SEP2605 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025 (Answer Guide) - Due 25 September 2025

SEP2605 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2025 (Answer Guide) - Due 25 September 2025 VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics. UNISA, 2025 Contents Question 1: Differences between hacking and cracking (8 marks) 2 Question 2: Factors basic to information protection (12 marks) 2 Question 3: Challenges in designing a control room (5 marks) 4 Question 4: Principles of risk management (10 marks) 5 Question 5: How fires spread apart from direct burning (15 marks) 6 References 9   Question 1: Differences between hacking and cracking (8 marks) Hacking is a broad term used to describe the use of technical skill to explore, modify or overcome computing systems. It can involve legitimate problem-solving and security testing when carried out with permission, or unauthorised intrusion when conducted without authorisation (TechTarget, 2025). Cracking, on the other hand, refers specifically to breaking into systems, removing software protections, or subverting systems with malicious or unlawful intent. The term arose to distinguish harmful activity from the more neutral or constructive meaning of “hacker” (TechTarget, 2021). The main differences can be understood in terms of intent, legality, and outcome. In terms of intent, hacking can be ethical or benign. For example, ethical hackers perform authorised penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities that can then be fixed. Cracking is always malicious, such as when a person disables software licensing systems or steals sensitive information. With respect to legality, ethical hacking is conducted with permission, whereas cracking is always unlawful. Regarding objectives and outcomes, hackers who work ethically aim to improve security, while crackers exploit weaknesses for financial gain, sabotage, or theft.