1.
Cyber Ethics
Cyber ethics = moral principles, rules, and guidelines for the responsible use
of computers and the internet.
Just like laws in society, cyber ethics ensure fairness, honesty, and safety
online.
Importance:
Prevents misuse of technology.
Protects rights of users.
Encourages respectful and responsible online behavior.
Builds a safe digital world.
2. Unethical Practices
(a) Plagiarism
Copying or using someone else’s ideas/work and presenting it as your own.
❌ Example: Copy-pasting assignments from the internet.
Prevention:
Always give credit to the original author.
Use quotation marks for copied text.
Paraphrase in your own words.
Use plagiarism checkers.
(b)Cyberbullying
Harassing, harming, or threatening people online deliberately.
❌ Example: Sending abusive messages, spreading rumors, posting
embarrassing photos.
Prevention:
Do not reply to bullies.
Block and report the bully.
Inform parents/teachers immediately.
Keep online profiles private.
© Hacking
Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
Illegal hacking: Stealing money/data, deleting files.
Ethical hacking: Done legally to improve security.
Prevention:
Use strong, unique passwords.
Update antivirus and software regularly.
Avoid downloading from unsafe sites.
Change passwords frequently.
(c) Phishing
Fraudulent attempt to steal sensitive info (like bank details, passwords) by
pretending to be trustworthy.
❌ Example: Fake email from “bank” asking for login details.
Prevention:
Do not click on unknown links/emails.
Verify website addresses before logging in.
Use updated browsers and antivirus.
Enable two-factor authentication.
€ Spamming
Sending unwanted bulk emails/messages, often advertisements or fake
offers.
❌ Example: Lottery win or “You got a free gift” emails.
Prevention:
Do not respond to spam.
Use spam filters in your email.
Avoid sharing email IDs on unsafe websites.
Keep separate emails for work and personal use.
(f) Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Intellectual property = original creations of the mind (books, software, music,
inventions, logos, etc.).
Violating IPR (like piracy or plagiarism) is unethical and illegal.
Types of IPR:
1. Copyright → Protects books, films, music, software.
2. Patent → Protects new inventions.
3. Trademark → Protects brand names, logos, slogans.
Unethical Acts:
Downloading pirated software/movies.
Sharing licensed software illegally.
Copying music, images, or projects without credit.
Prevention:
Buy genuine software.
Cite original sources.
Respect copyrights, patents, and trademarks.
Use open-source or free alternatives legally.
4. Digital Footprints
Record of a person’s online activities.
Types:
Active footprint: Info shared intentionally (posts, emails, blogs).
Passive footprint: Info collected without knowledge (cookies, browsing
history).
Implications:
Positive → Builds good reputation.
Negative → Careless posts can damage reputation.
Guidelines:
1. Avoid posting offensive comments.
2. Adjust privacy settings properly.
3. Avoid inappropriate sites/pictures.
4. Accept friend requests only from known people.
5. Be cautious with what you share.
5. Safety Measures While Using Computers & Internet
1. Install and update antivirus software.
2. Use strong, unique passwords; change them often.
3. Log out after using shared computers.
4. Do not share personal/financial info online.
5. Avoid downloading from unsafe websites.
6. Keep backup of important data.
7. Use firewalls to block unauthorized access.
8. Update software regularly.
9. Think before posting on social media.
10. Report suspicious activities immediately.
✅ Quick Recap
Cyber ethics → Principles for responsible computer use.
Unethical practices → Plagiarism, Cyberbullying, Hacking, Phishing,
Spamming, IPR violation.
Digital footprints → Records of online activities (active & passive).
Safety measures → Antivirus, strong passwords, privacy settings, avoid
unsafe downloads.