Computer Security and Safe Online Habits Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
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PDF Notes: Computer Security and Safe Online Habits Notes for SSC Exams
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Computer security is a growing topic in SSC exams, because online fraud is now common in daily life. Questions ask about the types of malware, phishing, firewall, cyber laws and safe habits. These computer security and safe online habits notes for SSC explain every term in simple words and give practical tips to protect yourself.
Types of Malware
| Malware | What it does |
|---|---|
| Virus | Attaches itself to a file and spreads when the file is opened |
| Worm | Spreads by itself through a network without any user action |
| Trojan horse | Looks like a useful program but harms the computer |
| Spyware | Secretly collects information about the user |
| Ransomware | Locks the files and asks for money to unlock them |
| Adware | Shows unwanted advertisements |
| Keylogger | Records the keys pressed to steal passwords |
Online Fraud and Attacks
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Phishing | Fake emails or websites used to steal passwords or bank details |
| Vishing | Fraud through phone calls |
| Smishing | Fraud through SMS messages |
| Spoofing | Pretending to be a trusted person or website |
| Hacking | Getting unauthorised access to a computer or network |
| DoS and DDoS attack | Flooding a website with traffic to stop it from working |
Types of Hackers
| Hacker | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White hat | Ethical hacker who finds weaknesses with permission |
| Black hat | Criminal hacker who breaks in for harm or profit |
| Grey hat | Hacker between the two, who may act without permission but without bad intent |
Protection Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Antivirus | Finds and removes viruses and other malware |
| Firewall | Filters the network traffic and blocks unauthorised access |
| Encryption | Changes data into a code that others cannot read |
| VPN | Creates a secure private connection over the internet |
| Two-factor authentication (2FA) | Asks for a second proof, such as an OTP, along with the password |
| Backup | A copy of data kept safely to restore it after loss |
Cyber Law and Agencies in India
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Act | 2000, the main law on cyber crime and e-commerce in India |
| Digital Personal Data Protection Act | 2023, protects the personal data of citizens |
| CERT-In | The national agency to respond to cyber security incidents |
| Cyber crime helpline | 1930 |
| Cyber crime reporting portal | cybercrime.gov.in |
Safe Online Habits
- Never share your UPI PIN, card PIN, CVV or OTP with anyone, even if the caller says that he is from the bank.
- Use a strong password of at least 8 characters with letters, numbers and symbols, and use a different password for each account.
- Turn on 2FA for email and banking accounts.
- Do not click on unknown links or download files from unknown emails.
- Check that the website address starts with https and shows the correct name before entering any details.
- Keep the operating system and the antivirus updated.
- Take a regular backup of important files.
- Report fraud at once on 1930 or on the cyber crime portal.
Quick Tips
- Learn the malware table: virus, worm, trojan, spyware and ransomware.
- Remember that phishing steals details through fake emails and sites.
- Remember the helpline number 1930 and the year 2000 of the IT Act.
- Never share a PIN or an OTP with anyone.
Quick Revision Points
- A worm spreads by itself and a virus needs a host file.
- Ransomware locks the files and asks for money.
- A firewall filters network traffic.
- The IT Act was passed in the year 2000.
- The cyber crime helpline number is 1930.
Practice Questions With Answers
- Which malware locks the files and asks for money?
Answer: Ransomware - What is the name of fake emails used to steal data?
Answer: Phishing - Which program secretly collects information about the user?
Answer: Spyware - Which security tool filters the network traffic?
Answer: Firewall - Which law deals with cyber crime in India?
Answer: Information Technology Act, 2000 - What is the cyber crime helpline number?
Answer: 1930 - Which agency responds to cyber security incidents in India?
Answer: CERT-In - What is the full form of 2FA?
Answer: Two-factor authentication - What is an ethical hacker called?
Answer: White hat hacker - Should you share your UPI PIN or OTP with a caller?
Answer: No, never
How to Practise This Chapter
Revise the tables every week and then test yourself with our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Computer Awareness notes page, and also read the Computer Knowledge notes and General Awareness notes. Read the previous topic, Internet, Email and Web Terms, and the next topic, MS Office Basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is malware?
Malware is any harmful software made to damage a computer or steal data.
What is the difference between a virus and a worm?
A virus needs a host file to spread, and a worm spreads by itself through a network.
What is phishing?
Phishing is the use of fake emails or websites to steal passwords or bank details.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is malware that locks the files and asks for money to unlock them.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is a security tool that filters network traffic and blocks unauthorised access.
What is two-factor authentication?
It asks for a second proof, such as an OTP, along with the password.
Which law deals with cyber crime in India?
The Information Technology Act, 2000.
What is the cyber crime helpline number?
The helpline number is 1930.
Where can I report cyber crime online?
On the portal cybercrime.gov.in.
What is a white hat hacker?
An ethical hacker who finds security weaknesses with permission.
Is this topic asked in SSC exams?
Yes. Security questions are asked in the computer section of SSC exams.
How many questions come from this topic in SSC exams?
Usually one or two questions, but the number changes from year to year.
Previous chapter
Internet, Email and Web Terms Notes for SSC Exams
Next chapter
MS Office Basics Notes for SSC Exams
Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.