Internet, Email and Cyber Safety: Browsing, Email Etiquette, Digital Footprint and Security Basics Questions

Question 1

Define Internet.

Accepted Answer

Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and devices that communicate and share information using standard protocols.

Question 2

What is a web browser?

Accepted Answer

A web browser is software used to access, view and navigate web pages on the World Wide Web.

Question 3

Write the meaning of phishing.

Accepted Answer

Phishing is a cyber fraud in which fake messages or websites are used to trick users into revealing passwords, OTPs or other confidential information.

Question 4

What is digital footprint?

Accepted Answer

Digital footprint is the data trail left by a person’s online activities such as browsing, posts, comments and form submissions.

Question 5

State any one rule of email etiquette.

Accepted Answer

Use a clear and meaningful subject line in business emails (any one etiquette rule).

Question 6

Write any three safe browsing practices.

Accepted Answer

1) Prefer HTTPS websites for logins and payments and check the URL carefully.
2) Do not click unknown pop‑ups, suspicious links or download files from untrusted sources.
3) Keep browser/OS updated and log out after using email/banking on shared computers.
(Any three safe practices can be written.)

Question 7

Differentiate between CC and BCC in email (any three points).

Accepted Answer

CC (Carbon Copy) is used to send a copy of email to additional recipients and all recipients can see the CC list, whereas BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) hides the BCC recipients from other recipients.
CC is used when transparency is required for information sharing, whereas BCC is used when privacy is required or when sending mail to many recipients without showing addresses.
In CC, recipients know who else received the mail, whereas in BCC, other recipients do not know the BCC recipients.
(Any three differences can be written.)

Question 8

Write a short note on digital footprint (types and impact).

Accepted Answer

Digital footprint is the record of information a person leaves online through internet usage.
Types: (1) Active footprint—data shared intentionally such as posts, comments, form details. (2) Passive footprint—data collected automatically such as cookies, location, browsing history.
Impact: It affects privacy and reputation, and it can be used by companies for tracking/advertisements and by employers for background checks.

Question 9

Write any three signs of a phishing email.

Accepted Answer

1) Urgent or threatening message like “account will be blocked today”.
2) Unknown or suspicious sender address / look‑alike domain.
3) Email asks for OTP, password, PIN or directs to a suspicious link/attachment.
(Any three signs can be written.)

Question 10

Explain email etiquette (netiquette) for business communication.

Accepted Answer

Email etiquette means writing and using email in a professional, polite and effective manner. In business communication, good email etiquette creates a positive impression and reduces misunderstandings.

Firstly, a business email should have a clear and meaningful subject line so the receiver understands the purpose quickly, such as “Submission of project report” or “Request for quotation”.

Secondly, the email should begin with a proper greeting (Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Mr./Ms. Name) and the message should be written in a polite tone using words like please, kindly and thank you.

Thirdly, the content should be short, clear and well‑structured. Important points can be written in paragraphs or bullet points. Avoid slang, informal words, and avoid writing in ALL CAPS because it looks rude.

Fourthly, correct grammar and spelling are important. The sender should proofread before sending, because errors reduce professionalism.

Fifthly, if any file is attached, it should be attached properly and the attachment should be mentioned in the email body. Also, a professional signature with name, designation/class and contact details should be added at the end.

Finally, one should reply within reasonable time, maintain the email thread, and use CC/BCC properly. Therefore, following email etiquette helps in effective and respectful business communication.

Question 11

Explain phishing and the precautions to prevent phishing.

Accepted Answer

Phishing is a type of cyber fraud in which attackers send fake emails, SMS or create fake websites that look genuine (like a bank, courier, or company) to trick users into sharing confidential information such as password, OTP, PIN or card details. The main aim is to steal money or access accounts.

Phishing generally uses urgent messages like “Your account will be blocked” or “Verify immediately” and provides a link that takes the user to a fake login page. If the user enters details, the attacker gets the credentials.

Precautions to prevent phishing are as follows:
1) Do not click suspicious links or open unknown attachments. Always check the link carefully.
2) Verify the sender’s email address and domain. Look‑alike domains are common.
3) Never share OTP, PIN or password on email or links. Banks and genuine companies do not ask for such details.
4) Type the official website address manually in the browser instead of using the email link.
5) Enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA) for important accounts so that even if password leaks, login is blocked.
6) Keep system and browser updated and use security/antivirus tools.

Thus, awareness and careful checking of emails and links are the best ways to prevent phishing attacks.

Question 12

Explain cyber safety practices for students/business users (passwords, MFA, updates and backups).

Accepted Answer

Cyber safety means protecting devices, accounts and data from online threats such as hacking, phishing, malware and fraud. Students and business users should follow basic cyber safety practices.

Firstly, strong password practice is essential. Passwords should be long and unique, with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Common passwords like 123456 or name+dob should be avoided. Also, the same password should not be reused across accounts because if one account is hacked, others become vulnerable.

Secondly, multi‑factor authentication (MFA) should be enabled for email, banking and social media accounts. MFA adds an extra verification step (OTP/app approval), which significantly reduces the risk even when a password is leaked.

Thirdly, software updates are important. Operating system, browser and applications should be updated regularly because updates patch security vulnerabilities. Using trusted antivirus/endpoint protection also helps detect malware.

Fourthly, backups are very important, especially for business data. Backup means keeping an extra copy of important files so they can be restored after system failure, ransomware or accidental deletion. Backups can be taken on external drives or cloud storage and should be done regularly.

Finally, users should avoid clicking unknown links, avoid banking on public Wi‑Fi, log out on shared computers, and keep personal data private. Therefore, strong passwords, MFA, updates and backups together provide basic cyber safety.

Question 13

Write the full form of URL.

Accepted Answer

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.

Question 14

Differentiate between HTTP and HTTPS (any three points).

Accepted Answer

HTTP and HTTPS are protocols used to access web pages.

1) HTTP does not encrypt data, whereas HTTPS encrypts data between browser and server.
2) HTTP is less secure and can be intercepted, whereas HTTPS is safer for logins and payments.
3) HTTP URLs start with http://, whereas HTTPS URLs start with https:// and show a secure connection.

(Any three differences can be written.)

Question 15

Write a short note on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Accepted Answer

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method in which a user must provide more than one proof to log in.

Usually it combines something you know (password/PIN) with something you have (OTP on phone/app) or something you are (biometric).

MFA increases account security because even if the password is leaked, unauthorized login becomes difficult without the second factor.

Internet, Email and Cyber Safety: Browsing, Email Etiquette, Digital Footprint and Security Basics

8 more questions to unlock