(a)(i) Define the term encryption. (ii) Tick two authentication techniques involved in security measure from Table 1. Table 1 (ii) Outline two features of d...

(a)(i) Define the term encryption. (ii) Tick two authentication techniques involved in security measure from Table 1.

Table 1

  (ii) Outline two features of data encryption. (b) While exchanging data with a friend through your mobile phone, you observed that it took a longer time than usual. Outline four factors that may be responsible for the delay in the data transfer.

Answer Details

(a)(i) Encryption is the process of converting plain or readable data into a coded or unreadable format using an algorithm. This process helps to secure the confidentiality of sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access or interception of data.

(a)(ii) Two authentication techniques involved in security measure from Table 1 are:

• Biometric: This technique involves verifying a person's identity based on unique physical or behavioral characteristics such as fingerprints, face recognition, or voice recognition.
• Password: This technique involves a secret code or passphrase known only to the user that grants access to a system, application, or data.

(a)(iii) Two features of data encryption are:

• Confidentiality: Encryption provides confidentiality by ensuring that only authorized users can access and read the encrypted data. Even if the data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.
• Integrity: Encryption also provides integrity by ensuring that the data has not been tampered with during transmission or storage. Any changes made to the encrypted data will render the decryption process useless.

(b) Four factors that may be responsible for the delay in data transfer through mobile phone are:

• Network congestion: When many users are accessing the same network simultaneously, it can cause congestion and slow down the data transfer speed.
• Poor signal strength: If the mobile phone has a weak signal or is in an area with poor network coverage, it can affect the data transfer speed.
• Large file size: Large files take longer to transfer than small files, and this can cause a delay in data transfer.
• Processing power: The processing power of the mobile phone can also affect data transfer speed. Older phones or phones with low processing power may take longer to transfer data than newer phones with higher processing power.