All questions of Cyber Safety for Grade 9 Exam

Why Should You Never Give Your Password to Anyone?

There are several reasons why you should never give your password to anyone, even if they claim to be your internet service provider (ISP). Here are some of the main reasons:

1. Security Risks: Your password is the key to your online accounts, and giving it out to someone else puts your personal and sensitive information at risk. They may use your password to access your accounts, steal your identity, or commit fraud in your name.

2. Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals often use phishing scams to trick people into giving out their passwords. They may send you an email or instant message that appears to be from your ISP or another trusted source, asking for your password. However, these messages are usually fake and designed to steal your information.

3. Trust Issues: Even if the person asking for your password is your ISP or another legitimate organization, you should still be cautious. It's difficult to know who you can trust online, and giving out your password could lead to future problems or misunderstandings.

What Should You Do Instead?

If someone asks for your password online, here's what you should do:

1. Confirm Their Identity: Before you give out any personal information, make sure you're dealing with a legitimate source. Contact your ISP directly using a phone number or email address from their official website, and ask if they really need your password.

2. Be Skeptical: If someone asks for your password out of the blue, be suspicious. Legitimate organizations don't typically ask for passwords over the phone or online.

3. Use Strong Passwords: To protect yourself from cybercrime, always use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Choose a unique password for each of your accounts and update them regularly.

4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that someone has accessed your accounts without your permission, report it to your ISP and the police immediately.

In conclusion, never give your password to anyone online, even if they claim to be your ISP. Protect your personal information by being skeptical, using strong passwords, and reporting any suspicious activity.

Understanding Pharming
Pharming is a cyber attack aimed at redirecting users from legitimate websites to fake ones without their knowledge. This practice can lead to serious security issues, including identity theft and financial loss.
How Pharming Works
- DNS Manipulation:
- Pharming often involves altering the Domain Name System (DNS) settings of a user's computer or the DNS server, redirecting users to a fraudulent site that appears legitimate.
- Malware Installation:
- In some cases, malicious software (malware) is used to infect a user's device, which can change browser settings or redirect traffic to the fake site.
Characteristics of Fake Websites
- Mimicking Design:
- Fake websites are designed to closely resemble the legitimate ones, including logos, layouts, and even URLs, making it difficult for users to detect the scam.
- Phishing Attempts:
- Once on the fraudulent site, users may be prompted to enter sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details, which are then collected by the attackers.
Consequences of Pharming
- Identity Theft:
- Users who fall victim to pharming may have their identities stolen, leading to unauthorized transactions and long-term damage to their credit.
- Financial Loss:
- Victims may incur significant financial losses due to fraudulent activities carried out on their accounts.
Preventative Measures
- Use HTTPS:
- Always check for the HTTPS protocol in the URL, which indicates a secure connection.
- Regular Updates:
- Keep your software and security systems updated to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited for pharming.
In conclusion, understanding pharming and its implications is crucial for maintaining online security and protecting personal information.

A) Believe them, they have no reason to lie