3.4 Networks and the internet Questionbank

The Impact of Cloud Networks on Data Accessibility

Cloud networks allow for data storage and access over the internet, making data accessible from anywhere. This accessibility supports remote work, file sharing, and collaboration but also raises concerns about data security and control over personal information.

The Role of Firewalls in Network Security

Firewalls are critical for network security, acting as barriers between internal networks and external threats. They control incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting against unauthorized access and cyber attacks. However, configuring firewalls effectively can be challenging, especially in large organizations.

The Ethical Implications of Malicious Software in Personal Devices

Malicious software (malware) is a significant threat to users of personal devices, as it can steal sensitive information, disrupt services, or even cause financial losses. With increased connectivity, devices are more vulnerable to these attacks, raising ethical questions about responsibility in cybersecurity.

On 23 December 2011, an e-card with the subject ‘Merry Christmas!’ was supposedly sent by the US President’s office (from ‘jeff.jones@whitehouse.org’) to a massive number of recipients. Recipients who clicked to download and open the card (a .zip file) saw an animated Christmas tree while a trojan virus accessed their saved documents and passwords, and uploaded them to a server in Belarus.

Source A: Types of Computing Networks and Their Applications

Computing networks enable connectivity across different scales and purposes, from Local Area Networks (LANs) within buildings to Wide Area Networks (WANs) spanning cities. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enhance security, while Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architectures support various communication methods.

For instance, a VPN can secure remote employee access to a company’s intranet, and LANs connect devices within a corporate office to share resources efficiently.

Source B: Essential Components of Computing Networks

The effectiveness of networks depends on critical components such as clients, servers, routers, and switches. Modems connect devices to the internet, while network interfaces enable devices to join a network. These elements, together with wired and wireless media, make data transmission feasible across distances.

For example, a modem connects a home router to an internet service provider (ISP), enabling users to access the internet and local network resources.

Source C: Transmission Media in Networks: Wired vs. Wireless

Networks rely on transmission media for data transfer. Wired media (e.g., Ethernet and fiber-optic cables) provide high-speed, reliable connections, while wireless media (e.g., Wi-Fi and cellular networks) enable mobility. Each medium has specific advantages depending on the application.

For instance, fiber-optic cables support high-speed internet in metropolitan areas, while Wi-Fi enables device connectivity within homes and offices without physical cabling.

Source D: Network Protocols and Communication Rules

Protocols define communication standards for data exchange across networks. TCP/IP is foundational for the internet, while HTTP supports web browsing. Protocols like FTP and SMTP enable file transfers and email communication, respectively.

For example, TCP/IP underpins internet connections, ensuring data packets are transmitted between devices without data loss, even over long distances.

Digital currency

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency (cryptocurrency). This is money that can be sent via the internet and exchanged for goods, services, or money in different currencies. Users can buy bitcoins using real money, and bitcoins can either be spent or stored in a digital wallet for later use. Bitcoins can be used in every country, and sending bitcoins is as simple as sending an email.

A bitcoin wallet is an application that can be installed on a computer or mobile device. Once a bitcoin wallet is installed, the user will get a bitcoin address to use when transferring bitcoins to and from the wallet. This transfer uses private and public key encryption. Users should have a strong password to access their bitcoin wallet.

Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, and users of bitcoins are identified by their bitcoin address. Some users of bitcoins wish to remain anonymous, but this is not always possible.

Network characteristics such as bandwidth, security, and interoperability impact the efficiency and reliability of data exchange. For example, secure communication protocols like HTTPS help protect data during online transactions, while high bandwidth enables faster data transfers, which is crucial for activities like video streaming and online gaming.

Voice simulation

Lyrebird voice-cloning software was created by three university students from Montreal. This technology was originally developed to change the lives of people who have lost their voice. These people can use the software to create a new voice by choosing one from samples provided in the software.

However, Lyrebird can also clone voices. Lyrebird claims that it can clone a person’s voice in just 60 seconds. Users only need to access the website, create an account, and generate a voice print by repeating a number of predetermined sentences. Although the cloning is not perfect, the developers of Lyrebird believe that both the time to clone the voice and the quality of the cloning will improve in the future.

The software allows the user to alter the speech and add emotion (such as, anger, elation, and surprise), increasing the ways in which it can be used.

The initial voice print for the cloning process requires the most time and a lot of processing power. However, creating speech from the voice print is a simple process, generating around 1000 sentences almost instantly. The voice print is saved as a compressed audio file.

Lyrebird has considered the ethical issues regarding biometrics* and acknowledges that it highlights some key societal issues. Lyrebird has taken the decision to make the software available to all in an attempt to address these issues.

* biometrics: a means of personal identification through analysis of unique physical traits or behavioural characteristics (for example, through voice patterns or fingerprints)

Source A

Source B Through this article today, we are here to share with you the various challenges in the internet of things. Security challenges- The first and foremost on the list of challenges is security. As the backbone of IoT is data storage and sharing, the biggest question arises about the security of data. Enabling every small physical object with the feature of sharing information may attract multiple raised brows. Lack of encryption- Encryption sounds like the ultimate answer to security issues. But hackers may manipulate these algorithms and turn a protective system into the most serious loophole. Lack of sufficient testing and updating- With the increasing market of IoT, production has to be faster. To compete in the race of production, manufacturers lack tests and updates. The main focus of IoT manufacturers now seems to be production, not security. Thus products lack proper and regular testing and updates. This makes IOTs prone to being attacked by hackers.

Source C A smart home is a household with internet-connected appliances you can remotely control using a tablet or smartphone. It uses smart devices such as smart TVs, smart thermostats, air conditioners, and even a robot vacuum. They are then connected together in a single network, through either hardwired or wireless systems like Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, among others. Using the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, your smart appliances can communicate and share real time data with each other. This allows the devices to perform scheduled and automated tasks. IoT home gadgets bounce data back and forth with the use of sensors, learning and processing your patterns to automatically adjust themselves to your comfort. Some smart home Internet of Things applications are automatic light switches, burglar alarms, and voice-activated sound systems.

Source D A tired business person returns to their certified IoT smart home after a long working week. The smart security system senses they are alone and initiates the “Friday Night In” sequence. An intercom with a thoughtful, comforting voice suggests they might want to order in tonight. The business person unloads their things in the kitchen where the smart stove displays a selection of take-outs, rather than its default recipe guide. After the food arrives they retreat to the living room to watch some TV. The smart TV prepares a selection of Netflix marathons categorized by mood. They choose: “Looking to be cheered up? Comedy Playlist.” Before starting the program, they review a set of graphs displaying the data from their activity and diet throughout the day. A list of tips for smart living is generated, one of which reads that based on the number of consecutive nights spent alone, they might consider exploring a selection of popular dating sites instead of watching TV. With an inadvertent slip of their thumb the request is OK’d and instantly a set of profiles are displayed, each chosen from a generated list of their tracked preferences. A flurry of pings and messages from other stay-at-home hopefuls fills the screen. The smart home intercom exclaims, “You’ve got mail!” The confused and beleaguered business person fumbles for the remote and… uh-oh, the TV snaps a selfie in response to the flood of pings. Their image, sitting in their underwear eating noodles appears briefly on the screen before being whisked off into the ether. The flood of messages doubles, the system freezes causing the smart home to reboot. The house goes dark.