IGCSE Computer Science 2023-25 ​​- The Internet and its Uses (5): CYBER SECURITY

Summary

This video covers key cybersecurity threats and how to protect personal data and computer systems. It discusses various risks such as brute force attacks, data interception, DDoS attacks, hacking, and different types of malware like viruses, worms, and ransomware. The video also explores phishing, pharming, and social engineering, offering tips on how to avoid these threats. Emphasizing the importance of strong passwords, encrypted connections, antivirus software, and secure internet protocols, the video provides a comprehensive overview of the measures needed to safeguard digital security.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keeping your personal and sensitive data secure is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and theft.
• 😀 Brute Force attacks involve hackers trying many combinations of passwords until the correct one is found.
• 😀 Data interception is when hackers capture data packets during transmission, often through packet sniffers or Wi-Fi interception.
• 😀 DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks overload a server with too many requests, causing it to crash and deny service to legitimate users.
• 😀 Hacking involves unauthorized access to computer systems to steal or manipulate data. Ethical hacking, however, is conducted with permission to test security.
• 😀 Malware refers to various types of malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, and ransomware, all of which can compromise data security.
• 😀 Phishing is a form of fraud where hackers impersonate trusted sources to trick users into revealing sensitive information like passwords or bank details.
• 😀 Farming is a type of cyber attack where users are redirected to fake websites to collect their personal data.
• 😀 Social engineering involves manipulating people into disclosing confidential information by pretending to be someone they trust.
• 😀 Preventing cyber threats involves using strong passwords, regularly updating antivirus software, avoiding suspicious emails and websites, and following security best practices.

Q & A

What is a Brute Force attack, and how does it work?

A Brute Force attack is when a hacker tries every possible combination of characters, numbers, and symbols until they find the correct password. It's a methodical and time-consuming approach to cracking passwords, especially if they are weak.

What are the dangers of data interception, and how can it happen?

Data interception occurs when hackers intercept data packets during their transmission, often through packet sniffers. This can expose sensitive information like passwords or personal messages, especially if the data is transmitted over unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi.

What is a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack?

A DDoS attack occurs when a hacker uses multiple computers to flood a server with an overwhelming amount of requests, preventing it from functioning properly. This can render websites or online services, like banking platforms, inaccessible to legitimate users.

How is hacking different from ethical hacking?

Hacking refers to unauthorized access to computer systems to steal or manipulate data. Ethical hacking, on the other hand, is when companies hire security experts to try to break into their systems in order to identify vulnerabilities and improve security.

What are the different types of malware, and how do they affect computers?

Malware includes various types of malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Each type has different mechanisms for infecting and damaging systems, such as corrupting files, stealing data, or demanding ransom payments.

How do viruses differ from worms in terms of their behavior and impact?

Viruses require a host program to spread and infect files, while worms are self-replicating and do not need a host program. Worms can spread more rapidly and are more dangerous because they can infect entire networks without user action.

What is a Trojan horse, and why is it so dangerous?

A Trojan horse is malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program, such as a free antivirus tool, but once installed, it allows hackers to access the infected system. It is dangerous because it deceives users into installing it, bypassing security measures.

What is ransomware, and how can it affect users?

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks a user's computer or encrypts their data and demands payment to release it. It can be devastating, as it often targets critical personal or business data, and paying the ransom does not always guarantee the data will be restored.

What is phishing, and how does it differ from farming?

Phishing is a tactic where a hacker impersonates a trusted entity, like a bank, to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords. Farming, on the other hand, involves redirecting users to fake websites that resemble legitimate ones in order to collect their information.

Why is it important to have strong security protocols in place for internet usage?

Strong security protocols are essential to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, ensure safe use of devices and networks, and prevent cyberattacks such as hacking, malware infections, or data breaches. These protocols include encryption, password management, and restrictions on external devices.