You should use a(n) __ account for everyday computing

Standard User Account

A Standard User Account should be used for everyday computing on a computer running Windows. Utilizing this type of account is recommended because it provides an essential balance between usability and security. Here’s why:

Security: A standard user account has limited privileges compared to an administrator account. This means that it cannot make significant system-wide changes, which reduces the risk of inadvertently installing malicious software or making detrimental modifications.

Usability: Even with its limitations, a standard user account allows you to perform all necessary day-to-day tasks such as running applications, browsing the internet, and managing files.

Using a Standard User Account thus helps in maintaining a secure and smooth computing experience.

Definition

A standard user account in a computer system is a type of user account that comes with limited permissions and privileges. This type of account is typically used for day-to-day activities and does not have administrative rights.

Key Characteristics

• Limited Access: Standard user accounts cannot install or uninstall software, make system-wide changes, or access other users' files without permission.
• Security: Using a standard account minimizes the risk of accidental changes or exposure to malware, as it restricts changes to the system.
• User-Specific Settings: Each standard account can have its own personalized settings, desktop environment, and file storage that don't affect others.

Permissions Comparison

Administrator Account

An Administrator account has elevated privileges and can perform tasks such as:

Standard User Account

In contrast, a standard user account can perform tasks like:

Best Practices

• Use Standard Accounts for Everyday Tasks: This helps in maintaining overall system security.
• Only Use Admin Accounts When Necessary: Reduces the risk of unintentional system changes or exposure to malware.

Conclusion

A standard user account is an account type designed to enhance security and maintain system integrity by restricting the permissions available to the user. This ensures that essential system settings and other users' information remain protected while allowing the user to perform daily tasks efficiently.

Network Security

Network security is the practice of protecting a computer network from intruders, whether they are targeted attackers or opportunistic malware. The goal is to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and resources.

Key Principles

1. Confidentiality: Ensuring that information is not accessed by unauthorized individuals.

2. Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy and completeness of data.

3. Availability: Ensuring that information and resources are available to authorized users when needed.

Common Threats

• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm or exploit devices.
• Phishing: Attempts to obtain sensitive information through deceptive communication.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks: Attempts to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users.

Security Measures

1. Firewalls: Act as a barrier between a trusted network and untrusted networks, such as the internet.

2. Encryption: The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. An example of this is the AES encryption algorithm:

where $E$ is the encryption function, $k$ is the key, and $P$ is the plaintext.

3. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and issues alerts.

4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Extend a private network across a public network, enabling users to send and receive data securely.

Importance

Network security is crucial in safeguarding personal information, intellectual property, and governmental data from cyber threats. Organizations rely on robust security measures to protect against data breaches and cyber attacks, which can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.