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Foundations of Information Systems

Introduction

Foundations of Information SystemsIntroduction
Figure 5.1 Protection from cybersecurity attacks works in a similar way to how we protect ourselves from bad weather—by using different layers to shield us from the elements. (credit: modification of work “Clear Umbrella Rain Liverpool” by Freddie Marriage/Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0)

Chapter Outline

Introduction

Imagine carrying important documents, such as a paycheck or a diploma, when it starts to rain. Without an umbrella, your documents can be damaged, although it may be possible to reprint them. However, if the rain turned into a violent storm, you’d need much more protection to keep your documents safe. Similarly, in information technology, our digital lives are constantly threatened by malicious actors, rogue governments, and natural disasters.

Just as an umbrella alone isn't enough to protect someone from a storm, people rely on multiple layers of protection to shield their digital lives. As a person navigates the digital landscape, layers of security help keep them safe, preventing severe damage that’s much harder to remediate.

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