Internet and Cyber Security: quick revision, 15 bites

Cyber Security Protects the CIA Triad

Three goals guard all your data.

Cyber security is the set of technologies, processes, and controls used to protect systems, networks, and data. It rests on **three core objectives** — the CIA triad.

Takeaway. Every security tool — firewalls, antivirus, encryption — exists to protect one or more of confidentiality, integrity, or availability.

What Is a Cyber Threat?

Any malicious act against your data.

Takeaway. Cyber threats are harmful intentions aimed at a technology-dependent environment — they take many forms but share the goal of causing damage.

Phishing: The Fake Trust Trick

That urgent email? Probably a trap.

Takeaway. Phishing works by impersonating someone you trust — the link looks official but is fake.

Spotting a Phishing Message

Urgency is the red flag.

Takeaway. Treat any urgent "verify now" message as suspicious — check the source before clicking.

Malware vs Ransomware

One spies on you, one locks you out.

Both enter through **free games, unauthorized software, or fake apps**.

Takeaway. Ransomware is malware that holds your files hostage — malware is the broader category.

Cyberbullying and Trolling

Harassment follows you online.

Takeaway. Cyberbullying causes real psychological harm — it is not "just online."

Four Effects of Cyberbullying

The damage shows up four ways.

Takeaway. Cyberbullying harms body, mind, emotions, and psychology — not just feelings.

Data Leakage: One Breach, Many Accounts

Reusing passwords multiplies the damage.

If a website you use is attacked, your account info (email, password) may leak. If you reuse the same password everywhere, **one hack can unlock all your accounts**.

Takeaway. Password reuse turns a single data leak into a total account takeover.

Eight Causes of Data Leaks

Leaks start from eight weak points.

Takeaway. Data leaks come from people, passwords, software, and networks — not just hackers.

Who Orchestrates Cyber Threats?

Not always lone hackers.

Takeaway. Cyber threats range from lone actors to organized crime to nation-states.

Cyber Security in Simple Terms

Staying safe in the digital world.

In simple terms, it is the practice of **keeping ourselves and our data safe in the digital world**.

Takeaway. Cyber security is both a technology discipline and a personal habit.

Tools That Tackle Cyber Threats

Three tools do most of the work.

Takeaway. Firewalls, antivirus, and encryption are the frontline defenses against cyber threats.

Don't Trust Every Link

Looks official ≠ is official.

Takeaway. Verify the source independently — never trust a link just because it looks legitimate.

Remember the CIA Triad

CIA — but for data safety.

Takeaway. CIA = Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability — the three pillars of cyber security.

Exam Focus: Definitions and Differences

Know the terms, nail the marks.

Takeaway. Definitions + differences + the CIA triad = most exam questions on this chapter.