Cyber Security#

The practice of protecting digital systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage by implementing a range of technological tools, processes, and policies to ensure the configentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets.

Blockchain#: A decentralized, distributed, and immutable digital ledger that records transactions in “blocks”, which are chronologically linked together in a “chain” using cryptography. Blockchain technology provides a single, trustworthy source of truth without relying on a central intermediary.
Browsing Practices#: Includes updating your browser and software, using strong security measures like VPNs and Ad blockers, being cautious of suspicious links and downloads, and prioritizing HTTPS websites for secure connections.
Cookies#: Small text files created by websites and stored on your device by your browser to remember information about your visit, such as preferences, login details, and browsing activity.
Encryption#: The process of converting readable data into an unreadable format to protect it from unauthorized acecss. Encryption is essential for securing digital information, used to protect data at rest and in transit.
Firewall#: A network security system that acts as a digital barrier or filter between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.
Malware#: An abbreviation for “malicious software”.
Password#: A secret word, phrase, or combination of characters that you use to prove your identity to a computer, network, or service.
Phishing#: A type of cyberattack and social engineering tactic where an attacker, disguised as a trustworthy entity, attempts to trick an individual into revealing sensitive information.
Virus#: A type of malicious computer program or code that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another, usually without the user’s knowledge. It infects other files and spreads, often corrupting data, slowing down systems or causing other destructive actions.

Virtual Reality#

Virtual Reality (VR) creates a completely digital environment that replaces the real world. With a VR headset, you are fully immersed in a computer-generated space.

Key Features

Provides a 360-degree digital experience.

Blocks out the real world entirely.

Requires specialized headsets.

Used in gaming, training simulations, and virtual tours.

Advantages

Highly immersive–feels like you’re inside the digital world.

Great for education, training, and entertainment.

Allows people to experience things that are impossible or dangerous in real life.

Limitations

Can be expensive.

May cause motion sickness in some users.

Isolates you from the real world while using it.

Augmented Reality#

Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements into the real world through a device such as a smartphone, tablet, or AR glasses. It enhances reality instead of replacing it.

Key Features

Blends digital content with the real environment.

Users can still see and interact with their actual surroundings.

Usually requires less expensive devices.

Popular apps: Pokemon Go, Snapchat filters, IKEA furniture preview apps.

Advantages

Easy to use since it only needs mobile devices.

Helpful in education, shopping, and navigation.

Keeps users aware of their environment.

Limitations

Limited immersion.

Needs good lighting and camera quality for best results.

HTTPS#

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure; it uses encryption for secure communication over a computer network, and is widely used on the internet. In HTTP, the communication protocol is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS), or formerly, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

What Does It Do?

Encryption: Encrypts the data exchanged between the browser and the web server, preventing unauthorized parties from intercepting and reading it.
Authentication: Uses a digital certificate to verify the website’s identity, confirming that the user is communicating with the legitimate website and not a fake one.
Data Integrity: By protecting data from unauthorized modification, it ensures that the information transferred is the same as what was sent.