Cyber Safety, Security and Digital Etiquette
This domain tests safe and responsible digital behaviour: protecting accounts and devices, recognising attacks, and communicating respectfully online.
Core safety rules
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, or bank details; legitimate organisations do not ask for them by message or call.
- Malware includes viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware; keep antivirus and the operating system updated.
- A firewall filters network traffic; backups protect against loss and ransomware.
- Phishing uses fake emails or sites to steal credentials; check the sender and link before acting.
- In India, cybercrime can be reported at cybercrime.gov.in or on helpline 1930.
Digital etiquette
Avoid all-caps shouting, seek consent before sharing photos, credit sources, and do not spread rumours or harass others.
Worked example
An email says the bank account will be blocked unless the recipient clicks a link and enters an OTP within 10 minutes. The correct response is do not click, do not share the OTP, verify through the bank's official app or number, and report the message. The reasoning is that urgency plus a request for a secret is a classic phishing pattern.
Traps that cost marks
- Believing HTTPS alone makes a site trustworthy.
- Sharing an OTP because the caller claims to be from a bank.
- Using public Wi-Fi for banking without protection.
- Forwarding unverified messages or images that invade privacy.