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SingaporeComputer Science

Security, Ethics and the Impact of Computing

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the ethical and legal rules around using computers, copyright and others' data?

Explain computer ethics including intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism and acceptable use, and the difference between legal and ethical
A focused answer to the O-Level Computing point on ethics and law. Intellectual property and copyright, software licensing, plagiarism, acceptable use, and the difference between what is legal and what is ethical.
6 min answer →

What is malware, what types exist, and how can we protect against it?

Describe types of malware (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, spyware), how they spread, and how to protect against them
A focused answer to the O-Level Computing point on malware. The main types (virus, worm, trojan, ransomware, spyware), how they spread, the harm they cause, and the measures that protect against them.
6 min answer →

Why does personal data need protecting, and how do we keep it safe and private?

Explain why personal data must be protected, the risks of misuse, and measures and good practice for keeping data private
A focused answer to the O-Level Computing point on data protection. Why personal data must be protected, the risks of misuse such as identity theft, and the measures and good practice that keep data private and secure.
6 min answer →

How does computing affect society and the environment, both positively and negatively?

Discuss the social and environmental impact of computing, including benefits, the digital divide, e-waste and energy use
A focused answer to the O-Level Computing point on impact. The social benefits and drawbacks of computing, the digital divide, the effect on jobs, and environmental issues such as e-waste and energy use.
6 min answer →