3.6 - Information System Structure

Information system structures can be open systems or closed systems.

• Open Systems: Information systems that can communicate with other systems
• Can both receive data and supply it
• They support the sharing of information between different databases
• They are more at risk from cyber threats, e.g., hacking
• Examples include: Internet, Search engines
• Closed Systems: Information systems that cannot share information between systems
• Are private and less functional
• They are more secure than open systems
• They cannot interact with other systems
• Examples include: Classified documents, Home security system