AI105 Cyberspace Domain Learning Objectives

Vocabulary flashcards covering all 26 learning objectives for the AI105 Cyberspace Domain lecture.

Input/Output Devices

Hardware used to enter information into a computer or receive information from it.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Fast, temporary storage for data and programs currently being used; its contents disappear when power is turned off.

Hard Drive

Long-term, nonvolatile storage that keeps files, programs, and other data when power is turned off.

Peripheral Devices

Hardware connected to a computer to provide additional functions, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, or printer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The main processor that executes instructions, performs calculations, and processes data.

Binary

A base-2 number system that uses only 0 and 1 to represent digital information.

Bit

The smallest unit of digital information, represented by either a 0 or 1.

Byte

A unit of digital information consisting of 8 bits.

File Extension

Letters after the period in a filename that identify its file type, such as .pdf, .docx, or .jpg.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ability of computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Generative AI

Technology that learns patterns from existing data to create new content such as text, images, audio, or code.

Machine Learning (ML)

A method in which computer systems learn patterns from data to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for every situation.

Large Language Model (LLM)

A model trained on massive amounts of text to recognize language patterns and understand or generate human language.

Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI)

Technology designed to perform one specific task or a limited range of tasks rather than having general human-level abilities.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)

Hypothetical technology capable of learning, reasoning, and applying knowledge across many different tasks at approximately human-level ability.

Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)

Hypothetical technology whose intellectual capabilities would exceed human abilities across nearly all areas.

Network

Two or more connected computing devices that communicate and share data or resources.

Ethernet

A wired method for connecting devices, usually within a local area.

Wi-Fi

A technology that uses radio waves to connect devices wirelessly to a local network and often the Internet.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless technology for exchanging data between nearby devices.

Cellular Network

A wireless communication system divided into geographic areas served by towers, allowing mobile devices to communicate.

Bandwidth

The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a connection in a given amount of time.

Latency

The amount of delay between sending data and its arrival at its destination.

Range

The maximum distance over which a signal can effectively communicate.

Data Packets

Small units into which information is divided for transmission across a network and reassembled at its destination.

Relative Reference

A spreadsheet cell that addresses changes based on its new position when a formula is copied.

Absolute Reference

A spreadsheet cell address that remains fixed when a formula is copied, usually indicated by $ signs, such as $A$1.

Internet

The global system of interconnected computer networks that communicate and exchange data.

World Wide Web (WWW)

A system of interconnected websites and online resources accessed through browsers.

Domain Name System (DNS)

A system that converts human-readable website names into IP addresses that computers use to locate resources.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The address that identifies the location of a specific resource online and how it should be accessed.

HTML

A markup language that defines the structure and content of webpages.

CSS

A language that controls the appearance and layout of webpages.

JavaScript

A programming language commonly used to make webpages interactive and dynamic.

Surface Web

Publicly accessible online content that standard search engines can find and index.

Deep Web

Online content that standard search engines do not index, including email, private databases, and password-protected pages.

Dark Web

Intentionally hidden online content that requires specialized software or configurations to access and often provides greater anonymity.

Client-Server Model

A system in which one device requests information or services and another device processes the request and provides a response.

Physical Layer

The tangible infrastructure of cyberspace, including computers, servers, routers, cables, and other physical equipment.

Logical Layer

The digital connections and rules that organize cyberspace, including software, protocols, addresses, and network relationships.

Cyber-Persona Layer

The digital identities associated with people or organizations, such as accounts, usernames, and email addresses.

Threat

Any circumstance or event with the potential to harm a system, network, or information.

Threat Actor

A person, group, or organization that carries out or attempts malicious cyber activity.

Vulnerability

A weakness in technology, procedures, or security that can be exploited to cause harm.

Alter, Deny, Disclose

Three common cyberthreat goals of an attack: improperly change information, prevent access to information or services, or expose information to unauthorized people.

Social Engineering

Manipulating people into revealing information or taking actions that compromise security.

Phishing

Using fraudulent messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information or taking unsafe actions.

Spear Phishing

A targeted form of deception customized for a specific person, role, or organization to make a fraudulent message more convincing.

Trojan

Malicious software disguised as legitimate or harmless software to trick someone into installing or running it.

Worm

Malicious software that copies itself and can automatically spread between computers or across networks.

Virus

Malicious code that attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when the infected file or program is executed.

Ransomware

Malicious software that prevents access to systems or data, often through encryption, and demands payment to restore access.

Spyware

Malicious software that secretly monitors activity or collects information without authorization.

Adware

Software that automatically displays unwanted advertisements and may also track user activity.

CIA Triad

The three fundamental cybersecurity goals of protecting secrecy, accuracy, and access to information and systems.

Confidentiality

Ensuring information is accessible or disclosed only to authorized people or systems.

Integrity

Ensuring information remains accurate, complete, and protected from unauthorized changes.

Availability

Ensuring authorized users can reliably access information and systems when needed.

Cryptography

The use of mathematical techniques to protect information and communications against unauthorized access or alteration.

Encryption

Converting readable information (plaintext) into an unreadable form (ciphertext) using an algorithm and key.

Decryption

Converting unreadable ciphertext back into readable plaintext using the appropriate key.

Symmetric Cryptography

A method in which the same secret key is used to protect and recover information.

Asymmetric Cryptography

A method that uses two mathematically related keys: a public key and a private key.

Digital Signature

A cryptographic method used to verify the identity of the signer and confirm that the data has not been altered.

Certificate Authority (CA)

A trusted organization that verifies identities and issues credentials connecting those identities to public keys.

Digital Certificate

An electronic credential that connects an identity to a public key and is typically verified by a trusted authority.

Lossy Data Compression

Reducing file size by permanently removing some information, meaning the exact original cannot be recovered.

Lossless Data Compression

Reducing file size without permanently removing information, allowing the exact original to be recovered.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Government information that is not classified but still requires safeguarding or restrictions on how it is shared.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Information that can identify or be linked to a specific person, either by itself or when combined with other information.