Cybersecurity

Two methods that I / my parents are using to protect our digital hardware are:

1. We always keep our hardware assets in a safe place.
2. We have set up an authentication mechanism (such as a password) on our devices to protect them.

Three emails that can be considered spam or sent for phishing purposes are:

1. An email that appears to be from a bank official asking the user to click on a link for online document verification and enter personal details.
2. An email or message that looks like it is sent from a well-known organisation, containing a suspicious link that redirects to a fake website.
3. An email requesting personal or financial information such as account number, password, or credit card details through links or attachments.

Any two safety measures that I / my parents are following to protect our computer from being hacked are:

1. We use strong passwords and update them frequently.
2. We are cautious while opening emails or messages and do not click on suspicious links or attachments.

Any two observations noticed in the degradation of a computer that has become 7 to 10 years old are:

1. The booting time of the computer increases and it takes longer to start.
2. The overall performance becomes slow, which may be due to hardware degradation, memory occupancy, or malware attacks.

True

Reason — Unauthorised access to computer hardware may result in data theft, as an unauthorised person can access personal information such as contacts, data, and history stored on the device.

True

Reason — When a user connects a USB drive to a work computer that they do not own, it means the computer hardware is being used without permission, which is considered unauthorised access to hardware.

False

Reason — Privacy is an important concern in unauthorised access of hardware because an unauthorised person can access personal information like contacts, data, and the history of a person.

True

Reason — Malware is a software developed to harm a computer system. These software can be installed on the computer unknowingly and can be used to steal personal information, by getting a backdoor entry into the computer.

False

Reason — A virus is a harmful program that can harm or steal data from a computer system and can affect the functioning of the computer.

False

Reason — Making false commitments regarding a product’s features is an ethical issue and can mislead customers, leading to financial loss and loss of trust.

False

Reason — Using someone else’s email account without their permission is an example of unauthorised use, which is not an ethical practice.

True

Reason — Using strong passwords helps protect digital assets by preventing unauthorised access to computers and networks.

Using your own computer

Reason — Unauthorised access means using computer hardware without permission. Using our own computer does not involve accessing someone else’s hardware, so it is not an example of unauthorised access.

All of these

Reason — Unauthorised access to hardware can lead to data theft, information sharing, and may also cause damage to hardware, resulting in serious security and privacy issues.

Using pirated software

Reason — Software theft means the unauthorised use of software, whether by copying or modifying it. Pirated software is a form of software theft and means the illegal download or copying of software from the internet.

Results in financial losses

Reason — Software theft causes financial losses to software developers and companies because their software is used or distributed without authorisation or payment.

Purchase software from authorised vendor

Reason — Software should always be purchased from authorised vendors or official websites to avoid software theft and illegal use of software.

Digital piracy

Reason — Digital piracy means the illegal download or copying of software from the internet.

All of these

Reason — Disputed rights to products occur due to intellectual property infringement, contractual disputes, and property disputes between different parties.

Malware

Reason — Malware is a software developed to harm a computer system.

1. Patent is an example of Intellectual property right.
2. Warez cracking means to crack software protection key.
3. Infected pen drive could be a medium to transfer viruses.
4. Using someone else’s computer with permission will be an authorised access.
5. Disputed rights for products mean disagreement between different parties.

An example of unauthorised access is using someone else’s computer hardware without their permission.

Using someone else’s computer, software, or network in an unauthorised manner is called hacking. The purpose of the hackers behind this is to steal data, modify the software, install malware, or observe every activity of the software.

Example: A hacker may install malware in an organisation’s website’s database to collect the visitor’s information.

The various safety measures to avoid hacking are:

1. Organisations must take precautions to protect themselves against hacking and data theft.
2. Strong security measures should be put in place, such as employing strong passwords, encrypting data, and using firewalls.
3. Employees should be trained to recognise and report suspicious behaviour.
4. Organisations should be informed of the most recent hacking and data theft strategies and threats.

A virus is a harmful program that can harm or steal data from a computer system. Viruses can be transmitted by email attachments, malicious websites, or infected USB sticks.

Example: The Stuxnet virus was a malware designed to attack Iran’s nuclear programme. It infiltrated computers in nuclear plants and caused considerable damage to the systems.

The various ways to avoid or reduce the degradation of systems are:

1. Keep the software updated.
2. Use trusted antivirus and antimalware programs.
3. Purchase hardware from a well-known company by analysing its history and current scenario.

Labelled diagram illustrating unauthorised use of hardware:

The dispute may be resolved using the following methods:

1. Parties may negotiate on some common points and resolve the issue.
2. A mediator or third party can help in resolving the conflicts.
3. In arbitration, a neutral third party renders a legally binding ruling once the parties have mutually agreed to submit their dispute to it.
4. The parties can go through the more formal and time and money consuming process of litigation and file a lawsuit in court.

The various safety measures to avoid software theft are:

1. Be aware of the consequences of using pirated software.
2. Keep all your software at a safe place.
3. Always purchase software from authorised vendors or official websites.
4. To discourage such practices, take action against dealers or distributors of pirated software.

Computer fraud is the use of computers to perpetrate fraud, which is any deception or misrepresentation designed to result in financial or personal advantage.

Example: A person receives an email that appears to be from a bank official with instructions for online document verification. A link is provided in the email. When the person clicks on the link, it opens a fake website of that bank. The person enters all the details on that website, and all the information is stolen by the fraudster.

The various safety measures to avoid computer fraud are:

1. Be cautious about the information you share online and do not provide personal details unless you are confident the website is genuine.
2. Keep your software up to date, as updates include security fixes that help protect against viruses.
3. Be wary of emails or SMS messages requesting personal information and do not click on suspicious links or attachments.
4. Use secure passwords and update them frequently.

Unauthorised access means using computer hardware without permission. This access can be used to manipulate system settings and data, and the implications of this act could be very harmful for an individual or an organisation.

Risks and implications of unauthorised access:

• Privacy: It may be an attack on the privacy of a user or organisation. An unauthorised person can access personal information like contacts, data, and the history of a person.

• Security: The unauthorised access to hardware may result in security issues. The websites or networks used by that unauthorised access may be susceptible to different security concerns, like hackers attacking your hardware through those sites.

Example: If a person uses someone else’s computer in a public place without permission and accesses files or browses websites, it is an example of unauthorised access. This may expose the system to malicious websites or allow the person to misuse personal data stored on the computer.

The preventive measures that can be taken by organisations and individuals to prevent unauthorised use of hardware and its associated risks are:

1. Always keep hardware assets in a safe place.
2. Set up an authentication mechanism on devices to protect them.
3. Take permission from the owner before using their computer or any digital device.
4. Always log out of all accounts, especially when working on a public computer.