Chapter 5: Digital Security, Ethics, and Privacy: Avoiding and Recognizing Threats CIT 100 - Computer Literacy Fall 2025

risk

any possibility that something might occur resulting in an injury or a loss.

digital security risk

any event or action that could cause a loss of or damage to computer or mobile device hardware, software, data, information, or processing capability.

Types of digital security risks include threats to our

information, physical health, mental health,
and the environment.

Cybersecurity

the practice of protection against digital threats, including unauthorized or illegal access to data.

digital detox

a period of time during which an individual refrains from using
technology.

Threat actor

the technical term used to describe individuals who launch attacks against other users and their computers. They may also be called attackers.

dark web

a part of the web that is accessed using specialized software, where users and website operators can remain anonymous while performing illegal actions

Script kiddies

individuals who want to attack computers but lack the knowledge of computers and networks

hacker

a person who intends to access a computer system without permission

cracker

someone who accesses a computer or network illegally but has the intent of destroying data, stealing information, or other malicious action.

Hacktivists

attackers who are strongly motivated by principles or beliefs

Cyberterrorists

attack a nation’s computer networks, like the electrical power grid, to cause disruption and panic among citizens.

cyberwarfare

describes an attack whose goal ranges from disabling a
government’s computer network to crippling a country.

Data mining

the process of sifting through Big Data to find answers to the important questions that will yield fruitful results.

cyber extortionist

an individual who threatens to expose confidential information, exploit a security flaw, or launch an attack that will compromise the organization’s network — if they are not paid a sum of money.

Technology ethics

the moral guidelines that govern the use of computers, mobile devices, information systems, and related technologies.

Intellectual property (IP) rights

the rights to which creators are entitled to their work.

Creative Commons

provides a framework for defining how content may or may not be used, along with any restrictions or payment needed to use it.

bot

a program that performs a repetitive task on a network.