QUESTION 12: ICT IN BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Here are the answers based on the questions implied by your notes: a) Security Measures Step 1: List general security measures. Firewall: Blocks unauthorized traffic from entering or leaving the network. Antivirus/EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response): Detects and removes malware, including viruses and ransomware. Backups: Daily backups are performed to allow recovery from data loss, such as ransomware attacks. Staff Training + 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): Educates staff on phishing awareness and implements a second layer of authentication for logins. b) Roles of Security Tools Step 1: Explain the role of each security tool. Firewall: Acts as a gatekeeper, checking every data packet and blocking unauthorized access attempts by hackers. Antivirus: Scans the system to find, identify, and delete viruses or malware that may already be present. Encryption: Scrambles data (like a "lockbox") so that even if it is stolen, unauthorized individuals cannot read or understand its content. c) Basic Security Policy for Staff Step 1: Outline essential security policies for employees. Password Management: Use strong passwords and change them every three months. Email Vigilance: Do not click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown emails. Physical Security: Lock the PC when leaving the desk unattended. Incident Reporting: Report suspicious emails or any system issues to IT immediately. USB Device Policy: Do not use external USB drives without prior IT scanning. Question 12: ICT in Business Operations 1) How ICT Improves Daily Operations Step 1: Explain how ICT enhances different aspects of daily business. Sales: Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and mobile money tracking enable faster sales processing and eliminate manual errors. Communication: WhatsApp Business and email facilitate instant customer orders and communication, improving responsiveness. Record Keeping: Using Excel or cloud accounting software allows for digital tracking of stock, debtors, and profit, improving accuracy and accessibility. 2) Suitable Software Tools Step 1: Identify suitable software tools and their benefits. QuickBooks/Xero (Accounting Software): Automates profit/loss calculations and tax reporting, saving time and reducing errors. Odoo/Zero Inventory (Stock Control Software): Provides real-time inventory tracking, allowing businesses to know when stock is low before it runs out. WhatsApp Business: Facilitates customer chat and product catalog display, offering a free marketing channel and direct customer engagement. 3) Risks of Heavy ICT Reliance Step 1: Describe the potential risks associated with high dependence on ICT. Operational Stoppage: Power or internet outages can bring business operations to a halt. Data Loss/Hacking: Cyberattacks can lead to the loss of sensitive customer information and other critical data. Cost Implications: Reliance on ICT often involves ongoing software subscription costs and hardware maintenance. Manual Work Impairment: If the system crashes, staff may be unable to perform tasks manually, leading to significant downtime. 4) Business Continuity Strategies Step 1: Outline strategies to ensure business operations continue during disruptions. Power Backup: Utilize UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or generators to maintain power during electricity cuts. Cloud Backup: Implement daily cloud backups to securely store data off-site, allowing for recovery in case of local system failure. Manual Backup: Maintain a strategy for manual backups of critical data to provide an additional layer of protection. Drop the next question 📸