What is a Standard?

A standard is a set of rules, guidelines, or specifications established to ensure consistency,

quality, and compatibility in a particular field. Standards can apply to software, hardware,
networking, and development processes.
What is a Security Standard?
A security standard is a specialized set of rules and best practices designed to protect
systems, data, and networks from security threats, cyber-attacks, and vulnerabilities.
What is ISO?
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. It is an independent
organization that creates global standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in
products, services, and systems.
It's an independent, non-governmental organization that develops international standards for
products, services, and systems.
Why Are ISO Standards Important?
Ensures quality and safety in products and services.
Helps businesses work efficiently and follow best practices.
Improves customer trust by meeting international standards.
Supports international trade by ensuring consistency.
Restaurants & Food Processing Plants – ISO 22000 ensures food is clean, safe, and free
from contamination.
IN REAL WORLD SCENARIO
Export & Import Companies – ISO ensures products meet global standards, making
international trade easier and faster.
Financial Institutions – Ensures banks follow international financial regulations.
Introduction to SON (Standards Organization of Nigeria)
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the government agency responsible for
setting and enforcing quality and safety standards in Nigeria. It ensures that products,
services, and industries follow international best practices to protect consumers and promote
economic growth.
Key Duties of SON
Quality Control – Ensures that goods meet the required standards.
Consumer Protection – Prevents the sale of fake or substandard products.
Industrial Growth – Helps businesses improve their products and services.
Environmental Safety – Ensures industries follow eco-friendly practices.
Certification & Testing – Issues quality certificates for local and imported products.
SON's Role in Real-World Scenarios
Import & Export – SON checks goods at ports to prevent substandard imports.
Manufacturing – Ensures Nigerian factories follow quality standards.
Pharmaceuticals – Ensures medicines and medical devices are safe.
Electronics & Electrical Products – Tests home appliances to prevent hazards.
Automobile Industry – Ensures cars and spare parts meet safety standards.
What is Product Standardization?
Product standardization means making products uniform in terms of design, quality,
features, and safety to meet industry or international standards. It ensures that products
work the same way regardless of where they are made or sold.
Benefits of Product Standardization
 Ensures Quality – Products meet set safety and performance requirements.
Improves Compatibility – Products work well with others (e.g., USB ports, electrical
sockets).
Increases Efficiency – Companies reduce production costs by following a common
standard.
What is CPN (Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria)?
The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) is the government body
responsible for regulating and controlling the practice of computing and IT-related
professions in Nigeria. It was established by the CPN Act No. 49 of 1993 to ensure
professionalism, standards, and ethics in the computing industry.
Functions of CPN
Regulates IT & Computer Professionals – Registers qualified individuals and companies.
Sets Standards for Computing Practice – Ensures IT professionals follow best practices.
Promotes Ethical Conduct – Ensures IT professionals work with integrity.
Certifies Educational Institutions – Approves computer science programs in schools.
Advises the Government – Helps shape IT policies in Nigeria.
Fights Quackery in IT – Prevents unqualified people from practicing as IT professionals.
Who Must Register with CPN?
IT & Computer Science Graduates
Software Developers
Cybersecurity Experts
Network Engineers
IT Consultants & System Analysts
Companies Offering IT Services
Real-World Importance of CPN
Protects Consumers – Ensures Nigerians receive quality IT services.
Improves IT Education – Ensures universities produce competent IT graduates.
Boosts Nigeria’s Digital Economy – Encourages professionalism in IT businesses.
Prevents IT Fraud – Reduces cybercrime by regulating IT professionals.
How to Become a CPN Member?
Obtain a degree or diploma in computing/IT.
Apply for CPN membership & certification.
Pass CPN’s professional examination.
Get listed in Nigeria’s IT professionals register.
What is ITU (International Telecommunication Union)?
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United
Nations (UN) responsible for setting global standards for telecommunications and
information technology. It was founded in 1865 and plays a key role in coordinating radio
frequencies, satellite orbits, and internet policies worldwide.
Functions of ITU
Sets Global Telecom Standards – Ensures mobile networks, radio, and internet work
worldwide.
Manages Radio Frequencies – Allocates frequencies for TV, radio, Wi-Fi, and satellites.
Improves Global Connectivity – Works to provide internet access to all countries.
Ensures Cybersecurity – Develops strategies to protect data and online systems.
Promotes Innovation – Supports the development of 5G, AI, and smart technologies.
Interoperability vs. Compatibility
Both interoperability and compatibility deal with how different systems or devices work
together, but they have different meanings.
What is Interoperability?
Interoperability means that two or more systems, devices, or software can exchange and
use information efficiently—even if they were made by different companies or use different
technologies.
Example:
• A Samsung phone can send a file via Bluetooth to an iPhone because both follow
Bluetooth standards.
• A PDF file can open in Adobe Reader, Google Chrome, or Microsoft Edge because
they all support the PDF format.
Types of Interoperability:
• Technical – Devices/systems use the same protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
• Software – Different apps work together (e.g., Google Drive syncing with Microsoft
Word).
• Data – Different systems understand the same data (e.g., JSON, XML formats).
Interoperability in Your Django Project (Exam System & E-commerce Site)
Example 1: User Authentication (OAuth 2.0 Interoperability)
• You can allow users to log in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft instead of creating
new accounts.
• This works because OAuth 2.0 is a standard protocol that different platforms follow,
making them interoperable.
Example 2: Payment Gateway (Interoperability with PayPal, Flutterwave, or Stripe)
• Your e-commerce site can support multiple payment methods (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, or
Flutterwave) instead of just one.
• Since these payment services use API standards, your website can process payments
from different providers.
Example 3: Data Exchange Between Exam & Results System
• Your examination system can store student scores in a database (e.g., MySQL).
• A different analytics system can access that database to generate performance reports
because both follow SQL standards for interoperability.
Compatibility in Your Django Project
Example 1: Browser Compatibility
• Your website must be compatible with different web browsers (Chrome, Firefox,
Edge).
• You ensure compatibility by using responsive web design and avoiding browser-specific
features.
Example 2: Mobile vs. Desktop Compatibility
• Your e-commerce site should work well on both mobile and desktop devices.
• You achieve this by using Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS, which ensures a compatible
layout on different screen sizes.
Example 3: Django Version Compatibility
• Since you are using Django 3.2, you must ensure all your Python packages (e.g.,
Django Rest Framework, MySQL connectors) are compatible with this version.
 • If a package is only compatible with Django 4.x, it might not work unless updated.
What is Compatibility?
Compatibility means that a system, software, or device works well with another specific
system without modifications. However, unlike interoperability, it may not work with all
systems—just selected ones.
Example:
• A Windows 10 application may not run on Windows XP because they are not
compatible.
• A PlayStation 5 game won’t work on PlayStation 3 because the older console lacks
compatibility.
Types of Compatibility:
• Backward Compatibility – A new system can run old software (e.g., Xbox Series X
playing Xbox One games).
• Forward Compatibility – A system is designed to support future upgrades (e.g., 4K
TVs supporting new streaming formats).
Why Are They Important?
✔️ Interoperability allows devices & software from different companies to work together (e.g.,
IoT, healthcare systems).
✔️ Compatibility ensures smooth operation of software & hardware without the need for extra
changes.
ENBS (European Network and Information Security Agency - Now ENISA)
• ENISA (formerly ENBS) is the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity.
• It helps EU countries develop cybersecurity policies, best practices, and security
frameworks.
• Example: ENISA provides guidelines for securing online banking and cloud
computing in Europe.
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
• A U.S. government agency that develops technology, measurements, and
cybersecurity standards.
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) helps businesses and governments protect
digital infrastructure.
• Example: NIST's AES encryption standard is used in Wi-Fi security (WPA3) and
online banking.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - Often Called "I Triple E")
• A global organization that develops technology standards for computers, electronics,
and communication.
• Example: IEEE defines Wi-Fi standards (IEEE 802.11), ensuring devices like laptops
and phones connect seamlessly.
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman - Cryptographic Algorithm)
• One of the most widely used encryption algorithms for securing online transactions.
• Used in secure websites (HTTPS), digital signatures, and VPNs.
• Example: When you enter credit card details on Amazon, RSA encryption secures the
data.
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)
• An organization that sets web standards for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
 • Ensures websites work consistently across browsers and devices.
• Example: W3C standards ensure that a website looks the same on Chrome, Firefox, and
Safari.
NCS (Nigeria Computer Society)
The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is a professional organization that promotes IT
development, research, and innovation in Nigeria.
Key Functions of NCS:
1️⃣ Regulates Computer Science & IT Professionals in Nigeria.
2️⃣ Provides Certifications & Membership for IT experts.
3️⃣ Organizes Conferences & Training to improve tech skills.
4️⃣ Works with the Nigerian Government to develop IT policies.
5️⃣ Promotes Cybersecurity, AI, and Digital Innovation in Nigeria.
Real-World Example:
• NCS helps universities design Computer Science curricula to match global standards.
• It ensures that Nigerian tech professionals follow ethical and security guidelines.
Standardization in Organizations, Individuals, and Products
Organizations:
• Ensures consistent processes & quality control (e.g., ISO 9001 for quality
management).
• Example: Banks follow standardized security protocols to protect customer data.
Individuals:
• Sets professional skills & certifications (e.g., NCS certification for IT professionals).
• Example: Doctors need medical licenses before practicing.
Products:
• Guarantees safety, compatibility, and quality (e.g., CE marking on electronics).
• Example: USB chargers follow a standard voltage to avoid device damage.
Ethical Hacking
Definition:
Ethical hacking is the practice of legally testing and securing computer systems to identify
and fix vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them.
Who Does It?
• Ethical Hackers (White Hat Hackers) work with organizations to improve security.
• They follow legal guidelines and obtain permission before testing.
Real-World Example:
• Companies like Google and Microsoft hire ethical hackers to find security flaws in
their systems.
• Bug bounty programs pay hackers to report vulnerabilities instead of exploiting them.
Types of Ethical Hacking:
• Network Security Testing (Prevent cyberattacks on servers).
• Web Application Testing (Find website vulnerabilities).
• Penetration Testing (Simulate hacker attacks to improve security).