Unit 9: Cybersecurity and Safe Digital Collaboration — Short Questions

A strong password is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that helps protect accounts from hackers. Using a unique password for each account, avoiding personal details such as names or birthdays, and changing passwords regularly reduces the chance of being hacked. Passwords should never be shared with others. A strong password acts as the first line of defense in protecting important files and data online.

Downloading programs or files from unknown websites can harm the computer or steal information, since some downloads hide viruses or spyware that collect data without permission. This can lead to scams, identity theft, slow or crashing systems, and data theft. Checking the source before downloading and using antivirus tools gives extra protection.

Updates fix errors, improve performance, and close security gaps that hackers might exploit. Software that is not updated becomes an easy target for hackers because older versions may have security holes allowing unauthorized access to files or data, and it can also cause compatibility issues, crashes, malware infections, and data breaches. Regular updates keep the system reliable, efficient, and protected from cyber threats.

A virus spreads through infected files and can damage or delete data. Phishing tricks people into sharing passwords or personal details through fake emails or websites. Ransomware locks data and demands payment to unlock it, while spyware secretly collects user information. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overload websites with traffic, making them crash.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) requires two forms of verification before allowing access to an account — for example, after entering a password, the user receives a code on their phone or email to confirm their identity. This extra verification step makes it much harder for hackers to break into the account even if they know the password.

The individual user is responsible for managing their own privacy and security settings, since these settings are found in most apps, websites, and platforms and let users control how information such as location, contacts, and browsing history is used and shared. Users should regularly review and update their settings, as platforms often change their privacy rules and features.

Intellectual property refers to creative work such as software, music, writing, images, videos, designs, and inventions that are legally owned by individuals or organizations. It should be respected because copying, sharing, or using such work without permission can violate copyright laws and digital ethics; respecting it protects creators' rights and promotes fairness in the digital environment.

E-waste is created when electronic devices are discarded or replaced, and improper disposal of it can harm the environment and human health through pollution. Sustainable computing means using, designing, and disposing of technology in a way that reduces this harm, through recycling, reusing, reducing electronic devices, and using energy-efficient devices, which preserves resources and minimizes pollution.

GDPR is a law of the European Union that protects the personal data of individuals, setting rules on how organizations collect, store, and use that data, and requiring transparency, consent, and the right to access or delete personal information. Many countries and companies worldwide follow similar standards based on it to ensure data privacy globally.

Entrepreneurship is the process of creating innovative business ideas, solving problems, and developing opportunities using technology and digital platforms.