Comprehensive Study Notes, Cyber Threats & Prevention, Digital Footprints & Solved Exercises
Ethics refers to the principles that help us distinguish between right and wrong and guide us to make responsible, morally sound choices[cite: 66]. Ethical behaviour encompasses[cite: 66]:
Being careful, respectful, and honest while using digital devices and online platforms is called Digital Responsibility[cite: 66]. When we use technology wisely, politely, and legally, we become responsible Digital Citizens[cite: 66].
| Arjun's Action[cite: 67] | Unethical / Unsafe Practice[cite: 67, 68] | Negative Consequence[cite: 67] | Correct Action[cite: 68] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copied an essay online, changed a few words, and submitted it[cite: 67]. | Plagiarism[cite: 67, 68] | Academic dishonesty, lack of genuine learning, copyright violation[cite: 67, 68]. | Cite the author, summarize in own words, or use quotes[cite: 68]. |
| Clicked an email link offering a "Free Game"[cite: 67]. | Phishing / Malicious Link[cite: 67, 68] | Downloaded potential spyware/malware onto the device[cite: 67, 68]. | Verify sender address; do not click unverified reward links[cite: 68]. |
| Clicked a fake pop-up: "WARNING! Your computer has a virus. Click here to scan"[cite: 67]. | Rogue Antivirus / Malvertising[cite: 67, 68] | Installed malicious scripts that slowed system, wiped files, and hijacked social media[cite: 67, 68]. | Close pop-up safely; use a legitimate installed antivirus scanner[cite: 68, 71]. |
Copying or making minor modifications to someone else's text, images, or projects without acknowledging or crediting the original author[cite: 68].
Prevention: Always cite original authors, get formal approval, use quotation marks, and express concepts in your own words[cite: 68].
Unauthorized access into computer systems or networks with the intent to steal, alter, or compromise sensitive data[cite: 68].
Prevention: Install a firewall and antivirus, use strong alphanumeric passwords with special characters, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, and turn off Bluetooth when unused[cite: 68, 71].
Fraudulent attempts to extract sensitive credentials (usernames, passwords, credit card numbers) using fake emails or cloned websites[cite: 68].
Prevention: Scrutinize the sender's exact email address, never open suspicious links/attachments, and never disclose passwords online[cite: 68].
Mass distribution of unsolicited, irrelevant junk messages and advertisements to inboxes, forums, or social accounts[cite: 68].
Prevention: Enable spam filters, do not post email addresses on open public web forms, and ignore messages from unknown sources[cite: 68, 69].
An individual's fundamental right to control how their personal data is collected, processed, and shared[cite: 69].
Software Piracy is the unauthorized duplication, distribution, or cracking of proprietary software (an illegal and punishable offense)[cite: 69].
A Digital Footprint is the permanent trail of identifiable data and records created whenever a user accesses the internet, interacts on social platforms, or uses connected services[cite: 69, 70].
| Category[cite: 70] | How It Is Generated[cite: 70] | Examples[cite: 69, 70] |
|---|---|---|
| Active Digital Footprint[cite: 70] | Created intentionally and deliberately through conscious online actions[cite: 70]. |
|
| Passive Digital Footprint[cite: 70] | Gathered automatically and silently without the user's direct, conscious input[cite: 70]. |
|
1. Copying text from a website without credit is:[cite: 71]
Plagiarism is using another person's creative work, text, or research without providing proper attribution or citation[cite: 68].
2. You get a message: "Win a free phone! Share your password." You should:[cite: 71]
This is a phishing scam[cite: 68, 71]. Passwords must never be disclosed, and parents or guardians should be informed immediately[cite: 68, 70, 71].
3. A pop-up says: "Scan viruses, win $1000!" Safest action:[cite: 71]
Such pop-ups are rogue advertisements designed to trick users into downloading malicious software[cite: 67, 68]. Close and ignore them[cite: 68, 71].
4. Checking bank on public Wi-Fi. Best action:[cite: 71]
Public Wi-Fi networks in airports or cafes lack strong encryption and are prone to interception[cite: 68, 71]. Always conduct banking on a secure private network[cite: 71].
5. Posting helpful tips online while thinking about who sees them is:[cite: 71]
Deliberately sharing content, tips, or articles creates an intentional, positive active digital footprint[cite: 70, 71].
1. Define responsible Digital Citizenship and give one example from daily life.[cite: 72]
Answer: Responsible Digital Citizenship means using the internet, connected devices, and technology safely, legally, ethically, and politely while respecting others' privacy[cite: 66, 70].
Example: Asking a friend for permission before posting a picture of them online, and avoiding sharing private personal details with unknown users[cite: 70, 71].
2. Name two ways to protect your privacy online and explain one.[cite: 72]
Answer: Two ways are: (1) Limiting personal information shared on social networks, and (2) Reviewing website and application privacy policies before signing up[cite: 69].
Explanation: Reading the privacy policy ensures you know what data the service tracks, how it uses tracking cookies, and whether it shares your personal information with third-party advertisers[cite: 69, 70].
3. What is the difference between active and passive digital footprints?[cite: 72]
Answer: An active digital footprint consists of records created through intentional, conscious actions (such as publishing a blog, uploading photos, or sending emails)[cite: 70]. A passive digital footprint is gathered automatically and unintentionally in the background (such as web servers capturing IP addresses, browsing tracking cookies, and background location coordinates)[cite: 69, 70].
4. Why is it important to use strong passwords and change them periodically?[cite: 72]
Answer: Strong passwords containing a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols are difficult for automated cracking tools to guess[cite: 68]. Changing them periodically ensures that even if credentials are exposed during a data breach, unauthorized access is prevented[cite: 68].
5. Explain software piracy and one step to prevent it.[cite: 72]
Answer: Software piracy is the unauthorized, illegal copying, cracked distribution, modification, or sharing of copyrighted proprietary software[cite: 69].
Prevention Step: Always purchase genuine software licenses directly from official developers or authorized company stores, and avoid downloading cracked copies from pirate websites[cite: 69, 71].
1. A student posts a picture of a school project online. Which type of Digital Footprint is this?[cite: 72]
Answer: Active Digital Footprint[cite: 70]. The student intentionally and deliberately uploaded the media file to the internet[cite: 70].
2. Your friend receives an email asking for their bank details. What should they do?[cite: 72]
Answer: They must not reply, click any links, or provide financial details, as this is a phishing attack[cite: 68]. They should immediately flag the email as spam/phishing and alert a parent or trusted adult[cite: 68, 70, 71].
3. A social media app recommends content based on your likes. How is your data being used?[cite: 72]
Answer: The platform is using your passive digital footprint and interaction patterns (likes, viewing time, and shares) through recommendation algorithms to personalize your feed[cite: 51, 70].
4. You want to download a new game safely. What steps will you follow to avoid malware?[cite: 72]
Answer:
5. You see someone copying your school assignment without permission. Which ethical rule is being broken?[cite: 72]
Answer: Plagiarism and the violation of Intellectual Property Rights[cite: 68, 69]. Copying someone else's work without consent and passing it off as one's own breaches fundamental academic and computer ethics[cite: 67, 68].
| Description[cite: 72] | Identified Term[cite: 67, 68, 69, 70] |
|---|---|
| The act of sending fake emails or messages with the intention of stealing personal information.[cite: 72] | Phishing (or Spoofing)[cite: 68] |
| The act of copying someone else's work, text, or project without giving due credit.[cite: 72] | Plagiarism[cite: 68] |
| The record of all your online activities, including posts, likes, and websites visited.[cite: 72] | Digital Footprint[cite: 69] |
| These are the rules and morals that should be followed while using computers and the internet to avoid causing harm.[cite: 72] | Computer Ethics (or Digital Ethics)[cite: 67, 71] |
| A document that explains how a website or app collects, uses, and protects users' personal data.[cite: 72] | Privacy Policy[cite: 69] |