What is Cyberethics?

Cyberethics is a branch of computer technology that defines the best practices that must be adopted by a user when he uses the computer system. In simple terms, it is the study of ethical issues related to the use of technology. It engages users to use the internet safely and use technology responsibly and sensibly. It addresses topics such as privacy, security, digital rights, and the responsible use of technology. It ensures that individuals and organizations act in a manner that respects both legal and moral guidelines in the digital world.

Core Principles of Cyberethics

Cyber Ethics focuses on the following:

1. Privacy: It ensures that personal data and information are kept secure and protected from unauthorized access or misuse. Individuals' privacy rights must be respected in the digital world.

2. Integrity: Promoting honesty and accuracy in digital communications, transactions, and content. This includes avoiding the creation or spread of false information and ensuring data is not altered without authorization.

3. Accountability: Individuals and organizations should be held accountable for their actions in the digital space. This includes taking responsibility for digital content, behavior, and the consequences of online actions.

4. Security: Protecting systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity measures must be implemented to safeguard the digital environment.

5. Access: Ensuring equal access to digital resources and technology for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other barriers. The digital divide should be minimized to promote inclusivity.

6. Digital Responsibility: Encouraging ethical behavior in the use of technology, including respecting others' intellectual property rights, avoiding cyberbullying, and ensuring the responsible use of online platforms and tools.

Breaches of Cyberethics

Some of the breaches of cyberethics are listed below:

Man In The Middle

This type of attack occurs when a cybercriminal secretly intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties without their knowledge. This can allow the attacker to eavesdrop on sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, confidential information, manipulate data, or impersonate one of the parties involved. It can happen in various scenarios such as unsecured Wi-Fi networks, email, or even during financial transactions.

Drive-By Downloads

A drive-by download occurs when malicious software is automatically downloaded to a victim's device without their knowledge or consent, typically when visiting an infected website. he victim doesn't have to click on anything or intentionally download a file for the attack to occur. It happens automatically as soon as the webpage is accessed. This can lead to malware infections, data theft, or system compromise.

Malvertising

Malvertising is the use of online advertisements to distribute malicious software. These ads may appear on legitimate websites in the form of banners or pop-ups and when clicked, they redirect users to sites that infect their systems with malware such as ransomware or spyware. Avoid clicking on suspicious or too-good-to-be-true ads. Also, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

Rogue Software

Rogue software involves deceptive programs that pretend to be legitimate applications but are actually harmful. These could be antivirus or system optimization tools that trick users into downloading malware or paying for non-functional services.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

A DDoS attack is an attempt to overwhelm a network or website by flooding it with excessive traffic, causing it to become slow, unresponsive, or entirely unavailable. The attacker is referred to as the "Bot Master". The Bot Master communicates with a central server, known as the Command and Control (C&C) server. This server is responsible for managing and directing the actions of compromised devices called as "botnets" to generate massive traffic.

Password Attacks

These attacks aim to steal or guess the passwords of individuals or organizations. Techniques include:

• Brute Force Attack (trying all possible combinations)
• Dictionary attacks (using common words or phrases)
• Keylogging (recording keystrokes to capture passwords)

Phishing

The attacker initiates the attack by sending a phishing email to the victim or target. This email typically contains a fake link to a website that mimics a legitimate one such as a bank or email service with an intention to deceive the target into clicking the link. The link redirects the victim to a phishing website that closely resembles the original website such as a fake bank login page or social media login form. Once the victim enters their personal information (e.g., username, password, credit card details) on the fake website, the attacker is able to collect these credentials and access the victim’s original website account.

Malware

Malware refers to any malicious software intentionally designed to damage or disrupt computers and networks. It can take many forms like:

• Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their system then, demands a ransom to restore access to the data. It often threatens to permanently destroy or leak sensitive information if the ransom isn't paid.
• Spyware is designed to secretly monitor and collect personal information, such as login credentials, browsing habits, and financial data, without the user's consent. It can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and privacy violations.
• Adware automatically displays unwanted ads, usually as pop-ups or banners, on the user's device. These ads are often intrusive and can disrupt the user experience, slow down performance, or even redirect the user to malicious sites.
• Worms are self-replicating programs that spread through networks and devices without needing human interaction. They can spread quickly and consume bandwidth, often causing significant damage by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications.
• Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software or files to trick users into downloading and executing them. Once activated, they can steal data, provide remote access to attackers, or install additional malware on the system.
• Botnets are networks of compromised devices, often referred to as "zombies," controlled by a central attacker. These infected devices can be used for various malicious purposes, such as sending spam emails, launching DDoS attacks, or stealing sensitive information without the user’s knowledge.