Introduction to computer security
Learning intentions
You will learn:
- About the Achievement Standard
- What the format of the exam will be
- The topic for this year: computer security
- Where to find additional resources
AS91898: Demonstrate understanding of a computer science concept
The standard
- Paetae/A: Demonstrate understanding of a computer science concept
- Kaiaka/M: Demonstrate in-depth understanding of a computer science concept
- Kairangi/E: Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of a computer science concept
Paetae/A
Demonstrate understanding of a computer science concepts involves:
- identifying the computer science concept
- providing details of how the concept is used, is implemented, or occurs
- explaining how the concept has been or could be applied to address an opportunity
- explaining relevant mechanisms that shape the concept
Examples of mechanisms include techniques, algorithms, principles, protocols, systems, procedures, processes
Kaiaka/M and Kairangi/E
Demonstrate in-depth understanding of a computer science concepts involves explaining the impact of the concept.
Examples of impact include:
- ethical issues
- social impact
- sustainability
- human factors
- future proofing
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of a computer science concepts involves explaining key problems or issues related to the concept.
The exam format
From the standard
Candidates will be required to respond in matching lists, short, and/or extended answers (800 to 1,500 words in total) to questions relating to their choice of ONE of the following computer science concepts:
- computer security (we will cover this in 2026)
- encryption
Past exams and exemplars
You can take a look at past exams to give you an idea of the format that will be used in the exam for 2026.
Focus on the following:
- Exemplar answer script 2024 - Excellence
- Common Assessment Task (A) 2023 (page 9 onwards)
- Exemplar answer script 2023 - Achievement (page 8 onwards)
- Examination paper 2022 (page 8 onwards)
The exam topic: Computer Security
Computer security
This year (2026), we will be looking at computer security. (I realise I said it would be AI but this subject is not being offered this year)
For 2026, questions in impact focus on human factors and social impact.
Questions in the exam may cover any of the following:
- Authentication, anti-virus, malware, education
- VLANs (as used in schools)
- VPNs - uses and limitations
- School security
- Password management
What we will cover this term
We will have 7 lessons on this topic, including:
- Introduction: this lesson!
- Why is computer science important?: what computer security involves and why it is important
- The human factor: what it is about people that makes computer security necessary
- Networking: specific details around keeping networks secure
- The bigger picture: how computer security impacts on society as a whole
The focus will be on what computer science involves and why it is important. This means thinking about:
- what kinds of computer security exist, what they are called, and why they are needed
- why people want to protect computer assets
- what would happen if we didn’t have computer security
- how computer security could be a relevant field for you in your career
Where to find additional resources
Some key resources that will help you with further study include: