Notes on CYBER SAFETY

INTERNET
The Internet is one of the largest information databases. It has become a vital part of our life.
Internet stands for Interconnected Network of computers. It is a global system of inter-
connected computer networks that enables the users to share information and various
resources with each other. The internet is also called the network of networks.
Tasks that were usually performed through personal interaction, such as banking, shopping or
communication, can now be done online. We can share data and information across the globe
instantly. Indeed, the Internet has transformed the world into a smaller and convenient place to
live in.
ADVATAGES OF THE INTERNET
EDUCATION: The Internet has changed the traditional learning system. It is widely used for
educational purposes by scholars, students, and teachers to learn anytime and anywhere. It has
shown dramatic impact on higher education as a growing number of universities offer online
courses. IGNOU is one such university which offers this facility. The Internet is a vast
storehouse of information and is also used to publish papers and articles.
CONVENIENT MODE OF COMMUNICATION: The Internet provides a convenient and
economical mode of chat, video conferencing, instant messenger, etc. communication. Users
can communicate with each other using various services available on the Internet like e-mail,
videocalls, chats etc.
BUSINESS: The Internet has brought new opportunities for businesses to sell goods and
services online, which has proven to be beneficial. Meetings can be conducted economically
through the video conferencing facility, without physically visiting the place. Financial
transactions can be made online from the office or home.
E-COMMERCE: It is the concept used for any type of commercial or business deal that involves
the transfer of money across the globe by using the Internet. Nowadays, many companies have
their own portals/websites, which are used in E-commerce. E-commerce industry has become
one of the biggest industries in the world. We can now purchase variety of goods and get
services from different shopping portals around the world. It also includes booking hotel rooms,
and tickets for bus, flight, and train.
MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT: The Internet has facilitated the media and entertainment
industry. Downloading games, videos, songs, visiting chat rooms, or surfing the web, are some
of the uses which attract people towards the Internet. The Internet also provides the facility to
read different newspapers, magazines, and books online.
SOCIAL NETWORKING: It is the latest way to communicate. It offers a platform where an
individual can connect with friends and strangers on the basis of shared interests or views.
Some examples of social networking sites are: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, My Space, etc.
FORUM: An Internet forum is an online discussion site where like-minded people can hold
conversations in the form of posted messages.
HEALTH AND FITNESS: The Internet is now playing a vital role in providing extensive
information on health andfitness. Using various medical sites, one can read more about various
diseases, their remedies etc.
DISADVANTAGES OF THE INTERNET
The Internet has several advantages for every individual and it is extremely popular in this
modern age. However, it is a tool which must be handled with caution as its misuse can be
hazardous. Some of the threats posed by the Internetare as follows:
VIRUS THREAT: Computers that are connected to the Internet are more prone to virus attacks,
which can result in the crashing of the system, data loss, and hardware malfunctioning.
SPAMMING: It refers to unwanted e-mails, that are of commercial nature, sent indiscriminately
to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups. It unnecessarily uses the system's
resources and can also be used to spread computer virus or other malicious software.
THEFT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION: The Internet is the main source of social evils like
piracy, plagiarism, and the privacy of an individual or an organization. One should be careful
while handling one's personal information, such as name, address, credit card number, etc., as
they can be accessed by hackers or crackers for personal monetary gains. Such elements can
also disturb system applications by spreading virus and changing program logics and outputs.
PORNOGRAPHY: This is a major issue posed by the Internet. There are many pornographic
sites on the Internet that can be found easily and can be hazardous to the mental health of the
children.
CYBER TERRORISM: It causes a serious threat to the world nowadays. Modern terrorist
organizations perform targeted attacks on power plants, banks, commercial areas, or buildings
of national importance. These can be conducted remotely with the help of a mobile phone and
the Internet, which are less expensive than traditional terrorist methods.
TIME WASTAGE: Although the Internet provides various services to its users, yet people
generally waste time and energy in surfing the net. Spending prolonged time on electronic
devices adversely affect our eyesight as well as mental health. This can also result in the loss of
our personal interaction with people, thus affecting both, our socializing skills and personal
relationships.

UNETHICAL PRACTICES
Here are some of the common unethical practices which are prevalent in the society:
PLAGIARISM : Plagiarism is the usage or imitation of the language and thoughts of another
person projected as one's own original work. It is considered a crime or fraudulent act. The
dictionary meaning of PLAGIARISM is
*To steal and pass off ideas or words of another as one's own.
*To use another's production, without crediting the source.
*To commit literary theft.
*To present as new and original, an idea or product derived from an existing source.
Measures to Prevent Plagiarism
The simplest way to prevent plagiarism is 'citation'. The process of acknowledging the original
writer and the source from where the material has been taken is called 'citation'. It includes the
following steps: All sources are neither accurate, nor they validate the information as accurate.
Therefore, you must specify the source, which informs readers regarding the basis of your ideas
and the extent of your research.
CYBER BULLYING: It is an act of deliberately harming, harassing, or targeting a person by
another person using the Internet. This includes insulting remarks and threatening messages
sent by e-mail, spreading rumors about the person either by e-mails or social networking sites,
posting embarrassing photos and videos to hurt the person, and remarks against gender, race,
religion, or nationality.
Measures to Prevent Cyber bullying
Do not disclose your identity to unknown persons. Safeguard your password and all private
information from inquisitive peers. Do not give bullies any opportunity to misuse the information
on the social media platform. Search the whereabouts of the person you meet online and know
about him fully before starting any conversation with him. Restrict your online profile to be
checked by the trusted friends only. If you are cyber bullied by someone, do not remain silent
but take action against cyber bullying. Do not use abusive language, rather block the
communication with the cyber bully and share this problem with your parents.
PHISHING : It is an act of sending an e-mail to a user misleading him to believe that it is from a
trusted person or organization. The user is asked to visit a website in which he is supposed to
update or validate his personal details, such as user name, passwords, credit card details, etc.
In this way the operators of the fake website steal your identity and commit crimes in your
name. This could damage your reputation and cause password, credit card details, etc.
Measures to Prevent Phishing
Identify suspected phishing e-mails that come from unrecognized senders. Guard against scam.
Do not click on links, download files, or open attachments in e-mails from unknown senders.
Beware of links in e-mails that ask for the personal details. Enhance the security of your
computer by protecting it with a firewall, spam filters, antivirus, and anti-spyware software. Do
not provide personal information over the phone unless you initiate the call. Enter your sensitive
data in secured websites only. The URL of a secured website starts with https//: and your
browser displays an icon of the closed lock. Check your online accounts and bank statements
regularly to ensure no unauthorized transactions are made.
HACKING : Hacking refers to an illegal intrusion into a computer system or network. Hackers
are highly technical people who secretly break into computers to steal or sometimes, destroy
important data. Hackers not only steal important data but also hack applications and websites to
change program logics. Hackers usually tamper with data for unethical purposes, just for an
obsession to break the system securities. Although hacking is done without any consent from
the user, yet it is not always destructive.
Measures to Prevent Hacking
Keep your passwords secret and change them periodically.Frequently update your operating
systems and other software, like antivirus. Avoid using open Wi-Fi as it makes it easy for
hackers to steal the information and download inappropriate content to your system. Always
make use of secure websites by looking at the lock sign or https on the address bar.This
ensures that the sensitive data which is passed from your device is encrypted, making it difficult
for the hacker to decipher the information.
SPAMMING : Spams are unwanted bulk e-mails that come from strange sources. Spams are
generally sent in large numbers for commercial advertising. In spamming, millions of copies of
the same message are sent to e-mail users worldwide. Spam is a serious security concern as it
can be used to deliver Trojan Horses, Viruses, Worms, Spyware, and organize targeted
phishing attacks.
Measures to Prevent Spamming
Install spam filtering/blocking software. If you suspect that an e-mail is spam, do not respond,
just delete it. Reject all instant messages from persons who are not in your contact list.Do not
click on the URL links within Instant Messenger unless it is received from a known source.
Keep the software and security patches up-to-date.