Information processing definition
Information processing refers to the process of acquiring, organizing, storing, retrieving, or modifying information. In cybersecurity, information processing may include gathering data logs, saving them, performing analysis, responding, and monitoring the data further.
Analog computer history
- Input. Using data sources and tools to collect data.
- Storage. Saving the data.
- Processing. Any type of information management that may include sorting, moving, and editing.
- Output. Preparing to display the information. For example, having it printed out or displayed on a screen.
The information processing cycle can also end in deletion, the destruction of a part or the entire collection of data.
Examples of information processing
Information processing can occur in several ways:
- A cybersecurity professional is informed about a potential incident. They download the network logs, save them on their device, and use security software to analyze the logs and output the result.
- A student is assigned to write a report on the movie Titanic. First, they watch the movie and make notes. Then they synthesize their notes, extract key ideas, and write the report.
- A child is given a toy car. They collect information by touching the car or spinning its wheels. Then they process that information, and use it as the basis for how to play with it.
