Software & Security Study Guide

Software is the set of instructions that tell computer hardware what to do - encompassing operating systems, applications, databases, and the code that powers the internet. Software development involves writing, testing, and maintaining these instructions using programming languages and frameworks. Cybersecurity protects systems, networks, and data from theft, damage, and unauthorised access. As society has become increasingly digital, cybercrime has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar global problem. Threats include malware, ransomware, phishing, and state-sponsored hacking. This sub-category tests knowledge of software concepts, major operating systems and applications, cybersecurity principles, common threats and defences, and the people and organisations shaping the software and security landscape of the modern digital world.