Information Technology · Ch 4 — Cyber Law
Cyber Security and Cyber Ethics
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Cyber Security and Cyber Ethics
Protecting systems, and behaving responsibly
Cyber security is the practice of protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorised access, attack, or damage. Its core goals are often summarised as the CIA triad:
- Confidentiality — keeping information secret from those not authorised to see it.
- Integrity — ensuring information is accurate and not altered without authorisation.
- Availability — ensuring authorised users can access information and systems when needed.
Common cyber-security measures
| Measure | What it does |
|---|---|
| Strong passwords | Long, mixed-character passwords that are hard to guess, changed regularly and never reused. |
| Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Adds a second check (an OTP or app code) beyond the password. |
| Antivirus / anti-malware software | Detects and removes harmful programs; kept updated. |
| Firewall | Filters incoming and outgoing network traffic to block unauthorised access. |
| Encryption | Scrambles data so that only authorised parties can read it. |
| Regular backups | Keep copies of important data so it can be restored after loss or a ransomware attack. |
| Software updates / patches | Fix known security weaknesses. |
| Safe browsing habits | Avoid suspicious links, unknown attachments, and unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. |
Cyber ethics
Cyber ethics is the code of responsible and moral behaviour when using computers and the internet. Where cyber law tells us what is legally forbidden, cyber ethics tells us what is right. Its key principles include:
- Respect others' privacy — do not read, copy, or share another person's data without permission.
- Respect intellectual property — do not pirate software, music, or films, and do not plagiarise others' work; give proper credit. …
Definition 1CIA triad
The three core goals of cyber security — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability …
Definition 2Two-factor authentication (2FA)
A security method requiring two separate proofs of identity (for example a password plus a one-time code) befor …
Definition 3Cyber ethics
The moral principles governing responsible and honest behaviour in the use of computers a …