Module 1:
Fundamentals of Data Communication and Networking
1. Define data communication. What are the basic components of a data communication system?
2. Explain the differences between analog and digital transmission.
3. What are the advantages of packet-switched networks over circuit-switched networks?
Network Reference Models: OSI and TCP/IP
4. List the seven layers of the OSI model and briefly describe the function of each.
5. Compare the OSI and TCP/IP models in terms of layers and protocols.
6. Which layer of the OSI model is responsible for reliable data transfer? Explain how.
TCP 3-Way Handshake and TCP Flags
7. Describe the steps involved in the TCP 3-way handshake process.
8. Explain the purpose of the following TCP flags: SYN, ACK, FIN, RST, PSH, URG.
9. What happens when a TCP connection is closed? Which flags are used?
Network Address Translation (NAT)
10. What is NAT and why is it used in networking?
11. Differentiate between Static NAT, Dynamic NAT, and PAT (Port Address Translation).
12. How does NAT help in conserving IP addresses?
Network Transmission Media and Devices
13. Name and describe two wired and two wireless transmission media.
14. Compare the roles of a switch and a router in a network.
15. What is the function of a gateway in a computer network?
Information Security
16. Define Information Security. Why is it critical in today's digital world?
17. Explain the CIA triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability with examples.
18. What is the difference between active and passive security threats?
Cryptography and Steganography
19. Differentiate between symmetric and asymmetric encryption with examples.
20. What is steganography? How does it differ from cryptography? Provide one real-world use case.
Module 2:
Hacking and Hackers
1. What is hacking? How is it different from ethical hacking?
2. Define the following types of hackers: White Hat, Black Hat, and Grey Hat.
3. Explain the motivations behind hacking activities.
Cybercrime
4. What is cybercrime? Give two examples of cybercrime.
5. Classify cybercrimes based on target (individual, property, government).
6. Differentiate between financial cybercrime and cyber harassment.
7. How does phishing work as a cybercrime method?
Security Attacks
8. Differentiate between passive attacks and active attacks with examples.
9. Explain the following terms: Threat, Vulnerability, Target of Evaluation (TOE), Exploit, Attack.
10. What is a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack and how does it differ from DDoS?
Ethical Hacking
11. What is ethical hacking and what are its objectives?
12. List and briefly explain the five phases of ethical hacking.
13. What is hacktivism? Give one real-world example.
14. What skills and knowledge are required to become an ethical hacker?
Cyber Law and Cyberterrorism
15. Define cyberterrorism and explain how it differs from traditional terrorism.
16. What is cyber law? Why is it important in the digital age?
17. Mention any four major offences covered under cyber laws.
18. Discuss the legal consequences of hacking under cyber law.
19. How do cyber laws help in protecting intellectual property online?
20. List and briefly explain any five offenses covered under Indian cyber laws.
21. What is the punishment for hacking under the Information Technology?
22. Explain identity theft. How does it differ from data theft?
23. What is email spoofing? How is it carried out and what are its legal consequences?
24. Define voyeurism under cyber [Link] are the penalties for sending offensive or threatening messages through
electronic communication?
25. Discuss the role of the Information Technology Act, 2000 in dealing with cybercrimes.
Module 3:
1. What is malware? Explain its purpose and impact on computer systems.
2. Differentiate between a virus, a worm, and a Trojan horse.
3. Explain spyware and adware. How do they affect user privacy?
4. What is ransomware? How does it work and what are common examples?
5. Describe the following types of computer viruses: File virus, Boot sector virus, Macro virus, Email virus, and Multi-
variant virus. List at least five signs that indicate a system may be infected with malware.
Antivirus Software and Detection Methods
7. Name any four popular antivirus programs used [Link] how signature-based detection works in antivirus
software.
8. What is heuristic-based detection? How does it differ from signature-based detection?
9. Describe cloud-based detection in modern antivirus systems. What are its advantages?
10. What is VirusTotal? How can it be used for malware analysis?
DOS, IDS, IPS, and Network Threats
12. What is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack? How does it differ from a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack?
13. What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)? How does it help in network security?
14. Differentiate between IDS and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System).
15. What is a key logger? How can it be used maliciously?
16. What is a firewall? What role does it play in network security?
17. Define BOTs and BOTNETs. How do attackers use them in cyber attacks?
Web Application-Based Threats
19. Explain Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) with an example.
20. What is an SQL Injection attack? How can it compromise a database?
21. What are phishing scams? How can users protect themselves?
22. Define drive-by downloads. How do they infect user systems without their knowledge?
Module 4:
Wireless Networking Concepts and Standards
1. What is wireless networking? How does it differ from wired networking?
2. Define the term WLAN. How is it used in wireless communication?
3. What are some commonly used wireless communication standards (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series)?
4. Explain the purpose of a Wireless Access Point (WAP) in a network.
5. What is signal attenuation in wireless communication? How can it be reduced?
6. Define SSID. How is it used in identifying wireless networks?
7. What are Wi-Fi hotspots? Give two examples of where they are commonly used.
8. Differentiate between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in terms of range and usage.
Wireless Attacks and Security
9. What is WarDriving and how is it performed?
10. Differentiate between WarWalking, WarFlying, and WarChalking.
11. What is BlueJacking? How does it pose a security risk?
12. What measures can be taken to secure a wireless network (e.g., WPA2, MAC filtering)?
13. Explain the concept of jamming in wireless communication. How can it disrupt networks?
Network Protocols and Ports
15. List and explain the function of the following protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH, TELNET.
16. Mention the default ports used by SMTP, POP3, and DNS protocols.
17. Compare SSH and TELNET in terms of security and functionality.
18. What is the role of DNS in internet communication?
Proxy Servers and Proxy Chains
19. What is a proxy server? How does it help in enhancing privacy and security?
20. Differentiate between forward proxy and reverse proxy with examples.
21. What is a proxy chain? How is it used to anonymize user activity on the internet?
22. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a proxy server?
Module 5:
Password Usage and Types
1. Why are passwords considered the first line of defense in cybersecurity?
2. What are the characteristics of a strong password?
3. How do biometric passwords enhance digital security?
4. What are some potential risks of using pattern-based graphical passwords?
5. How does a strong password differ from a weak or common password?
Password Attacks
6. What is a brute force attack, and how can it be prevented?
7. Explain the difference between a dictionary attack and credential stuffing.
8. What role does phishing play in password theft?
9. How can keylogging compromise user passwords?
Steps to Stay Secure in the Digital World
10. What are the essential steps a user can take to stay secure online?
11. Why is it important to regularly update your passwords and software?
12. How does encryption protect your data from hackers?
13. What functions does a security suite software typically provide?
14. What is a firewall, and how does it enhance security?
15. How does enabling two-factor authentication improve account security?
Note: These all questions are just suggestions — only the topics included in the syllabus. You have to study both what has been
taught in class and what's in your syllabus.