Security involves making sure the good guys get in and the bad guys stay out. Throughout the development of the computer, security has been an increasingly important consideration. Software has evolved to include security functions, and with the advent of the Internet and large networks, security has become a daily issue. In fact, security software is considered by many in the computer industry to be a "necessary evil."

At the core of any security software process is the fundamental proposition that the level of risk associated with electronic data (often called an information asset) is the product of the data's value, threats, and vulnerabilities. Understanding this risk and being able to determine its relative rating are key components of security. As the significance of any of these factors increases, the risk also increases. Conversely, reducing any of these factors will significantly reduce the relevant risk. All...