IMPORTANCE OF DATA AND INFORMATION Because the use of computer related technology has extended into almost every aspect of our lives and the critical role that data plays in both our lives and society as a whole, any threat to our data can have far-reaching and devastating effects. Data and information is critical to the success and operation of an institution - be it a school, a bank or a government. One has to consider the overhead and costs of data loss in terms of: Having to work without the data Possibly having to re-input the data from hardcopy records. The loss of business confidence for client of the business or institution. One of the characteristics of computers that make them so attractive is their accuracy. Their accuracy, however, is dependent on the quality and correctness of the data that has been supplied to them. Therefore when we consider the protection of data, not only must we consider protecting against loss of data but also at 'dafensive' meas...