Cybersecurity II: Protecting Computer Systems - SSS 1 Plan

LESSON PLAN

CYBERSECURITY II: PROTECTING COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Subject	Digital Technologies
Class	SSS 1
Term	Second Term
Week	8
Topic	Cybersecurity II: Protecting Computer Systems
Duration	80 Minutes (Double Period)
Date	________________

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning and importance of protecting computer systems.
2. Define antivirus software and state its functions.
3. Define a firewall and identify its types and functions.
4. Describe the characteristics of strong passwords.
5. Identify safe computing practices.
6. Explain the importance of software updates, backups and multi-factor authentication.
7. State appropriate steps to take when a computer is suspected of malware infection.

2. Previous Knowledge

Students have learnt about cybersecurity threats, including malware, phishing and unauthorised access. They are familiar with using computers, mobile devices, the Internet and online accounts.

3. Instructional Materials

• Computer system or smartphone.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Charts showing antivirus software and firewall protection.
• Examples of weak and strong password practices.
• Sample security alerts or suspicious messages for discussion.
• CMPNOTE SSS 1 Week 8 lesson note on Cybersecurity II.

4. Teaching Methods

Explanation, demonstration, guided discussion, questioning and answering, and classroom activities.

5. Presentation

Time	Teacher's Activities	Students' Activities
5 minutes	Reviews the previous lesson on malware, phishing and cybersecurity threats. Asks how students can protect their devices.	Recall previous knowledge and suggest ways to keep computers and online accounts safe.
10 minutes	Explains computer system protection and its importance in preventing data loss, unauthorised access and malware damage.	Take notes and explain why computer systems and personal information need protection.
15 minutes	Defines antivirus software and discusses its functions, including scanning, detection, quarantine, removal and real-time protection.	Identify examples of antivirus software and explain how it helps protect computers from malware.
10 minutes	Defines a firewall, explains its functions and distinguishes software firewalls from hardware or network firewalls.	Describe how a firewall controls network traffic and state the difference between antivirus software and a firewall.
10 minutes	Explains strong passwords, password uniqueness, confidentiality and multi-factor authentication.	Identify unsafe password practices and suggest ways to create and protect strong passwords.
15 minutes	Discusses safe computing practices, software updates, backups, trusted downloads, device locking and steps to take when infection is suspected.	Participate in safe-or-unsafe activities and describe appropriate responses to common security problems.
15 minutes	Summarises the lesson, asks evaluation questions and corrects students' misunderstandings.	Answer evaluation questions and summarise the main ways to protect computer systems.

6. Evaluation

Ask students the following questions:

1. What is computer system protection?
2. Define antivirus software and state four of its functions.
3. What is a firewall? Mention two types of firewalls.
4. State five practices that help make passwords secure.
5. Explain five safe computing practices.
6. Differentiate between antivirus software and a firewall.
7. What is multi-factor authentication, and why is it useful?

7. Assignment

1. Write short notes on antivirus software and firewalls.
2. List eight safe computing practices and explain their importance.
3. Explain how strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and backups help protect computer systems.
4. Prepare a cybersecurity checklist containing at least eight rules students should follow when using a shared computer.

8. Reference

• CMPNOTE: SSS 1 Digital Technologies — Second Term, Week 8 Lesson Note on Cybersecurity II.
• Teacher's instructional materials and classroom demonstrations.

CMPNOTE | Digital Technologies Lesson Plan