The internet and its uses flashcards

Topic 5: The internet and its uses

Is the World Wide Web the same as the internet?

No. The internet is the global infrastructure of connected networks. The World Wide Web is a collection of web pages and resources accessed using the internet.

Name the three parts of https://www.example.org/tickets/prices.html

https is the protocol; www.example.org is the domain name; /tickets/prices.html is the path and file name of the web page.

Give three functions of a web browser

Any three of: requests web pages and renders the HTML; stores bookmarks; records history; opens multiple tabs; stores cookies; provides navigation tools such as back and forward buttons and an address bar.

Describe how the DNS is used to find a website

The browser sends the domain name to a DNS server, which searches its records for the IP address, passing the request to another DNS server if needed. The IP address is returned, and the browser requests the page from that web server.

How does a browser set up an HTTPS connection with a web server?

The browser asks the server to identify itself; the server sends its digital (SSL) certificate; the browser checks it is valid. If so, an encrypted connection is set up; if not, the user is warned.

Give one use of a session cookie and one of a persistent cookie

Session cookie: keeping track of a shopping basket during one visit. Persistent cookie: remembering login details or preferences between visits.

Why is a blockchain hard to tamper with?

It is a decentralised ledger: every computer in the network holds a copy. Each block holds its own hash and the previous block's hash, so changing a block breaks the chain and does not match the other copies.

How does a user reach a fake website in phishing and in pharming?

Phishing: the user clicks a link in a legitimate-looking email or message. Pharming: malicious code on the computer or a DNS server redirects them, even when they type the correct URL.

What is social engineering?

Manipulating people into giving away confidential information or access, e.g. by pretending to be a technician. Staff training and clear procedures help prevent it.

Spyware vs ransomware

Spyware secretly records what the user does, such as key presses, and sends it to a third party. Ransomware encrypts or locks the user's data and demands payment to release it.