and computing's energy use has an environmental cost. A strong discussion weighs benefits against these social and environmental costs.

How this module is examined

• Paper 1 (written, 60%). Explain ethics concepts (intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism, legal versus ethical); identify and compare malware and state defences; explain why personal data must be protected and give good practice; and discuss the social and environmental impact of computing.
• Answer discuss questions in balance. Give benefits and costs, then a reasoned conclusion, rather than listing one side only.

Check your knowledge

Try these, then take the matching quiz for this module.

1. State the difference between legal and ethical. (2 marks)
2. State how a worm differs from a virus in the way it spreads. (2 marks)
3. Name one type of malware that demands payment, and state what it does. (2 marks)
4. Define the digital divide. (2 marks)