MD1 Digital and Physical Assets: Assets in a digital world

Question 1

Data

Answer 1

Data is information that is translated, processed, or stored by a computer

Question 2

Data in use

Answer 2

Data in use is data being accessed by one or more users. Imagine being at a park with your laptop. It’s a nice sunny day, and you stop at a bench to check your email. This is an example of data in use. As soon as you log in, your inbox is considered to be in use.

Question 3

Data in transit

Answer 3

Data in transit is data traveling from one point to another. While you’re signed into your account, a message from one of your friends appears. They sent you an interesting article about the growing security industry. You decide to reply, thanking them for sending this to you. When you click send, this is now an example of data in transit.

Question 4

Data at rest

Answer 4

Data at rest is data not currently being accessed. In this state, data is typically stored on a physical device. An example of data at rest would be when you finish checking your email and close your laptop. You then decide to pack up and go to a nearby cafe for breakfast. As you make your way from the park towards the cafe, the data in your laptop is at rest.

Question 5

Information security, or InfoSec

Answer 5

The practice of keeping data in all states away from unauthorised users. Weak information security is a serious problem. It can lead to things like identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. These events have potential to harm organisations, their partners, and their customers.