Part-A An Overview of Cyber Law.pdf

Online Certificate Course
on
Cyber Law
Paper – I
Introduction to the Cyber World and Cyber Law
Part A
Cyber World – An Overview
For
THE INDIAN LAW INSTITUTE
(Deemed University)
Bhagwandas Road
New Delhi - 110001

Cyber World – An Overview Page 2 of 31
Table of contents
Topics Page
1. Cyber World: An Overview
1.1. Understanding the scope of computers in our daily life
1.2. Basic / Fundamental Principle of computer
1.3. The “E” Zone
1.4. Where did the computer come from
2. What is a computer Network?
3. Pre-requisites of Internet Connection
4. Basic working of ISP
5. Connecting to ISP
5.1. Dialup
5.2. Broadband
5.3. Cellular
5.4. Fibre
6. Use of Internet
7. Security of Information
8. Type of Threats
9. Prevention from threats
10. Digital Signatures
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This paper provides an overview of cyber world with reference to-
• The Internet and online resources
• Security of Information
• Digital Signature
Revision 1.

1. Cyber World: An Overview
1.1. Understanding the scope of computers in our daily life
There is no doubt, that in today’s world, computer are used everywhere, when we
mean everywhere, it could be your local shopping center, computer center, be it your
railway reservations, airlines reservation, micro-wave ovens, even your phones.
Institutions like banks, not only ease the use of banking functions, but also give us
flexibility to bank from virtually anywhere.
With a swipe from your plastic money (Debit/Credit Cards), it fetches balance
information from your bank’s account and there you go, you just purchased the
commodity without even bothering, how many gadgets, complex security codes went
through and helped you to purchase.
1.2. Basic / Fundamental Principle of computer
A computer receives an INPUT, then it PROCESSES it, and then gives OUTPUT.
When they (electronic gadgets) receive an input, they definitely give an output after
some calculations, whether we realize immediately or later. Eg: Employees in an
organization would enter their attendance, and upon request at end of month to
computer, it immediately generates salary slip based on the attendance. On other
hand, there can be an instant output; like when you type anything on keyboard, it gets
displayed immediately on your screen in respective application software!
1.3. The “E” Zone
There could be numerous such examples where our life has been attached with ‘e’.
Be it mail that got converted to e-mail, your banking became e-banking, commerce
became e-commerce, and so on. This ‘e-’ stands for Electronics. Now that makes
better sense when “Electronic” is prefixed like:- Electronic mail called as E-Mail.
Electronic Banking called as E-Banking etc.
When we speak of Cyber, it is a prefix, derived from cybernetics (a Greek word
meaning "the art of steering"), used to describe the entire range of things made
available through the use of a computer. It does not exist in physical boundaries.
Earlier the term ‘cyber’ was used in fiction stories, but now it is used commonly. For
example: cyber-phobia is an irrational fear of computers, cyberspace is the virtual
(nonphysical) space created by computer systems. Something like we talk about
fairy tales or dreams, they don’t exist, but a nightmare can certainly wake you up in
middle of night.

But when we talk about some terms like cyber-space in terms of our scope, we
combine not only the humans, computers (hardware and/or software), but also to the
extent that one (computer) is almost capable to do that. It would include your mobile
phones, gaming gadgets like Play station, X-box, smart watches etc. Mostly,
whenever cyber is used, term is associated with science fiction, as simply as a
computer is not capable of thinking. However, it is used in most of activities like
booking tickets, tours, communicating with people through virtual world; you never
know who really is on the other side, unless met him/her.
1.4. Where did the computer come from
Necessity is the mother of invention and un-fortunately, the computers are invention
of Cold Wars. In beginning, they were humongous, very large in size, would cover a
size of a football ground, and may be bigger. It used to consume power that would in
today’s world give electricity to one colony in itself! But as computers can be trusted
more for efficiency than humans if we give a repeated task, it definitely supersedes
humans in certain areas. As a matter of fact, they instate discipline in work. One has
to follow certain guidelines to attain a job done from computers. Let us take a small
example, when banking was done manually, Customers could have a ‘personal
influence’ on the banker or bank manager, the customer was informed over the phone
before actually taking an action. But since computers are in place, it would work
irrationally even if it’s a new customer, or old or his relative. I’m sure, flight
bookings and their management couldn’t have been better as we have the facility to
book, tickets, get best fares, compare with various online agents (websites). This
facility is not only extended to our computers at home, but also extended to our
mobile phones which is capable of connect to ‘network’ anytime & almost anywhere.
Moreover, the art of communication has become so advanced and easy to reach, it
helps in transfer of information / data from any place (device) to any place (device).
Gone are the days when one had to make a school projects, business presentations,
now-a-days, one can search projects, themes and then continue to add wings to one’s
concept.

2. What is a computer Network?
Computer Network: To be able to communicate and share resources (knowledge or
information, hardware equipments, software etc) between two or more computers.
One just has to ‘share’ the equipment/information, and it becomes available to others.
Telephones were the one of the first electronic gadgets, which helped humans to interact
with each other. However, it could only send voices across. One would have to dial the
desired phone number and have conversation.
There was one more invention – Radio. But it could communicate only one-way. We
may not put radio and television in category of communication. And Cyber Space – one
of the best and economic way to bridge gap between each other, it is irrespective of
physical boundaries and distances.
Have you ever imagined, that if a person in country “A” makes a call to another country
“B”, the call has to go through various networks of telephone exchanges, however when
you speak from here, the other person (if both use same language to communicate) is also
able to hear and respond accordingly. This is irrespective of the path that it took. This
happens because even if they use different machines / gadgets, they have to follow same
set of rules, just like on road, one has to follow traffic rules to avoid chaos, and it does not
depend on which vehicle you are driving.
Similarly, in computer networking, there are a few standard sets of rules which both
(or more than two) have to follow if they want to ‘network’ with each other. These set of
rules are also called as Protocol.
Protocol: A protocol is a convention or standard that controls or enables the connection,
communication, and data transfer between two computing endpoints.
Few Protocol Examples:
# Name Short Description Uses
1. IP Internet Protocol The Internet Protocol (IP) is a data-
oriented protocol used for
communicating data across a packet-
switched internet work.

2. UDP User Datagram
Protocol
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is one
of the core protocols of the Internet
protocol suite. Using UDP, programs
on networked computers can send
short messages sometimes known as
datagrams (using Datagram Sockets)
to one another. UDP is sometimes
called the Universal Datagram
Protocol.
3. TCP Transmission Control
Protocol
The Transmission Control Protocol
(TCP) is one of the core protocols of
the Internet protocol suite. TCP
provides reliable, in-order delivery of a
stream of bytes, making it suitable for
applications like file transfer and e-
mail.
It is combined with IP referred to as
"the TCP/IP protocol suite."

4. DHCP Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP) is a protocol used by
networked devices (clients) to obtain
IP addresses and other parameters such
as the default gateway, subnet mask,
and IP addresses of DNS servers from
a DHCP server. The DHCP server
ensures that all IP addresses are
unique. IP address pool management
is done by the server and not by a
network administrator. However,
network administrator has to configure
policies as to how these address should
be managed in his network.
5. HTTP Hypertext Transfer
Protocol
HTTP is a request/response protocol
between a client and a server. The
client making an HTTP request - such
as a web browser, spider, or other end-
user tool. The responding server -
which stores or creates resources such
as HTML files and images - is called
the origin server.
6. FTP File Transfer Protocol FTP or File Transfer Protocol is used
to transfer data from one computer to
another over the Internet, or through a
network.
7. Telnet Telnet Remote
Protocol
TELNET
(TELecommunicationNETwork) is a
network protocol used on the Internet
or local area network (LAN)
connections.

8. SSH Secure Shell Remote
Protocol
Secure Shell or SSH is a network
protocol that allows data to be
exchanged over a secure channel
between two computers. Encryption
provides confidentiality and integrity
of data. SSH uses public-key
cryptography to authenticate the
remote computer and allow the remote
computer to authenticate the user,
9. POP3 Post Office Protocol-3 In computing, local e-mail clients use
the Post Office Protocol version 3
(POP3), an application-layer Internet
standard protocol, to retrieve e-mail
from a remote server over a TCP/IP
connection. Eg: Outlook Express
retrieves emails from Email Server
with help of POP3 Protocol
10. SMTP Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
(SMTP) is the de facto standard for e-
mail transmissions across the Internet.
2.1. Types of Network classified by geographical area:
2.1.1. PAN
PAN (Personal Area Network): A personal area network (PAN) is a computer
network used for communication among computer devices close to one person.
Some examples of devices that may be used in a PAN are: printers (or WiFi
Printers), fax machines, telephones, PDAs, or scanners. The reach of a PAN is
typically within about 20-30 feet (approximately 4-6 Meters). PANs can be used
for communication among the individual devices (intrapersonal communication).
Typical example is visible in almost all homes that have a broadband &WiFi,

where devices may be connected through network cable or WiFi. One may also
consider a “Bluetooth” connection use for data/file transfer.
2.1.2. LAN
LAN (Local Area Network): A network covering a small geographic area, like a
home, office, or building. Current LANs are most likely to be based on Ethernet
technology. For example, a library will have a LAN for users to connect to the
internet. LAN may also be used a general term describing a network (with or
without INTERNET access).
2.1.3. CAN
CAN (Campus Area Network): A network that connects two or more LANs but
that is limited to a specific and contiguous geographical area such as a college
campus, industrial complex, or a military base. A CAN, may be considered a
type of MAN (metropolitan area network), but is generally limited to an area that
is smaller than a typical MAN.
2.1.4. MAN
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A Metropolitan Area Network is a network
that connects two or more Local Area Networks or Campus Area Networks
together but does not extend beyond the boundaries of the immediate town, city,
or metropolitan area. Multiple routers, switches & hubs are connected to create a
MAN.
2.1.5. WAN
WAN (Wide Area Network): A WAN is a data communications network that
covers a relatively broad geographic area (i.e. one city to another and one
country to another country) and that often uses transmission facilities provided
by common carriers, such as telephone companies. WAN technologies generally
function at the lower three layers of the OSI reference model: the physical layer,
the data link layer, and the network layer.
2.1.6. Special Note:-
When we talk of PAN, LAN, CAN, MAN, WAN, these relate geographical
distances, and refer to INTRANET rather than INTERNET.
INTRANET: A kind of private network, that may be used within the
organization/enterprise only. Eg: An office has two branches, one at Delhi, the

other at Mumbai. Office computers in these locations would be able to access
the network “Locally”, and may NOT have any access to Internet. Typically
connected on a lease line.
EXTRANET: An Intranet which has a limited connections to other Network.
Eg: A company may give limited access to its external users/clients, but at the
same time, this connection may not be considered as ‘trusted’ from security
point of view. It enables outsiders to work with network (LAN) of an
organization.
2.2. Internet:
2.2.1. Internet: Internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected
computer networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard
Internet Protocol (IP). It is a "network of networks" that consists of millions of
smaller domestic, academic, business, and government networks, which together
carry various information and services, such as electronic mail, online chat, file
transfer, and the interlinked web pages and other resources of the World Wide
Web.
Depending upon number of computers and kind of complexities involved, it is
broadly divided in two basic reference models:
2.2.1.1. Internet Protocol Suite (IPS)
The Internet protocol suite is the set of communications protocols that
implement the protocol stack on which the Internet and most commercial
networks run. It has also been referred to as the TCP/IP protocol suite,
which is named after two of the most important protocols in it: the
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), which
were also the first two networking protocols defined. Today's IP
networking represents a synthesis of two developments that began to
evolve in the 1960s and 1970s, namely LANs (Local Area Networks) and
the Internet, which, together with the invention of the World Wide Web by
Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, have revolutionized computing.

The Internet Protocol suite—like many protocol suites—can be viewed as a
set of layers. Each layer solves a set of problems involving the transmission
of data, and provides a well-defined service to the upper layer protocols
based on using services from some lower layers. Upper layers are logically
closer to the user and deal with more abstract data, relying on lower layer
protocols to translate data into forms that can eventually be physically
transmitted.
HTTP Application
TCP Transport
IP Network
Ethernet Link
RJ 45 / CAT5 Physical
2.2.1.2. OSI Model / 7-Layer OSI Model
The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model (OSI Reference
Model or OSI Model for short) is a layered, abstract description for
communications and computer network protocol design. It was developed
as part of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) initiative and is
sometimes known as the OSI seven layer model. From top to bottom, the
OSI Model consists of the Application, Presentation, Session, Transport,
Network, Data Link, and Physical layers. A layer is a collection of related
functions that provides services to the layer above it and receives service
from the layer below it. For example, a layer that provides error-free
communications across a network provides the path needed by applications
above it, while it calls the next lower layer to send and receive packets that
make up the contents of the path.
USER (Transmit) USER (Receive)
Layer 7 Application Layer
Layer 6 Presentation Layer
Layer 5 Session Layer

Layer 4 Transport Layer
Layer 3 Network Layer
Layer 2 Data link Layer
Layer 1 Physical Layer
The 7 Layers of OSI Model
In short, when user wants to connect to a web-server (eg:
www.google.com), he need an application (Internet Explorer / Mozilla
Firefox / Opera Browser etc), common protocol, and a physical link (or
secured link) between two computers. Short definitions/functions are given
in the table below:
Layer Name Description
Layer 7 Application This layer supports application and end-user
processes. Communication partners are
identified, quality of service is identified, user
authentication and privacy are considered, and
any constraints on data syntax are identified.
Everything at this layer is application-specific.
This layer provides application services for file
transfers, e-mail, and other network software
services. Telnet and FTP are applications that
exist entirely in the application level. Tiered
application architectures are part of this layer.
Layer 6 Presentation This layer provides independence from
differences in data representation (e.g.,
encryption) by translating from application to
network format, and vice versa. The
presentation layer works to transform data into

the form that the application layer can accept.
This layer formats and encrypts data to be sent
across a network, providing freedom from
compatibility problems. It is sometimes called
the syntax layer.
Layer 5 Session This layer establishes, manages and terminates
connections between applications. The session
layer sets up, coordinates, and terminates
conversations, exchanges, and dialogues
between the applications at each end. It deals
with session and connection coordination.
Layer 4 Transport This layer provides transparent transfer of data
between end systems, or hosts, and is
responsible for end-to-end error recovery and
flow control. It ensures complete data transfer.
Layer 3 Network This layer provides switching and routing
technologies, creating logical paths, known as
virtual circuits, for transmitting data from node
to node. Routing and forwarding are functions
of this layer, as well as addressing,
internetworking, error handling, congestion
control and packet sequencing.
Layer 2 Data Link At this layer, data packets are encoded and
decoded into bits. It furnishes transmission
protocol knowledge and management and
handles errors in the physical layer, flow
control and frame synchronization. The data
link layer is divided into two sublayers: The
Media Access Control (MAC) layer and the
Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. The MAC
sublayer controls how a computer on the
network gains access to the data and
permission to transmit it. The LLC layer

controls frame synchronization, flow control
and error checking.
Layer 1 Physical This layer conveys the bit stream - electrical
impulse, light or radio signal -- through the
network at the electrical and mechanical level.
It provides the hardware means of sending and
receiving data on a carrier, including defining
cables, cards and physical aspects. Fast
Ethernet, RS232, and ATM are protocols with
physical layer components.
A typical Internet representation, of course searched image over the internet
itself, but seems best way to show picture of INTERNET:
3. Pre-requisites of Internet Connection
3.1. You need to have a computer with Network Card or Telephonic modem or cellular
modem; depending upon type of connection that you plan to take from your ISP
(Internet Service Provider). Network Cards are usually built into your computer

these days, however, you have to specifically ask for Telephone Modem from your
ISP. It may be built in your laptop, or built-in into your phone / tabs.
3.2. You also need a ‘Internet Service Provider’, and means like balance in your account
to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3.3. You need a User Name (Provided by your ISP).
3.4. To avoid someone else use your Internet Plan’s User Name, you need to protect it
with a password. Few ISP may bind themselves to your computer though MAC
address.
3.5. You need to have modem:
3.5.1. Telephonic Modem
3.5.2. DSL Modem
3.5.3. Cable Modem
3.5.4. Cellular Modem (2G/3G/4G)
3.6. You need an application where you can view a website or download information /
data. This is called a Web-browser. Most popular web-browsers:
3.6.1. Internet Explorer: It is a tool, which is provided along with Microsoft
Windows. You can click / double click on the icon for application and type the
website address in the address bar. As it downloads the website information, it
starts displaying the website information in ‘Web-Page Information’

3.6.2. Mozilla Firefox: Mozilla Firefox is a tool (Web Browser) which also helps in
viewing Website information, however, it is created by an organization which is
‘global community’ and ‘public benefit organization’ dedicated to improve
Internet experience for people everywhere. It has its own unique interface.
However the concept remains the same.
Address Bar
Web-Page
Information
Tabs:
For Web Pages
Favorites - Bar
Menu - Bar
Command - Bar
Search - Bar

3.6.3. Opera
4. Basic working of ISP
To get Internet access, End user first has to establish a ‘connection’ (or a ‘link’) with ISP
Server. This server then validates you as anauthentic user by first checking if your unique
user name matches with the list that server has; and then the password. If both – your
user name and password matches, then it checks your account validity and if you have
enough balance / permission to use Internet Services (Browsing, downloading etc), you
are then connected to the main stream network, i.e., the mighty INTERNET. This
enables you to make use of Internet Services. It may be noted, that some ISP’s may also
require a Hardware Address of the device being used. This is a form of unique identity
give to Network Card also known as (aka) MAC ID (Machine Identification).
ISP’s mainly provides three several services:
4.1. Post Paid Account: In which users consumes the bytes and then end user is sent an
Invoice/Bill for usage of data.
4.2. Pre-Paid: In this type, the user has to pay in advance, and a certain amount of data
consumption is allowed for a certain time. Which ever consumes first (data or time)
it gets expired.
4.3. Un-limited: These plans are usually expensive than the above two, and may be
offered in both (Post-paid / Pre-paid). This plan is only time bound, and has to be
renewed at certain intervals. There is no limit of data download and upload.

4.4. Apart from this, ISP’s also provide corporate plans, which are assured with a
minimum down-time. Usually it has 99.9% up time, 24x7, 365days. These may be
dedicated lease lines configured at the corporate / office. There speeds may appear
less as compared to domestic, but since it is a dedicated connection, it sells on
minimum speed of connection provided. Eg: You may easily get a connection at
your home for may be 4Mbps; but this is usually “up-to 4Mbps”, this same band-
width may be share with 2 or more devices at your home/SOHO (Small Office Home
Office). It is assumed that Domestic connections would not require connection at the
same instance. That is why, you may face slower downloads during ‘peak’ hours.
Whereas in corporate connections, one cannot afford slow speed at any time. Thus,
even if ISP provide 2Mbps in corporate, it would be far superior than domestic
connections with 5Mbps (Just a rough estimate).
Downtime: Time when we are not able to use services, eg: If ISP is not able to
provide you INTERNET due to a cable damage / link failure etc.
Mbps: Mega bits per second. Unit used to measure Internet downloads & upload
speeds. Upcomming term is Gbps (Giga bits per second).
5. Connecting to ISP: Since, layout of INTERNET cables would have been a huge
investment, engineers made use of existing cables, i.e., telephone lines which had been
already installed at users end. A device ‘modem’ helps in converting these voice signals
(which are analog) to digital which a computer can understand. It (modem) is capable
converting analog to digital and vice-versa. Now let us discuss about dialup and
broadband setups being commonly used in India:
5.1. Dialup
This has become almost obsolete in metro cities, but uptill recent past, this was the
only way to connect to INTERNET for an ordinary user. To connect to a Dialup
Internet connection, of course, ensure that your computer is on and ready. Your
computer should have a dialup modem and necessary software for modem installed
in your computer.

Usually your ISP uses your phone number as your user name.You are required to dial
a server’s phone number (through modem), which at server’s end also has a modem.
This connects your computer to ISP Login Server. This is done with help of a special
instrument – Modem. Once initiated, the server gives our computer’s modem a fax
tone. The server then prompts us to input User Name and password. After that the
server knows that you are a valid user, it proceeds further and gives you access to
Internet. However meanwhile you are ‘connected’ to Internet, you are at the same
time being billed for phone talk time. In other words, making Internet connection
gets charged in two ways:
5.1.1. Talk Time. Modem dials the ISP phone number and gets connected. Till the
time it is ‘connected’ to the server, you have to pay as per the call rate.
5.1.2. Net charges: Apart from telephone talk time, we also have to pay for Internet
services, which is the other cost other than the talk time.
Once we are done with our Internet, we can then logout / disconnect. The phone line
now gets free for our normal usage. This modem used to come in both, Internet &
External. Internal modem: The modem that gets pluged into motherboard; or in-built
in laptop; External modem: a small device will have to be placed next to computer
with cables connecting to computer’s COM port.
Advantage: It requires lesser investment in terms of hardware. In earlier times, it
was the cheapest and the only way to get connected.

Disadvantage: Firstly, we have to pay for both, telephone usage and Internet usage.
Secondly, it was very slow, 24kbps to 54kpbs. Thirdly, one can use it for either one
purpose – phone or Internet purpose. Even if there is a minor disturbance in phone
line, you may never get connected or keep getting disconnected or sometimes it
makes Internet connection very slow. If you are not able to get connected, the
second time you try is basically a second call that you have made. In other words,
each time when you get a Fax Tone, you have called up the server those many times,
this is regardless if you were able to get ‘connected to Internet’ or not. Since now-a-
days almost all telephone exchanges have got digitalized, this technology has become
almost obsolete.
5.2. Broadband: This is the most common form of INTERNET services being used
today.Broadband Internet or Broadband is almost similar in working as a dialup
setup. However, in most of ISPs, you have an option to key-in the user name and
password every time, in other words, just turn on computer and modem, and you are
connected. No hustles of typing your user name password as it is memorized by your
DSL-modem (DSL – Digital Subscriber Line). It is much faster – A conventional
dialup modem may give you speeds up to 54kbps (kilo bits per second), whereas
speed provided by broadband is 64kbps, and can go up to 5Mbps. These days the
most common speeds are 2Mbps and 5Mbps. Small office / home office (SOHO)
usually uses 5Mbps, which is sufficient enough to share Internet connection for up to
10~15 computers. It’s a small device and is connected to splitter at one end, and
usually connected with USB or LAN cable to the computer. Wifi enabled modems
may connect computers wirelessly.
DSL -
Modem
Splitter

Moreover, we can use our phone line as well as Internet at the same time. They both
use same connection (wires and cables), but with help of splitter and new modem
design, both are treated separately. Both have different accounting, thus your ‘talk-
time’ and ‘Internet Usage’ can be charged as per actual usage of net & use of talk
time separately.
5.2.1. Advantages: Better speed, more stable connection. Easy to use as compared
to telephonic modem ISP. Minimum speed is 64kbps which is faster than Dialup
Modem ISP. Now-a-days, its minimum 1Mbps. One can use phone line and
Internet on the same connection and same ISP.
5.2.2. Disadvantage: The exchange which has to provide service to end user should
be digital. As in some cases it is ‘always on’, one may un-intentionally
download files (Eg: Updates etc that may not be necessary). These factors
accounts for billing factors un-knowingly.
5.3. Cellular: For the users on the go, this is best way to be connected. Like landline
connections requires phone line cables at a fixed place, this uses existing cellular
networks (that are used for mobile phones). The modem may then be connected to
USB port of computer. Users also need a valid and activated “SIM” (Subscriber
Identity Module) with appropriate “Net” plans.

5.4. Fibre: Fibre optic uses “light” as medium, unlike other technologies which use wires
or air (wifi) as media, fibre uses light. Light plusesare made to travel in an enclosed
glass or fine transparent plastic in which light is emitted from one end and received at
the other. For this a fibre-optic modem is used which translates light impulses to
digital signals and vice-versa, (similar to a modem, which changes electrical analog
signals to digital & vice-versa).
Cellular
Tower

This type of network is extremely fast, usually starts with 5Mbps and can go up any
limit that we know as of today. Light being the fastest wavelength known to human
kind, it is now used in networking as well.
Pros: The cable does not deteriorates, almost weather proof; as against telephone
cables, which are prone to wear and tear or rusting due to weather conditions. It does
not gets hampered even if it passes near electric cables. Electric cables tends to
interfere with telephone cables due to EMI (Electro-Magnetic interference).
Cons: Though the cable is almost weather resistant, but if bend sharply, it may result
in breakage of glass/fine transparent ‘fibre’. The installation and maintenance is
expensive as tools and spares are not very common.
6. Use of Internet
6.1. The basic purpose of internet:
6.1.1. Information / Knowledge
6.1.1.1. Share Information / data and Access to infinite knowledge: Search
Options eg: www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.amazon.com etc.
6.1.1.2. Forums: These are special sites, which are dedicated for discussions.
You may put your query on these websites, and once someone has a
solution, he/she would share that experience/knowledge/solution with you.
6.1.2. Communication
6.1.2.1. E-mail: This has brought a revolution in the way we communicate. It
has almost replaced our existing snail-mail system (the conventional Letter
System). Most of the business, formal or informal communications are
being done through this Electronic Mail.
6.1.2.2. Chats: Used for ‘live’ text communication, this may be used for
business / social purpose. It requires a small tool (software / App) that
enables people to communicate with each other through written text. Few
chat software’s also provide emoticons (graphical representation of moods),
eg: for smile: , for sad:  etc.It may also offer services to exchange
images and/or videos. Difference between ‘online chat’ and email is, that
in chatting both person(s) communicate with each other at the same time in
the same application software, they may be located in any part of world. It
is also important that both person are ‘online’ and logged in at the same

time so that they can communicate with each other at the same time. They
also need to have same type of tool and a unique user name. Eg: Skype
messenger should be installed on both computers. If one has Viber and
other one has Skype, they will not be able to chat amongst themselves.
6.1.2.3. Video Conferencing: This is an extension of Chat session. Few of the
tools support Live Video to go across. For this both parties should have a
Web-cam, else only one person would be able to view. Ideally, one should
put a opaque tape or paper on the camera to avoid camera being ON un-
intentionally.
6.1.3. Entertainment
6.1.3.1. Book Travel Tickets: You may visit a travel page, and there you will
be able to search best prices for your airfare/railway tickets / bus tickets.
Book hotels, have a preview of rooms that they would offer.
6.1.3.2. Play online-games: There are lot of multi-user games available. We
definitely need a high-speed Internet connection for this as they required to
‘be in touch’ all the time.
6.1.4. Business
6.1.4.1. Advertise: Most of the free Email Providers usually bring in lot of
advertisements. This is needed for them to keep running and maintaining
their servers.
6.1.4.2. Online-Shopping: Now without going to stores, you can find the best
and cheapest items. You can even compare there features. You can go to
online shopping on various sites eg: www.ebay.in, www.indiaplaza.com,
www.rediff.com etc.
6.1.4.3. Online-Banking: Now you can manage your account online as well.
You don’t need to go to bank for most of transactions. Infact, ATMs
(Automatic Teller Machine) and Computer banking (or E-Banking) has
almost made us forget – Who is working in our bank branch. You can go
to any bank and deposit or withdraw money, and the balance is reflected
almost instantly. All these branch computers are actually linked to a central
Bank’s Server Computer. Once they are updated, all that gets reflected in
your respective accounts.
6.1.4.4. Extend your office (or) Access your office computer (with help of
special tools): With help of few tools, you can actually work on your office

computer without actually being there. All you need is that your office
computer and your computer (from where you wish to work) should have
an Internet access and a computer. It also needs a special application that
enables this possibility and keeps it secured enough. One of example is:
TeamViewer. In order to work, you need to ensure that the application is
installed and running on both the computers. Key in the user Id &
Password of the target computer, and be online. Once the connection is
validated, the end user gets to control the target computer’s keyboard &
mouse.
7. Security of Information
7.1. Since ancient times, it is always very important to secure important information.
There were several ways in which messages were secured. Some of the most
common examples was, When ever any message was sent through a messenger, it
will be sealed by special material like clay etc and will bear the stamp/signature of
King, if found broken, then obviously, the message is tampered or shared with other
person as well. One of other method was to de-crypt information. The messages was
encoded on a strip of cloth. It then was wrapped on a cylinder with specified
diameter. A message was written on it, to make it more complex, further text were
also written so that it makes difficult to make out what was written on it. These two
objects, the cylinder and piece of cloth were sent via different messengers. When it
reached the destination, both had to be combined to read the correct message. See
illustration:

As you can see in the illustration, it does not reveal message when cloth is spread.
But when it will be wrapped again on same diameter cylinder, one can read the
required message. To make us understand easily, the word “WORLD PEACE” is in
bold. Even today, a similar technology is used to save the original message. It is
wrapped on a special sequence of characters where. This process of making a
message secure is also called as encrypting. When this message is converted in
normal form so that it is easily readable, then this process is called as de-encryption.
8. Type of Threats
The biggest threat to Information stored in a computer is ‘VIRUS’. In Latin, it means
toxic or poison. It is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer
without permission or knowledge of user. As common viruses infect people through
some medium like – air, touch, infected blood transmission etc; similarly a Computer
virus also spreads through exchange of information through Floppy, CD media, USB Pen
Drives or Internet (Email, websites, downloads). They may make our computer slow,
freeze it to perform at all or limit computer’s functionality to a few operations, delete data
files, or even leave our computer as ‘Not Bootable’.
There is one more threat which is even more painful and time consuming. A Virus-Hoax.
People in threat of a virus, usually format (Erase everything on a disk) and re-install (Eg:
Operating System Re-install like Windows, Linux etc). This is a lengthy and time-
consuming process. Just imagine a Network Administrator had to re-do the whole Server

again. This being a major factor in down-time for the users who were trying to access the
Servers.
Despite of various options available, to prevent computer threats, still there are chances of
your computer getting a virus. The best policy is – Prevention is better than cure!
Type of threats:
8.1. Virus: Computer programs that travel through floppy, CDs, Pen Drives, Games
(Usually Demo Versions), Internet.
8.2. Spyware, Malware: It is a computer program that gets installed without true
information/knowledge of the user into a computer and takes partial control of the
computer. They reside in the computer and monitor, collect personal information,
Install additional software, redirecting to any website. ‘Spywares’ usually gets into
computer from websites or ‘Junk’ Emails. One should be very careful in opening
emails, as these emails try to look as original as possible. It may appear as bank
statement / offer letter / upgrades /ATM card pin / etc. Carefully check the spellings
in email address or attached documents. Never ever open attached documents that
have extensions like:
8.2.1. “.exe”
8.2.2. “.com”
8.2.3. “.bat” or “.cmd”
8.2.4. “.docm” or “.xlsm” (Macro files)
8.2.5. Sometimes, it also appears as a “.zip” file.
8.2.6. To identify the above types, it is recommended to change/optimize this setting
in Control Panel Folder optionsView”Un-check on Hide extensions for
known file types”:

8.3. Rootkit: It is a program (or a combination of programs) designed to take
fundamental control of a computer system, without authorization of user. It may
allow ‘unauthorized users’ to act as system Administrator on your computer; and
thus take full control of your computer system.
8.4. Worm: It is a self-replicating computer program. It usually uses a ‘network’ to send
copies of itself to other computers attached on the same network without informing
the user. They may corrupt files or simply choke the bandwidth (Speed) of network.
8.5. Trojan Horses: A computer program that appears to perform certain action, but in
fact performs some other actions, as a virus would do. Its usually hidden with
another free-ware utility tool. Eg: You may download a free alarm software from a
website. But it actually gets in your computer and destroys your computer files.
8.6. Special note onRansomware: There may be new forms getting evolved time and
again. One of script (kind of malware), encrypts and secure your word, excel
&powerpoint files. It then asks user to pay certain amount at certain account.
Though, there have been instances where only few were lucky to get their data files
back after payment. Till date (October 2016), the only solution to this is backup files

at regular intervals. Basically it does not allows end user to access his/her own files
unless “Ransom” is paid to ‘them’!
9. Prevention from threats
You can prevent but not avoid virus threats and problems. The best way is to Install a
Good Antivirus Program with all features and keep it updated. -- Why Updated? Let us
understand by an example: You purchased an Antivirus, Anti-Spyware Software on
1.June.2016 and installed it successfully. There are hundreds of Viruses Spywares,
Trojans etc created new on Internet in every 24 hrs. Now, your Antivirus/Anti-spyware
Programs would not be aware of all the viruses, Spyware, Trojans that were created after
1.June.2016. Then how are you protected? - In this situation you are only protected till
you are not attacked by the latest. As per example given in 8.6, page 28, even the
antivirusis un-able to stop or prevent damages in end user computers.
It is very important for anyone who uses his/her computer; to keep their Antivirus/Anti-
Spyware Program updated all the time.
From time to time, Software companies keep on releasing ‘fixes’ and/or ‘updates’. When
any operating system / computer program is written, it comprises of several thousands of
lines of code. There may be some un-thought possibility left while creating that computer
software. Whenever these vulnerable threats are realized, a new revised ‘patch’ (small
software code to fix known problem) is released from the software company. These are
given different names eg: Windows NT Server came with Service Packs (SP1, SP2, SP3
etc). Windows 98 released Windows 98 SE (second edition). Windows XP released
Windows XP SP2 (Service Pack 2), Windows 7 with Service Pack 1. Antivirus release
its new ‘patches’ or ‘updates’ almost daily so that their database of list of viruses and
techniques to handle them is always ready to defend with latest threats.
One should avoid using ‘free’ or ‘trial’ software: simply because they may not be able to
avoid most of the threats and it is never provided with complete functionality. Eg: It may
detect a virus in your computer, but may not ‘remove’ virus from your computer. It puts
you in jeopardy, if you suspect that your computer is infected with virus/malware – then
you should avoid purchase it online as if your computer is ‘hacked’ (someone else
monitoring your personal details or capturing your credit card numbers and password),
you may be in a greater loss by typing your credit card/bank details!!!
One should also avoid use of two different anti viruses at the same time. An Anti virus
resides in special place in memory, similar to a virus most of time.

One of the Antivirus may always give you ‘false alarms’ of suspicious activity going one
in the computer.
If you are going to do online shopping/ banking, make sure that address in the address-bar
starts with “https://………”. This ensures that you are opening a Secured Website. You
should also ensure that the site has right spellings in the URL (place where we type
address), right spellings in content and proper grammar. Some are also able to ‘fake’
sites (Phishing).
You should never respond to email where someone is asking your bank details and
personal details, unless you are very sure upon it. Banking websites never ask your
personal details unless you are logging into their website.
10. Digital Signatures
The traditional ways used in our common lives are use of stamp and seals. These with
witnesses increase ‘genuineness’ of a document. So that others cannot access this
document, it should be kept in a treasure box or locker. However, even then – these
documents are prone to several threats. Similarly, in computers or cyber space, we can
use digital signature to make our documents secure.
A digital signature is an electronic signature that can be used to authenticate the identity
of the sender of a message or the signer of a document, and possibly to ensure that the
original content of the message or document that has been sent is unchanged. Digital
signatures are easily transportable, cannot be imitated by someone else, and can be
automatically time-stamped. The ability to ensure that the original signed message
arrived; means that the sender cannot easily repudiate it later.
A digital signature can be used with any kind of message, whether it is encrypted or not,
simply so that the receiver can be sure of the sender's identity and that the message
arrived is intact. A digital certificate contains the digital signature of the certificate-
issuing authority so that anyone can verify that the certificate is real.
Let us understand it’s working by an example: Assume you were going to send the draft
of a contract to your lawyer in another town. You want to give your lawyer the assurance
that it was unchanged from what you sent and that it is really from you.
You write the contract in your email. Using special software, you obtain a message hash
(mathematical summary) of the contract. You then use a private key that you have
previously obtained from a public-private key authority to encrypt the hash.
The encrypted hash becomes your digital signature of the message. (Note that it will be
different each time you send a message.) At the other end, your lawyer receives the

message. To make sure it's intact and from you, your lawyer makes a hash of the
received message. Your lawyer then uses your public key to decrypt the message hash or
summary. If the hashes match, the received message is valid.
11. In end would like to conclude, Cyber Space is like a place that does not exist in real
world, but helps accomplish lot of objectives in real life. It exists somewhere in RAM
and NETWORKS. It requires digital devices to stay connected and work in cyberspace.
It comes with great power, good & bad, and one should refrain sharing personal or private
information on NET (forums/social networking sites etc). Even if shared, one should
check the security settings in respective applications (Apps). One should also refrain
putting comments that may hurt people and/or community or a sect. Once written, it is
very difficult to ‘remove’ from cyberspace.

Part-A An Overview of Cyber Law.pdf

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