Edexcel International AS Level Information Technology Paper 1 2026 with Mark Scheme (PDF)

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Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge International AS & A Level

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9626/12
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Paper 1 Theory February/March 2026
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MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 70
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 9626/12
Paper 1 Theory February/March 2026 Published
1 hour 45 minutes

You must answer on the question paper.
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
No additional materials are needed. examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
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details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer all questions. Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
● Use a black or dark blue pen. Teachers.
● Write your name, centre number and candidate number in the boxes at the top of the page.
● Write your answer to each question in the space provided. Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
● Do not use an erasable pen. Do not use correction fluid or tape.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the February/March 2026 series for most
● Do not write on any bar codes.
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
● You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs or rough working. components.
● Calculators must not be used in this paper.


INFORMATION
● The total mark for this paper is 70.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ].




This document has 12 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.


DC (CJ) 362099/4 This document consists of 11 printed pages.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over

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9626/12 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme February/March 2026




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2 PUBLISHED
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1 Irene would like to post a photograph of her family on a social media website. Generic Marking Principles

(a) Describe two ways in which Irene can ensure that the personal data in the photograph can These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
be protected after it has been posted online. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level
descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
way 1 ........................................................................................................................................ marking principles.

................................................................................................................................................... GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:

................................................................................................................................................... Marks must be awarded in line with:




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way 2 ........................................................................................................................................ • the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
................................................................................................................................................... • the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.

................................................................................................................................................... GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:
[2]
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).

Irene has installed a firewall on her home computer network. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:

(b) (i) Describe how a firewall works to prevent unauthorised access to a computer network. Marks must be awarded positively:

•




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........................................................................................................................................... marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
........................................................................................................................................... referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
........................................................................................................................................... • marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
........................................................................................................................................... • answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
........................................................................................................................................... meaning, however, should be unambiguous.

........................................................................................................................................... GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:

........................................................................................................................................... Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed




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instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
...........................................................................................................................................
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
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Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
responses seen).
(ii) Describe one drawback of using a firewall on a computer network. GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:
........................................................................................................................................... Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
...........................................................................................................................................
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Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9626/12/F/M/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 11
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