8.1 Digital Society and Computer Ethics

Digital Society: A digital society is a society where people use computers, the internet, mobile phones, and digital technologies for communication, education, business, banking, and government services. It makes life easier, faster, and more connected. Examples include online shopping, digital payments, e-learning, and social media.

Computer Ethics

Computer ethics refers to moral principles and rules that guide the proper use of computers and digital technologies. It teaches users to use technology honestly, responsibly, and legally. कम्प्युटर प्रयोग गर्दा इमानदार, जिम्मेवार र अरूको अधिकारको सम्मान गर्नु नै Computer Ethics हो।

Ethical Issues in Computing

• Privacy Violation: Accessing or sharing someone’s personal information without permission.
• Software Piracy: Copying or using software illegally.
• Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems.
• Plagiarism: Copying digital content and claiming it as one’s own.
• Spreading False Information: Sharing fake news or misleading information online.

Commandments of Computer Ethics (कम्प्युटर आचारसंहिताका नियमहरू)

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created by the Computer Ethics Institute as guidelines for ethical computer use.

1. Do not use a computer to harm other people.
   Do not use computers to damage others, spread viruses, or commit cybercrime.
2. Do not interfere with other people’s computer work.
   Do not disrupt or interrupt another person’s work, files, or systems.
3. Do not snoop around in other people’s files.
   Do not access someone’s private data without permission.
4. Do not use a computer to steal.
   Do not use computers for fraud, identity theft, or stealing data.
5. Do not use a computer to bear false witness.
   Do not spread false information, fake messages, or misinformation.
6. Do not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
   Do not use pirated software illegally.
7. Do not use other people’s computer resources without authorization.
   Do not use others’ internet, systems, or accounts without permission.
8. Do not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
   Do not plagiarize or claim others’ work as your own.
9. Think about the social consequences of the program you write or system you design.
   Consider how technology may affect people and society.
10. Always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for others.
    Use technology responsibly, ethically, and respectfully.

Computer Crimes

Computer crimes are illegal activities carried out using computers or networks. Examples include cyber fraud, identity theft, hacking, and cyberbullying.

• Cyber fraud → cheating people on the internet to get money or information
• Identity theft → taking someone’s personal details and using them as your own
• Hacking → getting into someone’s computer or account without permission
• Cyberbullying → using the internet to hurt or harass someone

Cyber Crimes can be basically divide into three categories:

• Cybercrimes against persons.
• Cybercrimes against property
• Cybercrimes against governement

Security Measures

Security measures help protect computers and data from threats. These include strong passwords, antivirus software, firewalls, and regular updates.

• Strong passwords
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Antivirus
• Regular software updates

Digital Divide

Digital Divide is the gap between people who have access to digital technology (internet, computers, smartphones) and those who do not.

Types of Digital Divide

1. Access Divide: Difference in access to devices and internet.
   Example: Urban areas have better internet than rural areas.
2. Skill Divide: Difference in digital knowledge and skills.
   Example: Some people have internet but do not know how to use online services.
3. Usage Divide: Difference in how technology is used.
   Example: Some use internet for education and business, others only for communication.

Causes of digital divide

• Poverty
• Lack of internet infrastructure
• Low digital literacy
• High cost of devices and data
• Geographic barriers

Effects of digital divide

• Unequal education access
• Fewer job opportunities
• Limited online services
• Social and economic inequality

Ways to Reduce of digital divide

• Expand internet access
• Improve digital education
• Provide affordable devices
• Develop rural ICT infrastructure

In Nepal

Digital divide exists between urban and rural areas. The National Information and Communication Technology Policy helps improve digital access and inclusion.

8.2 Concept of Information Security

Information Security (InfoSec): Protection of data from unauthorized access, misuse, or damage.

Main Principles (CIA Triad):

• Confidentiality → Only authorized users access data
• Integrity → Data remains accurate
• Availability → Data available when needed

Threats: In cyber security, threats means anything that can damage, steal, or misuse data or systems.

• Hackers → people who try to get into computer systems or accounts without permission
• Viruses → harmful programs that spread in computers and damage or steal data
• Data breaches → when private or sensitive information is exposed or stolen
• Insider attacks → when someone inside an organization (like an employee) misuses access to harm or leak information

Encryption (LOCK)→ changing readable information into a secret code. Plain text to cipher text.

Decryption (UNLOCK)→ changing the secret code back into normal readable information. Cipher Text to plain text.

8.3 Concept of Cybercrime

Cybercrime: Crime committed using computers or the internet.

Types:

• Hacking → getting into a computer or account without permission
• Phishing → tricking people into giving personal information (like passwords) using fake messages or websites
• Online fraud → cheating people on the internet to get money or data
• Cyberstalking → repeatedly following, watching, or harassing someone online
• Ransomware attacks → locking someone’s data and asking for money to unlock it

Cyber Laws: Laws to prevent cybercrime and punish offenders.

Implications (परिणाम):

• Financial loss → money loss (आर्थिक नोक्सानी)
• Privacy breach → personal information getting exposed (गोपनीयता भंग)
• Reputation damage → losing good name or respect (प्रतिष्ठामा हानी)
• Legal consequences → facing legal problems or punishment (कानुनी परिणाम)

8.4 Malicious Software and Spam

Malicious Software (Malware)

Malware is harmful software designed to damage systems or steal data.

Types of Malware

• Virus: Attaches to files and spreads when executed.
• Worm: Self-replicates and spreads automatically.
• Trojan Horse: Looks legitimate but contains harmful code.
• Ransomware: Locks files and demands payment.
• Spyware: Secretly collects user information.

Phishing

Phishing is a cyber attack where fake emails or websites trick users into giving passwords or bank details.

Spam

Spam is unwanted bulk email or messages, often used for advertising or fraud.

Preventive Measures

Avoid suspicious links, use antivirus, enable spam filters, and verify unknown messages.

8.5 Protection from Cybercrime

Cybersecurity Measures

Cybersecurity involves protecting systems and networks from attacks through security practices.

Measures include:

• Strong passwords
• Two-factor authentication
• Regular updates
• Secure networks

Firewall

A firewall is a security system that monitors and blocks unauthorized network access.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software detects, prevents, and removes viruses and malware.

Data Backup

Data backup means creating copies of important data so it can be restored if lost or attacked.

8.6 Intellectual Property Right (IPR)

Intellectual Property Right

IPR gives legal protection to creators for their inventions and creative works.

Copyright

Copyright protects books, music, software, films, and digital content from unauthorized copying.

Patent

A patent gives an inventor exclusive rights to use or sell an invention for a specific period.

Trademark

A trademark protects brand names, logos, and symbols.

Importance of IPR

• Protects creators
• Prevents unauthorized copying
• Encourages innovation
• Supports economic growth

8.7 Concept of Digital Signature

Digital Signature

A digital signature is an electronic signature used to verify identity and authenticate digital documents.

Uses of Digital Signature

• Secure online transactions
• Signing digital documents
• Authenticating email senders

Benefits

• Security → protecting data and systems from danger or unauthorized access (सुरक्षा)
• Authentication → checking if a user is really who they claim to be (पहिचान प्रमाणित गर्ने प्रक्रिया)
• Prevents tampering → stops data from being changed or misused without permission (अनधिकृत परिवर्तन रोक्ने)
• Non-repudiation → proving that a person cannot deny their action (like sending a message or making a transaction) (कारबाही अस्वीकार गर्न नसकिने प्रमाण)

8.8 Concept of Cyber Law in Nepal

Cyber Law in Nepal

Cyber law in Nepal governs online activities, cybercrimes, and electronic transactions.

Main law:

• Electronic Transactions Act (ETA 2063)

Provisions of ETA

• Punishment for hacking
• Control of cyber fraud
• Recognition of digital signatures
• Legal validity of electronic records

Importance

It helps control cybercrime, protect users, and support secure digital transactions.

8.9 ICT Policy in Nepal

ICT Policy

ICT Policy is the government framework for developing information and communication technology.

Example:

• National Information and Communication Technology Policy

Objectives of ICT Policy

• Expand internet access
• Promote e-governance
• Develop digital education
• Improve cybersecurity
• Support IT industries

Importance

ICT policy helps digital development, improves public services, and promotes a knowledge-based economy.