Introduction to Cyber Security and its Need (साइबर सुरक्षा परिचय)

In our hyper-connected digital world, our banking passwords, personal photographs, government IDs, and confidential communications reside in digital cyberspace.

Cyber Security (साइबर सुरक्षा) is the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious digital attacks, theft, and unauthorized damage.

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1. The Core Pillars of Security: The CIA Triad

In cyber security, data defense is governed by three fundamental principles known as the CIA Triad:

1. 1
   Confidentiality (गोपनीयता): Ensuring that sensitive information is accessible ONLY to authorized personnel and kept secret from unauthorized individuals (achieved via Encryption and Passwords).
2. 2
   Integrity (अखंडता / सत्यता): Ensuring that data has NOT been modified, tampered with, or corrupted by unauthorized third parties during storage or transmission.
3. 3
   Availability (उपलब्धता): Ensuring that authorized users have unhindered access to critical computer systems, networks, and services whenever needed (preventing server crashes from Denial of Service attacks).

2. Common Types of Cyber Threats & Malware

Malware is a portmanteau of Malicious + Software (दुर्भावनापूर्ण सॉफ्टवेयर). It refers to any program engineered to infiltrate, damage, or compromise computer systems:

1. Computer Virus (कंप्यूटर वायरस)

• A parasitic program that attaches itself to legitimate host files (e.g. .exe or document files).
• When the infected program runs, the virus replicates itself, corrupts data, and consumes system resources.
• First PC Virus: Brain Virus (created in 1986 by two Pakistani brothers).

2. Computer Worm (कंप्यूटर वर्म)

• Unlike a virus, a Worm does NOT require a host file or human activation!
• It is an autonomous, self-replicating program that exploits network security vulnerabilities, spreading silently across computer networks and exhausting bandwidth.

3. Trojan Horse (ट्रोजन हॉर्स)

• Named after the legendary wooden horse in Greek mythology.
• A malicious program disguised as a harmless, useful application (e.g. a free game or pirated software utility).
• Once installed by the unsuspecting user, it opens a secret "backdoor" for hackers to steal passwords and remotely control the machine.

4. Ransomware (रैनसमवेयर - फिरौती वायरस)

• A devastating form of malware that secretly encrypts all files, photos, and databases on your computer with military-grade cryptography, locking you out of your own data!
• The cyber criminals demand a heavy ransom (usually in Bitcoin or cryptocurrency) to provide the decryption key.
• Famous Example: WannaCry (infected hundreds of thousands of computers across 150 countries in 2017).

5. Spyware & Keyloggers (जासूसी सॉफ्टवेयर)

• Secretly records everything you type on your keyboard (passwords, credit card numbers, personal chats) and silently transmits the log to hackers.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the "CIA Triad" stand for in cyber security?

A. Central Intelligence Agency B. Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability C. Computer Internet Architecture D. Cyber Information Access Answer: B Explanation: The CIA Triad comprises Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—the three foundational guiding principles of information security.

2. Which type of malware encrypts victim files and demands financial payment to unlock them?

A. Adware B. Ransomware C. Worm D. BIOS Answer: B Explanation: Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts user data and demands an extortionate payment (ransom) in exchange for the decryption key.

3. Which type of malicious program disguises itself as a legitimate, harmless application to deceive users into installing it?

A. Computer Worm B. Trojan Horse C. Compiler D. Firmware Answer: B Explanation: A Trojan Horse mimics benign software (such as a utility or video game) while concealing malicious code that compromises security upon execution.

4. How does a Computer Worm fundamentally differ from a traditional Computer Virus?

A. A worm cannot spread across the internet B. A worm is self-replicating and spreads across networks autonomously without needing to attach to a host file C. A worm only infects mobile phones D. A worm is harmless Answer: B Explanation: While viruses require a human user to execute an infected host carrier file, worms are autonomous self-replicating programs that traverse networks independently.

5. What was the name of the first personal computer virus developed in 1986?

A. Creeper B. Brain C. WannaCry D. I Love You Answer: B Explanation: The "Brain" boot sector virus, created in 1986 by Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi in Pakistan, is recognized as the first computer virus for IBM PC compatibles.