Cyber Safety and Security Notes – Class 12 Web Application (803)

Get the latest Cyber Safety and Security Notes for Class 12 Web Application, designed according to the latest CBSE syllabus. These comprehensive notes cover all the important topics, including Digital Footprints, Data Privacy, Data Security, Intellectual Property and its Types, Plagiarism, Types of Cybercrimes, Cyber Laws in India, and How to File a Cybercrime Complaint.

This Cyber Security Notes of Class 12 is written in simple language with well-structured points, these notes are perfect for quick revision and exam preparation. Since Cyber Safety and Security is one of the most scoring chapters in the Class 12 Web Application syllabus, mastering this chapter can help you secure high marks in your CBSE board exam.

Difference Between Cyber Safety and Cyber Security

Cyber Safety	Cyber Security
Focuses on protecting individuals from online threats.	Focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.
Promotes safe and responsible use of the internet.	Protects systems through security technologies and practices.
Protects users from malware, phishing, cyberbullying, online scams, and inappropriate content.	Protects against unauthorized access, data theft, misuse, modification, and cyber-attacks.
Emphasizes safe online behavior and awareness.	Emphasizes technical security measures such as encryption, firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls.
Main objective is to keep users safe while using digital platforms.	Main objective is to secure digital infrastructure, systems, and information.

What are Digital Footprints?

• A digital footprint (also called a digital shadow or electronic footprint) is the trail of data created whenever you use the internet or digital devices.
• Every online activity leaves a digital footprint, which acts as a permanent record of your actions in the digital world.
• Digital footprints include information such as:
  • Websites you visit
  • Browsing history
  • Online purchases
  • Emails sent and received
  • Social media posts, comments, and likes

Type of Digital Footprint

Digital footprints are broadly classified into two types:

• Active Digital Footprints
• Passive Digital Footprints

Active Digital Footprint

• An Active Digital Footprint is the data that you intentionally share or create while using the internet.
• It is generated through your deliberate online activities and actions.
• Examples of an active digital footprint include:
  • Creating accounts on websites or social media platforms.
  • Posting photos, videos, comments, and status updates on social media.
  • Making online purchases and submitting reviews or feedback.

Passive Digital Footprint

• A Passive Digital Footprint is the data that is collected automatically when you use the internet, often without your direct knowledge.
• It is gathered through tracking technologies such as cookies, web beacons, and other online tracking tools.
• Examples of a passive digital footprint include:
  • Your device information, IP address, and approximate location.
  • The date, time, and location where a photo was taken, along with the device used to capture it.

Difference Between Active and Passive Digital Footprints

Active Digital Footprint	Passive Digital Footprint
Data is shared intentionally by the user.	Data is collected automatically without the user’s direct involvement.
Created through deliberate online activities.	Created through tracking technologies such as cookies and web beacons.

Data Privacy

• Data Privacy is the right of individuals to control their personal information and decide how it is collected, used, stored, and shared.
• It gives people the ability to decide who can access their personal data and for what purpose.
• Personal information includes:
  • Name, address, email address, and phone number
  • Health records
  • Location data
• The main purpose of data privacy is to prevent the misuse or abuse of personal information by third parties.
• Data privacy protects personal information from:
  • Unauthorized access
  • Data theft
  • Data leaks
  • Misuse and unauthorized sharing

Why is Data Privacy Important?

• Protects your online reputation by ensuring that the information available about you creates a positive digital image.
• Reduces unwanted targeted advertising by limiting how companies collect and use your personal data.
• Protects you from online threats such as scams, phishing attacks, cyberbullying, and identity theft.
• Gives you greater control over your personal information and digital identity.

How to Protect Your Data Privacy

• Be Careful What You Share Online – Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information online.
• Adjust Privacy Settings – Control who can view your information and how it is used.
• Use Strong Passwords – Create strong, unique passwords and never share them.
• Beware of Phishing Scams – Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unknown emails.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities – Do not access banking or confidential accounts on public Wi-Fi.
• Know Your Data Privacy Rights – Learn your rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Use Privacy-Focused Tools – Use VPNs and encrypted messaging apps to protect your data.
• Follow Ethical Data Practices – Collect and use data transparently with user consent.

Laws and Regulations to Protect Your Data

• Information Technology Rules, 2011 – Protect sensitive personal data and require companies to implement security measures and obtain user consent.
• Aadhaar Act, 2016 – Regulates the collection and use of biometric data for Aadhaar authentication.
• Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), 2019 – Proposes a comprehensive framework for protecting personal data, defining individual rights, and handling data breaches.

Data Security

Data Security is the practice of protecting digital data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction.

Key Aspects of Data Security

• Confidentiality – Ensures that data is accessible only to authorized users.
• Integrity – Maintains the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data.
• Authorization – Grants users access based on their roles and permissions.
• Encryption – Protects data by converting it into a secure coded format that only authorized users can read.

Importance of Data Security

• Protects Personal Privacy – Keeps sensitive information safe from misuse.
• Prevents Identity Theft – Protects personal and financial information from unauthorized access.
• Maintains Trust – Builds confidence in online transactions and communication.
• Preserves Reputation – Prevents embarrassment and reputational damage caused by data breaches.

Security Measures to Protect Data

• Use strong passwords that are unique and contain a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.
• Never share your passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Regularly update passwords to improve account security.
• Review and adjust privacy settings on social media and online accounts to control who can access your personal information.
• Think carefully before sharing personal information, photos, or videos online, as they may be difficult to remove later.
• Use secure websites with HTTPS encryption and avoid performing sensitive activities on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

Intellectual Property (IP)

• Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the human mind that have value and can be legally protected.
• Intellectual property laws protect creators from the unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of their work.

Types of Intellectual Property

• Inventions – New products, processes, or devices protected by Patents.
• Literary and Artistic Works – Books, music, paintings, films, photographs, and software protected by Copyrights.
• Designs – Product designs, industrial designs, and packaging protected by Design Rights.
• Symbols, Names, and Logos – Brand names, trademarks, and logos protected by Trademarks.

Importance of Intellectual Property for Different Groups

• Protects Creativity – Safeguards original ideas and creative works.
• Encourages Innovation – Motivates people to create new inventions and products.
• Protects Business Identity – Secures brand names, logos, and innovations.
• Promotes Fair Use – Ensures others use intellectual property legally and responsibly.
• Protects Consumer Interests – Helps consumers identify genuine products and respect creators’ rights.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are the legal rights granted to creators and inventors to protect their original creations and inventions.
• IPR gives creators exclusive rights to use, sell, license, or authorize others to use their intellectual property.

Plagiarism

• Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work, ideas, or creative content as your own without giving proper credit.
• It violates academic honesty, creativity, and intellectual integrity.
• Common examples of plagiarism include:
  • Copying text word-for-word without quotation marks or proper citation.
  • Paraphrasing someone else’s work without acknowledging the original source.
  • Using another person’s ideas, arguments, images, or creative work without giving credit.
  • Submitting someone else’s work or previously submitted work as your own.

Types of Plagiarism

Direct Plagiarism – Direct plagiarism involves copying another person’s work exactly as it is without any changes or proper citation.

Paraphrasing Plagiarism – Paraphrasing plagiarism occurs when someone rewrites another person’s ideas in different words without giving proper credit.

Mosaic Plagiarism (Patchwriting) – Mosaic plagiarism involves combining phrases, sentences, or paragraphs from one or more sources into your own writing without proper attribution.

Accidental Plagiarism – Accidental plagiarism happens when a person unintentionally fails to cite or acknowledge the original source.

Inappropriate Citation – Inappropriate citation occurs when a source is cited incorrectly, misleadingly, or without actually using or consulting it.

Verbatim Plagiarism – Verbatim plagiarism is the direct copying of someone else’s work word-for-word without making any changes or providing proper citation.

Popular Plagiarism Detection Tools

Websites

• Copyleaks (copyleaks.com) – Offers a free plagiarism checker with limited features and paid plans with advanced functionality.
• Quetext (quetext.com) – Provides both free and paid plagiarism checking with detailed analysis.
• Grammarly (grammarly.com) – Offers plagiarism detection along with grammar and writing suggestions in its paid plans.

Mobile Apps

• Plagiarism Checker X (plagiarismcheckerx.com) – Available for Android and offers basic plagiarism checking features.
• Dupli Checker (duplichecker.com) – Available for Android and iOS; provides free plagiarism scans with paid plans for additional features.

How to Prevent Plagiarism

• Understand and follow proper citation rules for all sources used.
• Paraphrase carefully by writing in your own words while still giving credit to the original source.
• Use plagiarism detection tools to check your work before submission.
• Seek guidance from teachers or mentors if you are unsure about citation or referencing methods.

Types of Intellectual Property

Patents

• A Patent is a legal right granted by the government that gives an inventor exclusive rights over an invention for a limited period.
• Patents protect new, useful, and non-obvious inventions such as:
  • Products
  • Processes
  • Machines
  • Compositions of matter
• Patent protection encourages innovation while allowing others to learn from the invention after its publication.
• In India, patents are governed by the Patents Act, 1970, along with its subsequent amendments.

Copyright

• Copyright is an Intellectual Property Right that protects original creative works that have been expressed in a tangible form.
• It gives the creator exclusive rights to control how the work is reproduced, distributed, displayed, performed, or modified.
• Copyright protects various types of creative works, including:
  • Literary works (books, poems, articles, scripts)
  • Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, photographs, graphic designs)
  • Musical works (songs and compositions)
  • Cinematographic works (films and videos)
  • Computer programs and software

Trademark

• A Trademark is a recognizable sign, name, symbol, logo, design, or expression that identifies the source of a product or service and distinguishes it from others.
• They protect businesses from imitation, infringement, and counterfeiting.
• Common forms of trademarks include:
  • Words (brand names, slogans, taglines)
  • Symbols and logos
  • Icons and designs
  • Sounds such as jingles or musical themes

Types of Cybercrimes

Cyber Safety

• Cyber Safety means using the internet safely and responsibly to protect your personal information and respect the privacy of others.

Cybercrime

• Cybercrime refers to any illegal activity carried out using computers, smartphones, networks, or the internet.
• Common cybercrimes include fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, phishing, hacking, malware attacks, and data theft.

Cyber Attack

• A Cyber Attack is an unauthorized attempt to steal, modify, damage, expose, or destroy data, computer systems, or networks.
• Cyber attacks are carried out by cybercriminals to misuse sensitive information or disrupt digital services.

Classification of Cybercrimes

Crime Against an Individual

• Targets an individual by stealing personal information, financial details, or confidential data.
• Examples include identity theft, online fraud, spam emails, and credit card fraud.

Crime Against an Organization

• Targets companies or organizations to gain unauthorized access to confidential business data.
• The objective is usually financial gain, data theft, or disruption of business operations.

Crime Against Government

• Targets government systems, national databases, or critical infrastructure.
• Such attacks threaten national security and public safety.

Different Types of Cybercrimes

Cyberbullying

• Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to bully, threaten, harass, embarrass, or humiliate another person.
• Common forms include:
  • Sending abusive or threatening messages.
  • Sharing embarrassing photos or videos.
  • Spreading rumors or false information.
  • Impersonating someone online.
  • Intentionally excluding someone from online groups.

Cyberstalking

• Cyberstalking is the repeated use of the internet or digital technology to stalk, threaten, or harass a person, group, or organization.
• Examples include:
  • Constantly tracking someone’s online activities.
  • Sending repeated unwanted messages.
  • Monitoring social media accounts.
  • Posting false or harmful information about the victim.
  • Appearing at locations after tracking someone’s online posts.

Phishing

• Phishing is a cybercrime in which attackers pretend to be trusted organizations or individuals to steal sensitive information.
• Phishing attacks commonly use:
  • Fake emails
  • Fraudulent phone calls
  • Fake social media messages
  • Fake websites that resemble genuine websites

Identity Theft

• Identity Theft is the illegal use of another person’s personal information without their permission.
• Stolen information may include a person’s name, Aadhaar number, email address, phone number, passwords, or bank details.

Malware Attacks

• Malware is malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computers and networks
• Malware is commonly spread through:
  • Phishing emails.
  • Malicious websites.
  • Infected email attachments.
  • Infected USB drives or other storage devices.

Email Spoofing

• Email Spoofing is a technique in which attackers fake the sender’s email address to make an email appear genuine.
• The purpose is to trick recipients into:
  • Clicking malicious links.
  • Opening infected attachments.
  • Revealing confidential information.
  • Performing unauthorized financial or administrative actions.

Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack

• A Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack attempts to make a website, server, or online service unavailable to legitimate users.
• Attackers overload the system with a large number of requests, exhausting its resources.

Ransomware

• Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks access to a computer or encrypts files until a ransom is paid.
• After encrypting the victim’s files, attackers demand payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Hacking

• Hacking is the process of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
• Malicious hacking is performed illegally to steal data, spy, damage systems, or disrupt services.
• Ethical hacking is performed with the owner’s permission to identify and fix security weaknesses before cybercriminals exploit them.

Data Breach

• A Data Breach occurs when unauthorized individuals access confidential or sensitive information.
• Stolen data may include passwords, financial records, customer information, medical records, or business data.
• Data breaches may be accidental or intentional and can cause financial loss, identity theft, and reputational damage.

Cybercrime Awareness

To stay safe from cybercrime, follow these security practices:

• Use strong and unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
• Install and regularly update antivirus software to protect your device from malware.
• Visit only secure websites that use HTTPS encryption.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information on untrusted websites or applications.
• Download software and files only from trusted sources.

Cyber Laws in India

• Cyber Laws are the legal rules that regulate the use of computers, digital devices, the internet, and electronic communication.
• In India, cyber laws are mainly governed by the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and its subsequent amendments.

Key Provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

• Legal Recognition of Electronic Records and Digital Signatures – Grants legal validity to electronic documents and digital signatures.
• Data Protection and Privacy – Protects sensitive personal data and individual privacy.
• Cybercrime Offenses – Covers offenses such as hacking, data theft, identity theft, online obscenity, and cyberterrorism.
• Penalties for Cybercrimes – Prescribes fines and imprisonment for cybercrime offenses.
• Cyber Appellate Tribunal – Established to resolve disputes related to the IT Act.

Key Amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

• Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 – Introduced new offenses such as cyberterrorism and clarified the liability of intermediaries.
• Further Amendments – Address issues related to data protection, online gaming, and social media regulation.

Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021

• Digital Intermediary Guidelines – Provide rules for social media platforms, digital intermediaries, and OTT platforms.
• Content Removal – Require platforms to remove unlawful or objectionable content.
• Grievance Redressal – Mandate a grievance redressal mechanism for users.
• Legal Compliance – Ensure compliance with Indian laws and regulations.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 as India’s new criminal law.
• The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024.
• Crimes committed before 30 June 2024 continue to be governed by the IPC.

Key Features of BNS, 2023

• BNS consists of 20 chapters covering various categories of criminal offences.
• Greater priority has been given to offences against women and children by consolidating them into a separate chapter.
• The number of legal sections has been reduced from 511 (IPC) to 358 (BNS), making the law more streamlined.
• The law introduces:
  • 31 new provisions
  • 19 deleted provisions
  • Community service as a punishment for certain offences.
  • Minimum mandatory punishments for several offences.

How to File a Cybercrime Complaint Online in India?

• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal – Use the Government of India’s online portal to report cybercrime complaints.
• Purpose – Enables victims and complainants to report cybercrime incidents online.
• Website – cybercrime.gov.in (https://cybercrime.gov.in)