Semester Test Prep: Cryptography, Networking, and Digital Literacy

Vocabulary terms covering Cryptography basics, Networking protocols, Binary data, Programming fundamentals, and Digital Citizenship/Media Literacy concepts.

Plaintext

original readable message

Ciphertext

encrypted message.

Key

number or value used to encrypt , ex. as a shift of $7$.

Algorithm

process used to encrypt/decrypt

Symmetric Encryption

same key used to encrypt and decrypt

Brute Force

trying every possible combination

Frequency Analysis

counting letter occurrences to break codes

Packets

small chunks of data sent over networks

Purpose of packets

efficiency and avoiding congestion

TCP

reliable, ordered delivery

UDP

faster but unreliable

Fault tolerance

network reroutes if path fails

DNS

converts domain names to IP addresses

HTTPS

secure and encrypted version of HTTP.

Routing

choosing best path for data

Bit

smallest unit (0 or 1)

Byte

8 bits

Pixel

The smallest part of a digital image.

LAN

A small local network.

WAN

A large geographic network.

Loops

repeating actions a set number of times.

Function

Define = create function

• Call = run function

Indentation in Python

A structural requirement in Python programming that ALWAYS matters.

Parameters

Numbers inside parentheses that control movement or distance.

Commands

Code that controls actions, such as forward or left.

Spreadsheet formulas

must start with the $=$ symbol.

Google Sites

A technology tool used to build websites.

copy shortcut

CMD+C (or CTRL + C)

Media Balance

Maintaining a healthy mix of online and offline activities.

Online Tracking

Tracking clicks and behavior

Online Reputation

what others post about you can affect you.

Digital Dilemma

An unclear online situation where there is no obvious right answer.

Red flags

Warning signs such as strangers asking for personal interaction.

Lateral Reading

checking other sources

verify before sharing info

Disinformation

Intentional false information

Algorithms

promote emotional content

Always fact check sources

Passive consumption

Scrolling or watching content without interacting

Curated self vs real self

The pressure created by the discrepancy between an edited online presence and reality.

Confirmation Bias

only seeking information that you already agree with.

Challenge bias

Look at multiple resources

Ads

Companies paid per view/ click

Clickbait

designed to attract clicks for money.

Filter bubbles

created by algorithms and personalization

Recommendations

Social media suggestions provided based on your previous activity.