Cyber safety and ethics: Class 10 Computer Science

Key points

Cyber safety means using computers, phones and the internet in a way that protects you, your data and other people. Computer ethics are the moral rules about the correct use of technology. A person who uses the internet responsibly is called a good digital citizen.

Malware is harmful software made to damage a computer or steal data. Its main kinds are:

• Virus: attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when that file is run or shared.
• Worm: spreads by itself across a network without needing a host file.
• Trojan horse: looks like a useful program but secretly does harm.
• Spyware: secretly watches your activity and collects information.
• Ransomware: locks files and demands money to restore access.
• Adware: shows unwanted advertisements.

Protection from malware:

• Install good antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Update the operating system and applications regularly.
• Do not open unknown email attachments or install pirated software.
• Scan USB drives before use.
• Keep a backup of important data on another device or in the cloud.

A firewall is a hardware or software barrier that monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorised access to a computer or network. Hacking means gaining unauthorised access to a computer system or data. Using hacking skills to cause harm is a crime. Ethical hackers test systems with the owner's permission to find weaknesses.

Common online threats:

• Phishing: fake emails, messages or websites that pretend to be from a bank or known company to trick you into giving passwords or card details.
• Identity theft: stealing personal information to pretend to be someone.
• Online fraud and fake shops.
• Cyber bullying: using the internet or phones to harass, threaten or humiliate a person.
• Cyber stalking: repeated online following or harassment.

A strong password protects your accounts. Good rules are:

• Use at least 8 to 12 characters.
• Mix capital and small letters, digits and symbols.
• Do not use your name, birth date or common words like password.
• Use a different password for each account and never share it.
• Turn on two step verification, which asks for a code sent to your phone as well as the password.

Privacy means keeping personal information, such as your address, phone number, CNIC number, photos and bank details, under your own control. Do not post this information publicly, check privacy settings on social media, and be careful about talking to strangers online. Look for https and the lock sign when entering sensitive details on a website, since the data is encrypted.

A digital footprint is the trail of data you leave online, such as posts, comments, searches and photos. It can stay for years and may be seen by schools and employers. Think before you post, because deleted content may already have been copied.

Encryption changes data into a coded form that cannot be read without the key, so that others cannot understand it if they intercept it. It protects messages, passwords and online payments.

Copyright and software licences:

• Copyright gives the creator of a book, song, film, picture or program the legal right to control its copying and use.
• Software piracy is copying, sharing or using software without a proper licence. It is illegal and unethical.
• Plagiarism is presenting another person's work as your own. Always give credit to the source.
• Open source and free licences allow use under stated conditions.

Pakistan has laws against cyber crime. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 deals with offences such as unauthorised access to data, electronic forgery and fraud, cyber stalking and harmful use of personal photos. The FIA Cyber Crime Wing receives complaints about such crimes.

Ethical and healthy use of technology:

• Be polite online, and do not spread rumours or fake news. Verify before sharing.
• Do not use another person's account or read their private messages.
• Report bullying to a parent, teacher or the proper authority and keep screenshots as proof.
• Limit screen time, keep a good sitting position, rest the eyes, and balance online life with sleep, study and physical activity.

Study tip: This chapter is mostly definitions, so learn each term with one example and one preventive measure. Answers that give a definition, a cause and a safe action score best. In long questions, organise the answer in points such as types of malware, damage caused and ways of protection.

Definitions and flashcards

Say the meaning first, then open the card to check.

Short questions with model answers

These are the kind of questions asked for 2, 3 and 5 marks. Try each one before opening the answer.

Common mistakes

• Using the same simple password everywhere, such as a name or 12345.
• Clicking links in messages claiming a prize or a bank problem without checking the sender.
• Mixing up virus, worm and Trojan. Remember: virus needs a host file, worm spreads alone, Trojan pretends to be useful.
• Thinking that copying text from the internet for homework is fine. This is plagiarism unless the source is credited.
• Believing a deleted post is gone for ever. Others may have saved or shared it.

Practise this chapter

Practice questions and timed test Printable worksheet