INTERNET AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — BASICS, SERVICES AND CYBER SAFETY

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

INTERNET AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY — BASICS, SERVICES AND CYBER SAFETY

1. Meaning of the Internet

• The Internet is a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks that communicate using standard protocols, principally TCP/IP.
• It enables computers, smartphones and other digital devices to exchange information across geographical boundaries.
• The Internet supports communication, education, banking, governance, commerce, entertainment and scientific research.
• It should not be confused with the World Wide Web, which is only one of the services available through the Internet.

2. World Wide Web (WWW)

• WWW stands for World Wide Web and consists of interlinked web pages and online resources accessed through browsers.
• The Web was developed by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN around 1989–90.
• Websites are identified by URLs and are commonly accessed using protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS.
• A browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari retrieves and displays web content.

3. Development of the Internet

• The Internet evolved from earlier packet-switching networks, especially ARPANET, rather than being invented by one individual.
• Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn made fundamental contributions to the development of the TCP/IP protocols and are often called pioneers or “fathers of the Internet.”
• TCP/IP became the standard networking protocol for ARPANET in 1983, an important milestone in modern Internet development.

4. Electronic Mail

• Email enables users to exchange electronic messages through computer networks.
• Ray Tomlinson sent a pioneering networked email in 1971 and popularised the use of the @ symbol in email addressing.
• Modern email can carry text, images, documents and other attachments.
• Users should remain cautious about unknown attachments and suspicious links because email is also widely used for cyber fraud.

5. IP Address and Domain Name

• An IP address is a numerical address used to identify and communicate with a device or network interface using the Internet Protocol.
• Two major versions are IPv4 and IPv6.
• Domain names such as example.in provide human-readable alternatives to numerical IP addresses.
• The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses.

6. Internet Services

• Major Internet services include the World Wide Web, email, instant messaging, video conferencing, file transfer, social media and cloud services.
• E-commerce, digital payments, online education and e-governance have greatly expanded Internet use.
• Cloud computing allows users to access computing resources such as servers, storage, applications and processing capacity over networks, generally on demand.

7. Information Technology

• Information Technology (IT) broadly refers to the use of computers, software, networks and digital systems for processing, storing and communicating information.
• IT is extensively used in banking, education, healthcare, administration, business, defence and scientific research.
• Advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, Internet of Things and data analytics are further transforming digital systems.

8. Password and Authentication Security

• Passwords form an important first layer of protection for digital accounts.
• CERT-In recommends strong and unique passwords and the use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever available.
• Reusing the same password across several services increases the risk of account compromise. (CERT-IN)

9. Phishing and Online Fraud

• Phishing is a cyber-fraud technique in which criminals impersonate trusted organisations or individuals through fake emails, messages or websites to steal sensitive information.
• NCERT identifies usernames, passwords, banking credentials and other personal data as common phishing targets. (NCERT)
• CERT-In advises users to verify URLs, avoid suspicious links and attachments, and never disclose passwords, OTPs or financial information through unverified channels. (CERT-IN)

10. Importance and Responsible Use

• The Internet has created a globally connected information society, enabling rapid communication and access to knowledge.
• However, users face risks from malware, phishing, identity theft, ransomware, misinformation and data breaches.
• Safe digital behaviour includes using updated software, MFA, secure networks, strong passwords and carefully verifying websites and messages. (CERT-IN)
• For examination purposes, remember: WWW—World Wide Web; Web pioneer—Tim Berners-Lee; TCP/IP pioneers—Vint Cerf and Robert Kahn; pioneering network email—Ray Tomlinson, 1971; IP—Internet Protocol.
• Digital literacy today therefore requires not only the ability to use technology, but also cybersecurity awareness, privacy protection and responsible online conduct.