Drought by Sarat Chandra

Introduction

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (also spelt as Sarat Chandra Chatterjee and Sarat Chandra Chatterji 15 September 1876 – 16 January 1938), was a Bengali novelist and short story writer of the early 20th century. He generally wrote about the lives of Bengali family and society in cities and villages. However, his keen powers of observation, great sympathy for fellow human beings, a deep understanding of human psychology (including the "ways and thoughts and languages of women and children"), an easy and natural writing style, and freedom from political biases and social prejudices (actual experience) enable his writing to transcend barriers and appeal to all Indians. He remains the most popular, translated, and adapted Indian author of all time.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on 15 September 1876, in a Bengali Brahmin family in Debanandapur, a small village in Hooghly, West Bengal, about 50 kilometres from Kolkata. He was his father Matilal and mother Bhubanmohini's oldest son and second child. Birthplace of Sarat Chandra in Debanandapur, Hooghly

Sarat Chandra wrote in the English translation of his monumental book Srikanta:

Themes

The story explores themes such as the cruelty of poverty, the interdependencies of nature and rural livelihoods, and the problems faced by the disenfranchised

Drought by Sarat Chandra

Sarat Chandra Chatterjee's "Drought" gives us a graphic account of the miserable conditions of a poor labourer living in a Bengal Village called Kashipur. The writer makes a scathing attack on the Sham morality of priests and landlords. The so-called followers of traditional orthodox principles were really inhuman and barbaric in their attitudes towards poor labourers.

Objectives

The story aims to depict the inhuman and immoral attitude of priests and landlords towards poor labourers. Gafur, a poor labourer is tortured here to such an extent by a priest and a landlord that Gafur escapes from the village at midnight with his little daughter, and prefers to work and the industrial town of Fulbrer.

Story

Gafur, who lived in abject (without dignity) poverty, had to look after his motherless daughter. The thatched shed that provided shelter for him and his daughter was not strong enough to withstand heavy rain. His only property was a bull called Mahesh. The drought had caused him great hardship and suffering.

Tarkaratna the village priest, who was returning from the house of the Zamindar after performing some religious services in connection with the birthday of the Zamindar's son, saw the starving Mahesh. He immediately rebuked Gafur for not feeding the bull properly. Gafur told him that he was down with a fever and that was why he could not take his bull out for grazing. If he let the bull loose, he would start eating other people's paddy and create problem for him. The priest warned him severely that the Zamindar would take him to task, if the bull died of starvation.

The landlord who employed Gafur as a labourer did not give him his share of straw. The priest was not satisfied with the reply but went on accusing Gafur. He pretended to be a lover of cattle, but he was really not sympathetic towards the bull. The priest did not want to give the bull a bundle of hay. Gafur was perturbed because his bull was missing. His daughter Amina informed him that someone had sent Mahesh to the police pen. He rushed to Banshi's shop, pledged his brass plate for a loan of one rupee, dashed to the police pen and paid the fine. The bull was released and Gafur was happy to see the bull back in its usual place. He had an idea of selling his Mahesh and also received an advance of two rupees from a prospective buyer. But he loved his bull so much that he could not part with it. He refused to sell his bull and returned the advance amount Gafur tried in vain to seek employment.

The prolonged spell of unemployment brought untold suffering upon Gafur and his daughter. He scolded his daughter when she told him that there was no rice in the house. There was not even a drop of water in the hut. Water was scarce in the village because of drought. Taking an earthen pitcher, she went out to fetch water from the public tank. All tanks in the village dried up in summer. A few holes had been dug up at the bottom of the tanks, but there was such crowding and jostling for water that the little 8 Amina. could not even go near the tank. She stood for hours and someone took pity on her and gave her water. Meanwhile Mahesh broke loose from the tether, enters the garden of the landlord, had eaten up flowers and destroyed the corn. When tried to catch him he had hurt the landlord's daughter and bade apes the landlord
summoned him to his house but Gafur sent word saying that he was not his slave. Enraged by Gafur's impudence the landlord punished him severely. While Amina was returning home, the bull in its violent thirst knocked down the pitcher from her hand. Gafur who was in an extreme state of distress struck the poor bull violently with a ploughshare and unwittingly killed it. He did not know what he was doing and Amina burst out weeping. A chill of remorse ran through his mind when he realized what he had done. The tanners came and carried off Mahesh on a bamboo pole. Killing a sacred animal was a sin and Gafur would have to pay penance for his wicked act. He did not want to face the landlord and the priest who would treat him as the worst criminal. At midnight he woke his daughter up and left for jute mill at Fulbere. He knew full well that he had to suffer a lot at the jute mill. However, he preferred the industrial town Fulbere to the village 

Revision points

Gafur leaves in poverty with his motherless daughter and his only possession, a bull named Mahesh. The severe drought in the village of Kashipur badly affected his living.

One day Tarkaratna, the village prist abuses him severally for letting his bull to starve. The police arrest the bull and release it for a payment. Amina finds it difficult to collect from the tank. Gafur, in a fit of anger kills the bull for trespassing into the Zamindar’s garden. Fearing capital punishment, Gafur and his daughter leave at midnight to the Industrial town of Fulbere.

Intext questions

What was the attitude of Zamindar towards Gafur and his bull?

Why did the Priest rebuke Gafur?

In what circumstance did Gafur kill Mahesh

Summary

This story deals with how the wealthy landed mad influential people of the society like Temple priest in treated the poor village, especially even in adverse situation like a draught. Here one can see how poor Gafur and his motherless daughter are fleeced of their money by captivating this bull and releasing it only after a payment. One can also see how the poor people of the village have to jostle for hours together for a picture of wate (water) since the village is hit by a drought. Finally, Gafur and his daughter are forced to such an extent that day escape in midnight and prefer settling down in the Industrial Town of Fulbere

Terminal exercise

Describe in brief the poverty-stricken life of the Gafur

Explain how the villagers treated Gaffur's daughter while fetching water

How did Gafur often land into trouble due to Mahesh?

What forced Gafur to kill Mahesh

Why did Gafur and his daughter leave the village?

Assignments

Sketch the characters of Zamindar and the Priest.

Keywords

Drought                    drain is due to below average rainfall

Rebuke               Harsh criticism

Accuse               to blame or find fault with

Pledge                 deposit something as a

Prospective             likely or expected to happen or become

Jastling               to push or shove

Unwittingly        unintentional act

Remorse                  feeling of regret over singing, being sorry

Penance                   punishment for wrong doing 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Model Millionaire by Oscar Wilde

Introduction

The British author Oscar Fingall O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (1854-1900) was part of the "art for art's sake" movement in English literature at the end of the 19th century. He is best known for his brilliant, witty (clever) comedies.

Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin, Ireland, on Oct. 16, 1854. His father, Sir William Wilde, was a well-known surgeon; his mother, Jane Francisca Elgee Wilde, wrote popular poetry and prose under the The Ballad of Reading Gaol: A 109-stanza poem written in 1897, The Picture of Dorian Gray: novel, The Happy Prince: A beloved tale. For three years Wilde was educated in the classics at Trinity College, Dublin, where he began to attract public attention through the eccentricity (opinions) of his writing and his style of life.

Theme

The main themes of the short story “The Model Millionaire” by Oscar Wilde are: Wealth. Morality and Beauty. Class consciousness.

The story's focus on the ideas of the perception of class, beauty, wealth, and generosity makes for a tale with a strong lesson for readers: that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that wealth and generosity (kindness) are not always inextricably (inseparably) linked.

 

The Model Millionaire Story

Unless one is wealthy there is no use in being a charming fellow. Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed. The poor should be practical and prosaic. It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating. These are the great truths of modern life which Hughie Erskine never realised. Poor Hughie! Intellectually, we must admit, he was not of much importance.

He never said a brilliant or even an ill-natured thing in his life. But then he was wonderfully good-looking, with his crisp brown hair, his clear-cut profile, and his grey eyes. He was as popular with men as he was with women, and he had every accomplishment except that of making money. His father had bequeathed him his cavalry sword, and a History of the Peninsular War in fifteen volumes. Hughie hung the first over his looking-glass, put the second on a shelf between Ruff's Guide and Bailey's Magazine, and lived on two hundred a year that an old aunt allowed him.

He had tried everything. He had gone on the Stock Exchange for six months; but what was a butterfly to do among bulls and bears? He had been a tea-merchant for a little longer, but had soon tired of pekoe and souchong. Then he had tried selling dry sherry. That did not answer; the sherry was a little too dry. Ultimately he became nothing, a delightful, ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession.

 To ake matters worse, he was in love. The girl he loved was Laura Merton, the daughter of a retired Colonel who had lost his temper and his digestion in India, and had never found either of them again. Laura adored him, and he was ready to kiss her shoe-strings. They were the handsomest couple in London, and had not a penny-piece between them. The Colonel was very fond of Hughie, but would not hear of any engagement.

'Come to me, my boy, when you have got ten thousand pounds of your own, and we will see about it,' he used to say; and Hughie looked very glum on those days, and had to go to Laura for consolation.

One morning, as he was on his way to Holland Park, where the Merton’s lived, he dropped in to see a great friend of his, Alan Trevor. Trevor was a painter. Indeed, few people escape that nowadays. But he was also an artist, and artists are rather rare. Personally he was a strange rough fellow, with a freckled face and a red ragged beard. However, when he took up the brush he was a real master, and his pictures were eagerly sought after. He had been very much attracted by Hughie at first, it must be acknowledged, entirely on account of his personal charm.

 'The only people a painter should know,' he used to say, 'are people who are bête and beautiful, people who are an artistic pleasure to look at and an intellectual repose to talk to. Men who are dandies and women who are darlings rule the world; at least they should do so.' However, after he got to know Hughie better, he liked him quite as much for his bright buoyant spirits and his generous reckless nature, and had given him the permanent entree to his studio.

When Hughie came in he found Trevor putting the finishing touches to a wonderful life-size picture of a beggar-man. The beggar himself was standing on a raised platform in a corner of the studio. He was a wizened old man, with a face like wrinkled parchment, and a most piteous expression. Over his shoulders was flung a coarse brown cloak, all tears and tatters; his thick boots were patched and cobbled, and with one hand he leant on a rough stick, while with the other he held out his battered hat for alms.

'What an amazing model!' whispered Hughie, as he shook hands with his friend.

'An amazing model?' shouted Trevor at the top of his voice; 'I should think so! Such beggars as he are not to be met with every day. A Trouville, mort cher; a living Velasquez! My stars! What an etching Rembrandt would have made of him!'

'Poor old chap! said Hughie, 'how miserable he looks! But I suppose, to you painters, his face is his fortune?'

'Certainly,' replied Trevor, 'you don't want a beggar to look happy, do you?'

'How much does a model get for sitting?' asked Hughie, as he found himself a comfortable seat on a divan.

'A shilling an hour.'

'And how much do you get for your picture, Alan?'

'Oh, for this I get two thousand!'

'Pounds?'

'Guineas. Painters, poets, and physicians always get guineas.'

'Well, I think the model should have a percentage,' cried Hughie, laughing; 'they work quite as hard as you do.'

'Nonsense, nonsense! Why, look at the trouble of laying on the paint alone, and standing all day long at one's easel! It's all very well, Hughie, for you to talk, but I assure you that there are moments when Art almost attains to the dignity of manual labour. But you mustn't chatter; I'm very busy. Smoke a cigarette, and keep quiet.'

After some time the servant came in, and told Trevor that the frame-maker wanted to speak to him.

'Don't run away, Hughie,' he said, as he went out, 'I will be back in a moment.'

The old beggar-man took advantage of Trevor's absence to rest for a moment on a wooden bench that was behind him. He looked so forlorn and wretched that Hughie could not help pitying him, and felt in his pockets to see what money he had. All he could find was a sovereign and some coppers. 'Poor old fellow,' he thought to himself, 'he wants it more than I do, but it means no hansoms for a fortnight;' and he walked across the studio and slipped the sovereign into the beggar's hand.

The old man started, and a faint smile flitted across his withered lips. 'Thank you, sir,' he said, 'thank you.'

Then Trevor arrived, and Hughie took his leave, blushing a little at what he had done. He spent the day with Laura, got a charming scolding for his extravagance, and had to walk home.

That night he strolled into the Palette Club about eleven o'clock, and found Trevor sitting by himself in the smoking-room drinking hock and seltzer.

'Well, Alan, did you get the picture finished all right?' he said, as he lit his cigarette.

'Finished and framed, my boy!' answered Trevor; 'and, by-the-bye, you have made a conquest. That old model you saw is quite devoted to you. I had to tell him all about you - who you are, where you live, what your income is, what prospects you have--'

'My dear Alan,' cried Hughie, 'I shall probably find him waiting for me when I go home. But of course you are only joking. Poor old wretch! I wish I could do something for him. I think it is dreadful that any one should be so miserable. I have got heaps of old clothes at home - do you think he would care for any of them? Why, his rags were falling to bits.'

'But he looks splendid in them,' said Trevor. 'I wouldn't paint him in a frock-coat for anything. What you call rags I call romance. What seems poverty to you is picture squeness to me. However, I'll tell him of your offer.'

'Alan,' said Hughie seriously, 'you painters are a heartless lot.'

'An artist's heart is his head,' replied Trevor; 'and besides, our business is to realise the world as we see it, not to reform it as we know it. a chacun son metier. And now tell me how Laura is. The old model was quite interested in her.'

'You don't mean to say you talked to him about her?' said Hughie.

'Certainly I did. He knows all about the relentless colonel, the lovely Laura, and the £10,000.'

'You told that old beggar all my private affairs?' cried Hughie, looking very red and angry.

'My dear boy,' said Trevor, smiling, 'that old beggar, as you call him, is one of the richest men in Europe. He could buy all London to-morrow without overdrawing his account. He has a house in every capital, dines off gold plate, and can prevent Russia going to war when he chooses.'

'What on earth do you mean?' exclaimed Hughie.

'What I say,' said Trevor. 'The old man you saw to-day in the studio was Baron Hausberg. He is a great friend of mine, buys all my pictures and that sort of thing, and gave me a commission a month ago to paint him as a beggar. Que voulez-vous? La fantaisie d'un millionnaire! And I must say he made a magnificent figure in his rags, or perhaps I should say in my rags; they are an old suit I got in Spain.'

'Baron Hausberg!' cried Hughie. 'Good heavens! I gave him a sovereign!' and he sank into an armchair the picture of dismay.

'Gave him a sovereign!' shouted Trevor, and he burst into a roar of laughter. 'My dear boy, you'll never see it again. Son affaire c'est l'argent des autres.'

'I think you might have told me, Alan,' said Hughie sulkily, 'and not have let me make such a fool of myself.'

'Well, to begin with, Hughie,' said Trevor, 'it never entered my mind that you went about distributing alms in that reckless way. I can understand your kissing a pretty model, but your giving a sovereign to an ugly one - by Jove, no! Besides, the fact is that I really was not at home to-day to any one; and when you came in I didn't know whether Hausberg would like his name mentioned. You know he wasn't in full dress.'

'What a duffer he must think me!' said Hughie.

'Not at all. He was in the highest spirits after you left; kept chuckling to himself and rubbing his old wrinkled hands together. I couldn't make out why he was so interested to know all about you; but I see it all now. He'll invest your sovereign for you, Hughie, pay you the interest every six months, and have a capital story to tell after dinner.'

'I am an unlucky devil,' growled Hughie. 'The best thing I can do is to go to bed; and, my dear Alan, you mustn't tell any one. I shouldn't dare show my face in the Row.'

'Nonsense! It reflects the highest credit on your philanthropic spirit, Hughie. And don't run away. Have another cigarette, and you can talk about Laura as much as you like.'

However, Hughie wouldn't stop, but walked home, feeling very unhappy, and leaving Alan Trevor in fits of laughter.

The next morning, as he was at breakfast, the servant brought him up a card on which was written, 'Monsieur Gustave Naudin, de la part de M. le Baron Hausberg.'

'I suppose he has come for an apology,' said Hughie to himself; and he told the servant to show the visitor up.

An old gentleman with gold spectacles and grey hair came into the room, and said, in a slight French accent, 'Have I the honour of addressing Monsieur Erskine?'

Hughie bowed.

'I have come from Baron Hausberg,' he continued. 'The Baron--'

'I beg, sir, that you will offer him my sincerest apologies,' stammered Hughie.

'The Baron,' said the old gentleman, with a smile, 'has commissioned me to bring you this letter;' and he extended a sealed envelope.

On the outside was written, 'A wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton, from an old beggar,' and inside was a cheque for £10,000.

When they were married Alan Trevor was the best-man, and the Baron made a speech at the wedding-breakfast.

'Millionaire models,' remarked Alan, 'are rare enough; but, by Jove, model millionaires are rarer still!'

The Model Millionaire

Introduction

The short story ‘The Model Millionaire’ was written by Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). He was a famous Irish writer. In this story Oscar Wilde describe about a boy Hughie Erskine who was a young man of good profile. His financial status was very low as he had no profession. He tried his hand in different profession to earn money but was not successful. So the author referred him as “a delightful, ineffectual young man with a perfect profile and no profession”

The Model Millionaire Summary

Hughie Erskine was a poor young man who was good looking with crisp brown hair and gray eyes. He was not only popular among men but also among women. He failed to build a career although he kept changing everything. He had gone on the Stock Exchange for six months, he had been a tea-merchant for a little longer, then he had tried selling a dry sherry. He was in love with a girl named Laura Merton,  daughter of a retired Colonel. The Colonel was against the engagement and would only allow them to get married if Hughie had ten thousand pounds of his own.

One day, Hughie visited his friend named Alan Trevor who was a painter. When Hughie came in, he found Trevor painting the finishing touches to a wonderful life size picture of a beggar man. The beggar himself was standing on a platform in a corner of the studio. He was a wizened old man with a face like wrinkled parchment and a most piteous expression. And then, at that night, Hughie went to the Palette Club about eleven o’clock, and found Alan in the smocking room. They had a talk about the model of a beggar-man which was painted by Alan Trevor. On the conversation, Alan said that the model of his picture was not a beggar, but a millionaire. Hughie was surprised and he did not believe about what he heard from Alan. The name of the millionaire was Baron Hausberg. Hughie went home unhappily, whereas Alan laughed loudly. Hughie had mistaken the Baron for a beggar and offered him a sovereign. He felt very bad for treating a rich man in that manner and feared that the Baron would have taken his act as an insult.

 The next morning, a messenger from Baron Hausberg came and brought a letter to Hughie. The letter contained a cheque for ten thousand pounds which was a wedding present to Hugh Erskine and Laura Merton from Baron Hausberg. On the day of the marriage, Alan Trevor was the best man and the Baron made a speech at the wedding breakfast. Alan said, “Millionaire models are rare enough, but model millionaires are rarer still!”

CONCLUSION:

In The Model Millionaire, Oscar Wilde portrayed beautifully the theme of appearance, generosity, friendship, gratitude, love, compassion, charity, commitment, connection, struggle and happiness.  In this story Hughie was fooled into thinking that the Baron was a beggar solely based on how the Baron was dressed and on what Alan Trevor has told him. It was for this reason that Hughie hands the Baron a sovereign. Hughie’s act of generosity is the fact that Hughie gives the Baron more than he can really afford. The Kindness of Hughie repaid him with kindness of Baron in the way of ten thousand pounds as wedding present.

The Flea By John Donne

Introduction 

Mark but this flea, and mark in this,

How little that which thou deniest me is;

It sucked me first, and now sucks thee,

And in this flea our two bloods mingled be;

Thou know’st that this cannot be said

A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead,

Yet this enjoys before it woo,

And pampered swells with one blood made of two,

And this, alas, is more than we would do.

 

Oh stay, three lives in one flea spare,

Where we almost, nay more than married are.

This flea is you and I, and this

Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is;

 

Though parents grudge, and you, w'are met,

And cloistered in these living walls of jet.

Though use make you apt to kill me,

Let not to that, self-murder added be,

And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.

 

Cruel and sudden, hast thou since

Purpled thy nail, in blood of innocence?

Wherein could this flea guilty be,

Except in that drop which it sucked from thee?

Yet thou triumph’st, and say'st that thou

Find’st not thy self, nor me the weaker now;

’Tis true; then learn how false, fears be:

Just so much honor, when thou yield’st to me,

Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee.

 

Theme

Donne's message in "The Flea" revolves around the idea of passion (emotion), logic, and spirituality (religion and virginity). He ultimately presents the impact that can arise from the absurdity brought about by an analysis of social and spiritual norms.

Summary

The speaker tells his beloved to look at the flea before them and to note “how little” is that thing that she denies him. For the flea, he says, has sucked first his blood, then her blood, so that now, inside the flea, they are mingled; and that mingling cannot be called “sin, or shame, or loss of maidenhead.” The flea has joined them together in a way that, “alas, is more than we would do.”

 

As his beloved moves to kill the flea, the speaker stays her hand, asking her to spare the three lives in the flea: his life, her life, and the flea’s own life. In the flea, he says, where their blood is mingled, they are almost married—no, more than married—and the flea is their marriage bed and marriage temple mixed into one. Though their parents grudge their romance and though she will not make love to him, they are nevertheless united and cloistered in the living walls of the flea. She is apt to kill him, he says, but he asks that she not kill herself by killing the flea that contains her blood; he says that to kill the flea would be sacrilege, “three sins in killing three.”

“Cruel and sudden,” the speaker calls his lover, who has now killed the flea, “purpling” her fingernail with the “blood of innocence.” The speaker asks his lover what the flea’s sin was, other than having sucked from each of them a drop of blood. He says that his lover replies that neither of them is less noble for having killed the flea. It is true, he says, and it is this very fact that proves that her fears are false: If she were to sleep with him (“yield to me”), she would lose no more honor than she lost when she killed the flea.

 

Analysis

This funny little poem again exhibits Donne’s metaphysical love-poem mode, his aptitude for turning even the least likely images into elaborate

symbols of love and romance. This poem uses the image of a flea that has just bitten the speaker and his beloved to sketch an amusing conflict over whether the two will engage in premarital sex. The speaker wants to, the beloved does not, and so the speaker, highly clever but grasping at straws, uses the flea, in whose body his blood mingles with his beloved’s, to show how innocuous such mingling can be—he reasons that if mingling in the flea is so innocuous, sexual mingling would be equally innocuous, for they are really the same thing. By the second stanza, the speaker is trying to save the flea’s life, holding it up as “our marriage bed and marriage temple.”

 

But when the beloved kills the flea despite the speaker’s protestations (and probably as a deliberate move to squash his argument, as well), he turns his argument on its head and claims that despite the high-minded and sacred ideals he has just been invoking, killing the flea did not really impugn his beloved’s honour—and despite the high-minded and sacred ideals she has invoked in refusing to sleep with him, doing so would not impugn her honour either.

This poem is the cleverest of a long line of sixteenth-century love poems using the flea as an erotic image, a genre derived from an older poem of Ovid. Donne’s poise of hinting at the erotic without ever explicitly referring to sex, while at the same time leaving no doubt as to exactly what he means, is as much a source of the poem’s humour as the silly image of the flea is; the idea that being bitten by a flea would represent “sin, or shame, or loss of maidenhead” gets the point across with a neat conciseness and clarity that Donne’s later religious lyrics never attained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Night of the Scorpion by Nissim Ezekiel

Ezekiel was born on 16 December 1924 in Mumbai (Maharashtra). His father was a professor of botany at Wilson College, and his mother was principal of her own school. The Ezekiels belonged to Mumbai's Marathi-speaking Jewish community known as the Bene Israel. He died in Mumbai on 9 January 2004 (aged 79). In 1947, Ezekiel earned a BA in Literature from Wilson College, Mumbai, and University of Mumbai. In 1947-48, he taught English literature and published literary articles. After dabbling in radical politics for a while, he sailed to England in November 1948. He studied philosophy at Birkbeck College, London. After three and a half years stay, Ezekiel worked his way home as a deck-scrubber aboard a ship carrying arms to Indochina.

He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for his Poetry collection, "Latter-Day Psalms”.

Theme: Images of the dark forces of evil abound in Night of the Scorpion; the diabolic tail of the scorpion, giant scorpion shadows on the sun-baked walls and the night itself point to evil. In fact, the poem is about the pertinent question as to what can conquer evil. Where superstition, rationalism and religion proved futile, the self-effacing love of a mother had its say. Love conquers all, and that is all you need to know.

 

Poem

I remember the night my mother

was stung by a scorpion. Ten hours

of steady rain had driven him

to crawl beneath a sack of rice.

 

Parting with his poison - flash

of diabolic tail in the dark room -

he risked the rain again.

 

The peasants came like swarms of flies

and buzzed the name of God a hundred times to paralyse the Evil One.

 

With candles and with lanterns

throwing giant scorpion shadows

on the mud-baked walls

they searched for him: he was not found.

They clicked their tongues.

With every movement that the scorpion made his poison moved in Mother's blood, they said.

 

May he sit still, they said

May the sins of your previous birth

be burned away tonight, they said.

May your suffering decrease

the misfortunes of your next birth, they said.

May the sum of all evil

balanced in this unreal world

 

against the sum of good

become diminished by your pain.

May the poison purify your flesh

 

of desire, and your spirit of ambition,

they said, and they sat around

on the floor with my mother in the centre, the peace of understanding on each face. More candles, more lanterns, more neighbours, more insects, and the endless rain.

My mother twisted through and through, groaning on a mat.

My father, sceptic, rationalist,

trying every curse and blessing,

powder, mixture, herb and hybrid.

He even poured a little paraffin

upon the bitten toe and put a match to it.

I watched the flame feeding on my mother.

I watched the holy man perform his rites to tame the poison with an incantation.

After twenty hours

it lost its sting.

 

My mother only said

Thank God the scorpion picked on me

And spared my children.

Glossary

Diabolic - terrible, extremely bad or annoying

Paralyse – to make something unable to feel or move

Lanterns - a lamp in a transparent case, often a metal case with glass sides that

has a handle, so that you can carry it outside

Groan – to make long deep sound because of pain etc.

Sceptic - a person who usually doubts that claims or statements are true,

especially those that other people believe in

Rationalist - a person who believes that all behaviour, opinions, etc.

should be based on reason rather than on emotions or religious beliefs

Hybrid - something that is the product of mixing two or more different

things

Paraffin - a type of oil obtained from petroleum and used as a fuel for heat

and light

To tame - to make something easy to control

Incantation - special words that are spoken or sung to have a magic effect;

the act of speaking or singing these words.

Summary

The poem is a strong yet simple statement on the power of self-effacing love. Full to the brim with Indianness, (being Indian) it captures a well-detached black and white snapshot of Indian village life with all its superstitious simplicity. The poet dramatizes a battle of ideas fought at night in lamplight between good and evil; between darkness and light; between rationalism and blind faith. And out of this confusion, there arises an unexpected winner – the selfless love of a mother. It

depicts the India ethos and cultured richness through a simple incident and epitomizes the typical Indian motherhood which depicts sacrifice and affection.

 

The poem opens with the poet’s reminiscence of a childhood experience. One night his mother was stung by a scorpion. Ten hours of steady rain had driven the scorpion to hiding beneath a sack of rice. After inflicting unbearable pain upon the mother with a flash of its diabolic tail, the scorpion risked the rain again.

The peasant-folk of the village came like swarms of flies and expressed their sympathy. They believed that with every movement the scorpion made, the poison would move in mother’s blood. So, with lighted candles and lanterns they began to search for him, but in vain.

To console the mother they opened the bundle of their superstitions. They told mother that the suffering and pain will burn away the sins of her previous birth. “May the suffering decrease the misfortunes of your next birth too”, they said.

Mother twisted and groaned in mortifying pain. Her husband, who was sceptic and rationalist, tried every curse and blessing; powder, herb and hybrid. As a last resort he even poured a little paraffin on the bitten part and put a match to it.

The painful night was long and the holy man came and played his part. He performed his rites and tried to tame the poison with an incantation. After twenty hours the poison lost its sting.

The ironic twist in the poem comes when in the end the mother who suffered in silence opens her mouth. She says, “Thank God the scorpion picked on me and spared my children.”

Night of the Scorpion creates a profound impact on the reader with an interplay of images relating to good and evil, light and darkness. Then the effect is heightened once again with the chanting of the people and its magical, incantatory effect. The beauty of the poem lies in that the mother’s comment lands the reader quite abruptly on simple, humane grounds with an ironic punch.

Indian Background:

Ezekiel is known to be a detached observer of the Indian scenario and this stance often has the power of a double-edged sword that cuts both ways. On the one side Night of the Scorpion presents an Indian village through the eyes of an outsider and finds the deep-rooted strains of superstition and blind faith which may seem foolish to the western eye. But on the other, the poem never fails to highlight the positive side of Indian village life. The poet does not turn a blind eye to the fellow-feeling, sympathy and cooperation shown by the villagers. And in a poem that deals with the all-conquering power of love, the reader too should be well aware of it.

To Conclude :

In this poem, the poet describes the selfless love of a mother who is stung by a scorpion. To portray the motherly affections, he used imagery relating to the senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing. Even though the scorpion parted poison in her toe, yet she is thankful to the God that the scorpion had chosen her and spared her children. Here the poet remains as a helpless spectator and expresses his feeling. He also comments on the Indian culture where superstitions still play a significant role.

Objectives

·   To present typical Indian society and the temperament of villagers

·   To point out superstitious nature of Indian people

·   To present a contrast between superstitious and scientific approach

·   To portray the highly esteemed Indian mother and her dedicated feeling for her children

Clash of Ideas: There is a contrast between the world of irrationality represented by the villagers and the world of rationalism represented by the father who tries all rational means to save his wife from suffering. Religion too plays its role with the holy man saying his prayers. But all three become futile. Or do they? One cannot totally ignore the underlying current of love and fellow-feeling in their endeavors.

 

Introduction to Cyber Security

Unit – 1

Introduction to Cyber Security

Cyberspace

Cyberspace refers to the interconnected environment of computer systems, networks, and digital communication. It is a virtual space where electronic data, information, and online activities occur.

Cyberspace is like a vast, virtual world that exists on the internet. It's the environment where all digital communication, information, and activities take place. Imagine it is a giant interconnected space where people can interact, share data, and perform various tasks using computers and other devices.

1) Nature: It is not a physical space but rather a conceptual space where digital communication, information, and activities occur.

2) Components: Cyberspace includes the internet, websites, online platforms, social media, and various digital technologies.

3) Interaction: In cyberspace, individuals and organizations can interact, share data, access information, and perform various tasks using computers and other electronic devices.

4) Global Reach: Cyberspace has a global reach, allowing people from different parts of the world to connect and communicate in real-time.

5) Importance: It plays a crucial role in modern communication, commerce, education, 

entertainment, and social interactions.

6) Security Concerns: As cyberspace continues to evolve, there are concerns about 

cybersecurity, including issues such as data breaches, hacking, and the protection of personal information.

7) Technological Backbone: The infrastructure of cyberspace relies on the underlying 

technology of computer networks, servers, routers, and various communication protocols.

8) Digital Economy: Cyberspace is a fundamental component of the digital economy, 

facilitating online transactions, e-commerce, and the exchange of digital goods and services.

9) Challenges: Challenges in cyberspace include addressing cyber security threats, ensuring online privacy, and navigating the complexities of digital governance and regulation.

Advantages

1) Global Connectivity: Cyberspace allows people from around the world to connect and

communicate in real-time. It has facilitated global collaboration, breaking down geographical barriers.

2) Information Access: It provides instant access to a vast amount of information. Users can quickly retrieve data, research topics, and stay informed about current events from virtually anywhere.

3) Communication: Cyberspace enables various forms of communication, including emails, instant messaging, video calls, and social media. It has revolutionized the way people interact and stay connected.

4) E-Commerce: The rise of cyberspace has fueled the growth of e-commerce. Businesses and consumers can engage in online transactions, making it convenient to buy and sell goods and services globally.

5) Education and Learning: Cyberspace has transformed education by providing online learning platforms, e-books, and educational resources. It allows students to access information and courses from anywhere in the world.

Disadvantages

1) Cybersecurity Threats: One of the most significant drawbacks of cyberspace is the constant risk of cybersecurity threats. These include hacking, malware, phishing, and other malicious activities that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of information.

2) Privacy Concerns: Users often share personal information online, raising concerns about privacy. Unauthorized access to personal data or surveillance can lead to identity theft,stalking, and other privacy violations.

3) Cybercrime: The interconnected nature of cyberspace has given rise to various forms of cybercrime, such as online fraud, scams, and cyberattacks. Criminals exploit vulnerabilities to carry out illegal activities, causing financial and reputational damage.

4) Digital Divide: Not everyone has equal access to cyberspace, leading to a digital divide. Socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and infrastructure limitations can create disparities in internet access and digital literacy

5) Misinformation and Fake News: Cyberspace has become a breeding ground for

misinformation and fake news. False information spreads quickly through social media and other online channels, influencing public opinion and creating confusion.

6) Addiction and Overdependence: Excessive use of the internet and online platforms can lead to addiction and overdependence. This can have negative effects on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

7) Online Harassment and Bullying: Cyberspace provides a platform for online harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying. Individuals may face harassment, threats, or intimidation, affecting their mental health and safety.

8) Data Breaches: Organizations storing large amounts of data online are susceptible to data breaches. If sensitive information falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised privacy.

9) Disinformation Campaigns: Cyberspace is often used for disinformation campaigns,

influencing public opinion and political outcomes. This can have significant societal and

political implications.

10) Technology Dependence: Overreliance on technology in cyberspace can lead to a

dependence that may have negative consequences when systems fail or experience

disruptions. This dependence is especially critical in areas such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

Overview of computer

Computer definition

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process the data and to perform multiple tasks given by the users.

The title "Father of the Computer" is often attributed to Charles Babbage, a 19th-century mathematician and inventor. Invented the computer in the year 1822.

Two things all computers have in common: hardware and software.

Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. It also includes all the computer's internal parts, like Motherboard, Optical drives and many more

Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.

Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.

History of computer

2500 BC-The Abacus- It is considered as the first computer which is originated in China. It is used to make some calculation by sliding of beads it is arranged on the frame.

1614 AD-Napier bones-In the year 1550 to 1617 a Scottish mathematician named an John Napier invented Napier bones. It consists of bones and it is marked with numbers which is used to perform multiplication.

1642 AD-In the year 1642 Pascal invented “Pascaline”. It is first adding machine which is used to perform addition.

1834 - Charles Babbage invents the analytical engine, which improved upon mechanized calculation technology and allowed for more general-purpose calculation

1887 - Herman Hollerith develops a tabulating system that uses punch cards to speed up processing for the 1890 U.S. Census. This technology set the foundation for later

developments in computing.

1911 - Herman Hollerith's Tabulating Machine Company merges with two other companies to form the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, which is now called IBM.

1945 - University of Pennsylvania professors John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert develop the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC), an early digital computer. The ENIAC used punch cards and was designed to help Army gunners aim their weapons with accuracy.

1947 - Bell Labs scientists develop the first transistor, a solid state electronic device with three terminals that can be used to control electric current and voltage flow between terminals. The transistor is an important component in nearly all electronics used today.

1958 - The integrated circuit debuts. Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce designed the integrated circuit, which is also known as the computer chip. Kilby received a Nobel Prize in Physics for his efforts.

1971 - Intel introduces the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004. This microprocessor combined all the necessary chips onto one chip and made the PC possible.

Different parts of computer

Monitor

A computer monitor is an output device that shows pictures for computers. Monitors often look like smaller televisions.

The primary use of a monitor is to display images, text, video, and graphics information generated by the computer. It can be referred to as the main output device of a computer device.

Mouse

The mouse is a small, movable device, mouse has two buttons, and some will have a wheel in between. It is also called as pointing device.

An important function of a computer mouse is to move the cursor from place to place, open an icon, close open an application, and select a folder, a text file, or drag-and-drop.

CPU

The CPU is the brain of a computer, containing all the circuitry needed to process input, store data, and output results.

The CPU is constantly following instructions of computer programs that tell it which data to process and how to process it. Without a CPU, we could not run programs on a computer.

Computer case

The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply.

The desktop computer case helps protect the components from electrical interference and

physical damage.

Keyboard

A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into the computer system by pressing buttons, or keys.

The main purpose of a keyboard is to provide a way for users to interact with the computer

and input information.

Motherboard

The motherboard is a computer's central communications backbone connectivity point, through which all components and external peripherals connect. Without it, none of the computer pieces, such as the CPU, GPU, or hard drive, could interact. Total motherboard functionality is necessary for a computer to work well.

RAM

RAM stands for random-access memory. RAM is a temporary memory bank where your computer stores data it needs to retrieve quickly.

It is where the data is stored that your computer processor needs to run your applications

and open your files.

Hard Disk Drive

An HDD is a “non-volatile” storage drive, which means it can retain the stored data even when no power is supplied to the device.

Your documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, application preferences, and operating

system represent digital content stored on a hard drive. Hard drives can be external or internal.

Optical Disk Drive

An optical disk drive (ODD) uses a laser light to read data from or write data to an optical disc. This allows you to play music or watch movies using pre-recorded discs. The back end of the optical drive contains a port for a cable that connects to the motherboard.

Power supply unit

A power supply unit (PSU) is a hardware device that converts AC (alternating current) electricity into DC electricity and then distributes it to the rest of the computer. A power supply unit is used to provide stable electricity.

Advantages of Computer

High Speed: One of the reasons for the improvement in the quality of life is the personal

computer's speed. The modern computer offers great speed, helping us to do our tasks within a matter of seconds. They can handle the most complex calculations with ease and give error-free answers

Accuracy: Humans make errors. Hence, while performing complex calculations, we check once with the calculator. The fact that computers are extremely accurate makes them quite reliable. You will trust the information or answer that a calculator gives, just due to its accuracy.

Automation: A lot of tasks can be automated saving a lot of time. For example, instead of

manually calculating some values like the mean or median of a large dataset, we just use Excel. This saves a lot of time ensuring 100% accuracy.

Storage: The storage capacity of computers is usually in Gigabytes (GBs) or more.

Storage devices such as flash drives and hard disks are a fundamental component of most digital devices since they allow users to preserve all kinds of information such as videos, documents, pictures, and raw data.

Ease of Access: Let us say we must search for a book in a library and we don't know anything except the name of the book. It would be an arduous (difficult) task. But, on a computer, just type the name of the file, and voila! (there it is) This ease of access provided by our personal computer contributes towards saving our time and efforts.

Multitasking: Multitasking means working on multiple tasks simultaneously. Suppose you read an article online and you need to write down the meanings of the words that are unfamiliar. You can search on Google, note down the meaning on a Word file, and continue reading the article. This is one example of multitasking offered by computers.

Better understanding of data: A computer supports a lot of tools for data analysis and mining. (the process of sorting through large data sets to identify patterns and relationships) Organizations make use of the benefit of computers to support data analysis and visualization helpful for decision making.

Reliability of Computer: The results produced by the computer system are reliable, but this can only be true when the input data given by the user is correct and authentic.

Data Security: Today data is wealth, and computers play an important role in restoring this

wealth. Protecting digital data is the most vital role played by the computer. The computer protects the data from breaches and helps the user restore data whenever needed.

Reduces Workload: As any technological invention is made, it helps humans reduce their

workload, as does the computer. At the same time, the computer's information is accessed by more than one person without any duplication of work.

 Disadvantages of Computer

1)Virus and Hacking Attacks: As the technologies are developing, some other technologies try to find loopholes in their working through various means. A virus can go to the computer systems through email attachments, and through a removable device like a USB, etc. Further, hacking is also unauthorized access over a computer for a few illicit purposes.

2)Fake News: Computers enable a wide array of data-sharing options. But, this becomes a medium for the spread of spurious news. Many cases are there when fake news is shared among people using messaging apps.

3)Lack of Concentration and Irritation: Multitasking makes our lives easier, but it comes with its disadvantages. We try to focus on multiple tasks and notifications. This leads to a decrease in attention span and a lack of concentration on one particular task. Also, addictive games played on the computer contribute to irritability when not allowed to play.

4)Health Problems: Prolonged use of computers to work leads to various health problems. Working for long hours with a computer may affect the sitting posture of the user and sometimes irritates the eyes.

5)Increases Waste and Impacts the Environment: As technology advancements are made, there is also updating made in particular devices. For example, mobile phones are replaced with their updated latest versions. And with the speed at which computers and other electronic devices replace older devices, electronic waste increases which are adversely affecting the environment.

Characteristics of Computer

1)The Diligence of Computer: The Computer is not human, so it is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, and several other human errors. And due to this feature, it overpowered human beings on several occasions and performed continuous operations for a long time without any physical or mental error.

2)The Versatility of Computers: In today's world, versatility is very important, as human beings have to perform different functions at the same time, and computers have to perform different types of tasks and operations at the same time with full accuracy and efficiency. And today Computer is not just a calculating machine anymore.

3)Automation in Computer: Another important function of a computer is the automation of tasks or routine with the help of the computer's features, such as launching a specific application or software, sending an email, scanning for viruses, and many other maintenance tasks.

4)Storage Capacity of Computer: Computers are used to store vast amounts of data. As the advancement in technology is increasing, computers increased their storage capacity compared to earlier times because now computers have to store more data.

5)Task Completer: The Computer performs those task or operation which is almost impossible for humans to complete. The computer is a task completer as it produces an output of any task which is impossible for a human.

6)Reduces Workload: As any technological invention is made, it helps humans reduce their workload, as does the computer. At the same time, the computer's information is accessed by more than one person without any duplication of work.

7)Consistency of Computer: And the Computer is so consistent that it can perform trillions of processes without errors. It means that a computer can work for 24 hours a day or 365 days continuously. Also, it provides consistent results for the same set of data. It means that if the same set of data is provided multiple times, it will give the same result each time.

8)The Memory of Computer: The Computer's memory is one of the most useful features of the computer system. Computer memory stores a tremendous amount of data and makes it available when the need arises. Computer memory is built-in memory, and it has two types Random Access Memory and primary memory.

Generations of Computer

First Generation (1940s-1950s):

1)                Characterized by vacuum tubes and punched cards.

2)                These computers were very heavy and large.

3)                They used low-level programming language and used no OS.

4)                They were too bulky; Punch cards were used for improving the information for external storage. Magnetic card used.

5)                Examples of the first-generation computer are IBM 650, IBM 701, ENIAC, UNIVAC1, etc.

Second Generation (1956-1963)

1)                Second-generation computers used the technology of transistors rather than bulky vacuum tubes.

2)                The programming language was shifted from low level to high level programming language and made programming comparatively a simple task for programmers.

3)                Languages used for programming during this era were FORTRAN (1956), ALGOL (1958), and COBOL (1959).

4)                Examples of the second-generation computer are PDP-8, IBM1400 series, IBM 7090 and 7094,

UNIVAC 1107, CDC 3600, etc.

Third Generation (1964-1971)

1)                During the third generation, technology envisaged a shift from huge transistors to integrated circuits, also referred to as IC.

2)                The value size was reduced and memory space and dealing efficiency were increased during this generation.

3)                Programming was now wiped-out Higher-level languages like BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code).

4)                Examples of the third-generation computer are IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, NCR 395, B6500,

UNIVAC 1108, etc.

Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)

1)                In 1971 First microprocessors were used, the large-scale of integration LSI circuits built on one chip called microprocessors.

2)                Input/output devices used are pointing devices, optical scanning, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

 

3)                Technologies like multiprocessing, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating speed, and virtual memory made it a more user-friendly and customary device.

 

4)                Examples of the fourth-generation computer are IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple

 

Macintosh, Alter 8800, etc.

 

Fifth generation Computers (Present and Beyond)

 

1)                Main electronic component based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI) technology and parallel processing method (ULSI has millions of

transistors on a single microchip and the Parallel processing method use two or more microprocessors to run tasks simultaneously).

 

2)                Input /output devices used are Trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input (recognize voice/speech), light scanner, printer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.

 

3)                Examples of fifth generation computer are Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.

 

Different types of Computers

 

1)  Desktop Computer

 

 

A desktop computer is a personal computing device designed to fit on top of a typical office desk. It houses the physical hardware that makes a computer run and connects to input devices such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse users interact with.

 

2)  Micro Computer

 

A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer having a central processing unit (CPU) made from a microprocessor.[2] The computer also includes memory and input/output (I/O) circuitry together mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB)

 

3)  Smart Phone

 

A smartphone (or simply a phone) is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone functions and personal computing functions into one unit.

 

4)  Mainframe Computer

 

A mainframe computer, informally called a mainframe or big iron, is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing for tasks such as censuses, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise resource planning, and large-scale transaction processing.

 

5)  Analog Computer

 

An analog computer is a computer which is used to process analog data. Analog computers store data in a continuous form of physical quantities and perform calculations with the help of measures.

6)  Digital Computer

 

Digital computer, any of a class of devices capable of solving problems by processing information in discrete form. It operates on data, including magnitudes,

 

letters, and symbols, that are expressed in binary code—i.e., using only the two digits 0 and 1.

 

7)  Hybrid Computer

 

Hybrid computer is a computer intended to provide functions and features in both analog and digital computers. Developing a combined or hybrid computer model

 

aims to produce a functional device that incorporates the most beneficial aspects of both computer systems.

 

8)  Ultrabook

 

An Ultrabook is a specific type of ultramobile notebook, defined by Intel. Ultrabook’s are thin, lightweight and offer longer battery life by utilizing new low-power CPUs integrated with instant-on capability, all without compromising performance.

 

 

Web Technology:

 

Web technology refers to the tools, software, protocols, and languages used to create, manage, and access content on the internet.

 

•     HTML: HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and structure web pages on the internet.

 

•     CSS: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language used to describe how HTML elements are displayed on a web page.

 

•     JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language commonly used in web development to add interactivity, functionality, and dynamic features to websites.

 

•     HTTP: HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a set of rules that allows web browsers and servers to communicate with each other.

 

•     URL: A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address that specifies the location of a resource on the internet.

 

•     Webpage: A webpage is a single document or file on the internet that can contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements.

 

•     Website: A website is a collection of related webpages that are typically accessed through a single domain name.

•     Web Server: A web server is a computer system or software that stores, processes, and delivers web content to users over the internet.

 

•     WWW: The World Wide Web (WWW) is a network of interconnected webpages and digital content accessible over the internet.

 

•     Web Browser: A web browser is a software application that allows users to access, view, and interact with information on the World Wide Web.

 

Internet

 

•     The Internet is a vast global network that connects millions of computers and devices worldwide.

 

•     The internet is like a global library where computers and devices connect to share information, letting people from anywhere explore, learn, and communicate with each other easily.

 

•     The internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other.

 

•     Internet is a vast collection of private, public, business, academic and government networks that facilitate communication and data services.

 

•     The internet enables global communication, providing access to vast information and resources. It facilitates online transactions, entertainment, and learning across various platforms and devices.

 

•     The internet is a gateway to boundless possibilities, shaping societies, economies, and cultures, while constantly evolving to redefine how we interact, learn, work, and perceive the world.

 

Advantages Of Internet:

 

1)                Information Access: Provides instant access to a vast amount of information, facilitating research, learning, and staying updated on various topics.

 

2)                Communication: Facilitates easy and quick communication globally through emails, messaging, video calls, and social media platforms.

 

3)                Commerce and Business: Supports e-commerce, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience.

 

4)                Entertainment: Provides a wide range of entertainment options like streaming movies, music, gaming, social media, and creative content.

5)                Convenience: Enables online shopping, banking, and accessing various services from home, saving time and effort.

 

6)                Education: Allows access to online courses, educational resources, and tutorials, fostering learning opportunities for students, professionals.

 

7)                News and Media Consumption: People rely on the internet for accessing news articles, online publications, blogs, and multimedia content from around the world.

 

8)                Social Networking: It facilitates connections with friends, family, and colleagues through social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

9)                Research and Information Gathering: Professionals, students, and individuals use the internet extensively for research, gathering information, and accessing databases for various purposes.

 

10)        Innovation: Serves as a platform for innovation, fostering the development of new technologies and solutions across various industries.

 

Disadvantages Of Internet:

 

1)                Cybersecurity Risks: Cybersecurity threats such as hacking, identity theft, malware, phishing, and data breaches can compromise personal information and privacy.

 

2)                Misinformation: The internet can spread false or misleading information quickly, contributing to misinformation, conspiracy theories, and fake news.

 

3)                Cyberbullying: Online platforms can be used for harassment, cyberbullying, and negative interactions, causing emotional distress and mental health issues.

 

4)                Addiction and Distraction: Excessive use of the internet, social media, and online entertainment can lead to addiction, distraction, and reduced productivity.

 

5)                Online Scams: Exposure to various fraudulent schemes and scams online.

 

6)                Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal information online can lead to privacy concerns, as data collected by companies may be used or sold without users' explicit consent.

 

7)                Impact on Mental Health: Excessive internet use can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially in vulnerable individuals.

 

8)                Social Isolation: Overreliance on online interactions might reduce face-to-face social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and social disconnect.

 

9)                Dependency on Technology: Overdependence on the internet for daily tasks can result in difficulty functioning without it during outages or disruptions.

10)        Health Concerns: Prolonged screen time can lead to health issues such as eye strain, sleep disturbances, and a sedentary lifestyle.

 

 

Architecture Of Cyberspace

 

The architecture of cyberspace refers to the structure or design of the interconnected digital world where information, communication, and online activities take place. In simple words, it's like the blueprint or layout of the internet and related technologies.

 

Imagine cyberspace as a vast city. The architecture outlines how different buildings (websites, servers, devices) are connected through roads and pathways (networks and communication protocols). There are specific rules and systems (internet standards and protocols) that govern how traffic (data) moves between these buildings. Just as a city has different neighbourhoods, cyberspace has various sections for websites, social media, emails, and more.

 

The architecture involves hardware (physical devices like servers and routers) and software (programs and protocols) working together to enable the flow of information. Security measures, like gates and locks in a city, are also part of the architecture to protect against cyber threats.

 

In essence, the architecture of cyberspace is the organized structure that allows digital communication and activities to happen smoothly and securely in the vast virtual world of the internet.

 

Architecture of cyberspace:

 

1)      End Systems:

 

•     User Devices: These include computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that individuals use to access cyberspace.

 

•     Servers: Specialized computers that host and serve content, applications, and services to users. They respond to user requests and facilitate data storage and processing.

 

2)      Communication Networks:

 

•     Internet Backbone: High-capacity, long-distance communication networks that form the core infrastructure of the internet. They interconnect major data centers and network hubs globally.

 

•     Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs): Networks that connect devices within a limited geographic area (LAN) or over a larger geographical area (WAN), such as a city or country.

3)      Protocols and Standards:

 

•     Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP): Fundamental protocols that enable communication between devices on the internet.

 

•     Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and HTTPS: Protocols for transferring and accessing web content.

 

•     Domain Name System (DNS): Translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, facilitating the identification of devices on the internet.

 

4)      Data Centres:

 

•     Centralized Facilities: Large-scale facilities that house servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. They store and process massive amounts of data, providing services to end-users.

 

5)      Cloud Computing:

 

•     Virtualization: Technology that allows the creation of virtual instances of computing resources, such as servers and storage, enabling flexibility and scalability.

 

•     Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS): Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) models that define the level of control users have over computing resources.

 

6)      Software Layers:

 

•     Operating Systems: The software that manages hardware resources and provides a platform for other software applications.

 

•     Applications and Services: Software programs and services that users interact with, such as web browsers, email clients, social media platforms, and online applications.

 

7)      Cybersecurity Layers:

 

•     Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Security mechanisms that protect networks by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing traffic.

 

•     Encryption: Techniques used to secure data in transit and at rest, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

 

•     Authentication and Authorization: Processes that verify the identity of users and determine their access rights to resources.

8)      Regulatory and Governance Frameworks:

 

•     Laws and Regulations: Legal frameworks that govern online activities, data protection, and cybersecurity.

 

•     Internet Governance Bodies: Organizations and entities responsible for coordinating and overseeing the development and maintenance of internet standards and policies.

 

Communication and web technology

 

Communication and web technology are closely interlinked, as web technology serves as the foundation for various forms of digital communication. Web technology enables the creation, transmission and reception of information and message over the Internet, transforming how individual businesses and organisations communicate.

 

1)                Email: Email is a fundamental form of digital communication that relies on web technology. Web servers and email clients use protocols like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) to send, receive, and manage email messages. Web-based email services like Gmail operate entirely within a web technology framework, allowing users to access their emails from anywhere with an internet connection.

 

2)                Instant Messaging and Chat: Instant messaging applications and chat platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Slack, are web-based and utilize web technology to enable real-time communication. These platforms operate through web browsers and dedicated applications that leverage web protocols.

 

3)                VoIP and Video Calls: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video conferencing services, such as Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, rely on web technology for communication. These services use web-based protocols for audio and video transmission over the internet.

 

4)                Social Media: Social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are built on web technology. They allow users to share text, images, videos, and links, and engage in online conversations through web-based interfaces.

 

5)                Web Conferencing and Webinars: Web conferencing tools like Webex and GoToMeeting, as well as webinar platforms, enable remote meetings and presentations. These technologies use web-based communication protocols to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.

 

6)                Blogs and Forums: Blogging platforms and online forums enable users to engage in discussions and share information. These platforms are web-based and use web technology to publish and access content.

7)                Social Networking Sites: platforms like LinkedIn and professional networking sites enable users to connect with others, share professional information, and communicate with peers and colleagues using web technology.

 

8)                News and Media: News websites, online publications, and multimedia content providers use web technology to distribute news articles, videos, and multimedia content to a global audience.

 

9)                Web Forms and Surveys: Web forms and survey tools facilitate data collection and feedback gathering through web-based interfaces.

 

10)        Online Collaboration: Collaborative tools, including project management software and document sharing services, rely on web technology for communication and real-time collaboration among team members.

 

WWW

 

•     Stands for the "World Wide Web."

 

•     The World Wide Web (WWW or simply the Web) is a subset of the Internet consisting of Website and Webpage that are accessible via a Web Browser. It is also known simply as "the Web."

 

•     The Web was invented by English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee while at CERN in 1989 and opened to the public in 1991.

 

•     The World Wide Web -- also known as the web, WWW or W3 -- refers to all the public websites or pages that users can access on their local computers and other devices through the internet. These pages and documents are interconnected by means of hyperlinks that users click on for information. This information can be in different formats, including text, images, audio, and video.

 

•     Viewing a web page on the World Wide Web normally begins either by typing the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the page into a web browser or by following a hyperlink to that page or resource. The web browser then initiates a series of background communication messages to fetch and display the requested page.

 

•     Uniform Resource Locator (URL):URL provide the hypertext links between one document and another. These links can access a variety of protocols (e.g., FTP) on different machines on your own machine.

Advent Of Internet

 

The advent of the internet marked a revolutionary turning point in the way humanity communicates, accesses information, conducts business, and interacts with the world. The origins of the internet can be traced back to various developments and milestones:

 

1)      Early Concepts (1960s): The concept of a global network of computers was envisioned in the early 1960s. J.C.R Licklider, an MIT scientist, conceived the idea of an “Intergalactic Network” of computers.

 

2)      Arpanet (1969): The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) was the first wide- area packet-switched network with distributed control and one of the first computer networks to implement the TCP/IP protocol suite. Both technologies became the technical foundation of the Internet. The ARPANET was established by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the United States Department of Defense.

 

3)      Email and File Sharing (1970s): Ray Tomlinson sent the first networked email in 1971, using the “@” symbol to allow sending messages between users on different machines. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) was introduced in 1971 for efficient file sharing. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and it is used to upload files to your website. Websites are hosted on computers called servers, so these servers hold the files for your website. When a visitor to your site visits your website, their computer asks the server for the files.

 

4)      TCP/IP Protocol (1970s): The development of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) by Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn in the 1970s was a crucial step towards the unification of various networks into a single global network of networks, forming the basis of the modern internet.

 

5)      Ethernet and Local Area Networks (LAN) (1970s): Ethernet, developed by Robert Metcalfe, allowed multiple computers to communicate on a local network. This technology laid the foundation for local area networks (LANs) and facilitated the growth of interconnected networks.

 

6)      DNS (1983): Domain Name System (DNS) is the system that converts website domain names (hostnames) into numerical values (IP address) so they can be found and loaded into your web browser. Domain Name System was introduced to convert human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, making it easier to access websites.

7)      World Wide Web (1991): Tim Berners-Lee, while working at CERN, proposed the World Wide Web (WWW), introducing HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), and the first web browser. This marked the birth of the user-friendly internet we are familiar with today.

 

8)      Commercialization and Expansion (Mid-1990s): The National Science Foundation (NSF) lifted restrictions on the commercial use of the internet, leading to a surge in internet service providers (ISPs) and a rapid increase in internet in internet usage globally.

 

9)      Dot-Com Bubble (Late 1990s): The late 1990s saw a massive rise in internet-based companies, leading to the dot-com bubble, where stock prices of internet companies soared before dramatically crashing in the early 2000s.

 

10)                  Broadband and High-Speed Internet (2000s): The 2000s saw a widespread rollout of broadband internet, significantly improving internet speed and enabling new possibilities such as streaming media and online gaming.

 

11)                  Mobile Internet (2000s onwards): The proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices brought internet access to a wider audience, revolutionizing communication, entertainment, and commerce.

 

12)                  Web 2.0 and Social Media (2000s onwards): The advent of Web 2.0, characterized by user-generated content and interactive web applications, led to the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others, transforming how people connect and share information.

 

Internet Infrastructure for Data Transfer and Governance

 

The internet’s infrastructure for data transfer and governance is a complex system of interconnected components and protocols that enable the transmission, exchange, and management of data globally. It encompasses both the physical and logical elements that facilitate data movement and the policies, standards, and organizations that govern its usage.

 

1)                Physical Infrastructure

 

2)                Data Transmission Protocols

 

3)                Open Standards and Protocols

 

1)      Physical Infrastructure:

 

The physical infrastructure of the internet comprises the tangible components that enable the transmission of data and the functioning of digital communication. These components include

cables, data centers, network devices, and other hardware that make up the foundation of the internet. Here are the key elements of the Physical Infrastructure:

 

•     Submarine Cables: Fiber-optic cables laid on the ocean floor that connect continents and regions, the primary backbone of international internet connectivity.

 

•     Terrestrial Cables: Fiber-optic or copper cables that traverse land, connecting cities, towns, and regions. These cables form the backbone of national and regional internet networks.

 

•     Data Centers: Facilities that house network servers and other computing equipment. Data centers are critical for storing, processing, and managing vast amounts of data and services.

 

•     Network Servers: High-powered computers within data centers that store and serve data and applications to users across the internet.

 

•     Switches and Routers: Network devices that direct data packets to their intended destinations within a network or across networks. Routers operate at the network layer, making routing decisions based on IP addresses.

 

•     Firewalls and Security Appliances: Hardware devices that provide security by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

 

•     Modems and Routers in Homes and Businesses: Devices used to connect end- user’s devices (computers, smartphones, IoT devices) to the internet via wired or wireless connections.

 

•     Satellite Communication Systems: Ground stations and satellites that facilitate internet connectivity in remote or geographically challenging areas where traditional infrastructure

 

is impractical.

 

Types Of Physical Infrastructure

 

a)                Network Backbone: High-speed, long-distance fiber optic cables and satellite links form the backbone of the internet, connecting continents and regions.

 

b)                Internet Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs manage the last-mile connectivity to homes and businesses through wired (DSL, fiber, cable) and wireless (Wi-Fi, mobile networks) technologies.

 

2)  Data Transmission Protocols:

 

Data transmission protocols are a set of rules and conventions that govern the format, timing, sequencing, and error control during the exchange of data between devices over a network. These

protocols ensure that data can be sent and received accurately and efficiently. Here are some important data transmission protocols:

 

•     Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP is a connection-oriented protocol that provides reliable, ordered, and error- checked delivery of data between devices. It establishes a connection, maintains flow control, and retransmits lost packets.

 

•     User Datagram Protocol (UDP): UDP is a connectionless protocol that offers a faster but less reliable way to send data. It does not establish a connection and does not guarantee delivery, making it suitable for real-time applications like video streaming and online gaming.

 

•     Internet Protocol (IP): IP is a network layer protocol responsible for routing packets across a network. IPv4 and I Pv6 are the most common versions of IP. IPv6 has been developed to address the limitations of IPv4, primarily the limited number of unique addresses.

 

•     HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is the foundation of data communication on the World Wide Web. It defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and how web servers and browsers should respond to different commands.

 

•     HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, providing encrypted communication by using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols.

 

•     File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network like the internet.

 

•     SMTP: is used for sending emails between servers. It defines the message format and how the messages should be relayed between mail servers.

 

•     POP: Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) and Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), POP3 and IMAP are used by email clients to retrieve messages from a mail server. POP3 usually downloads and deletes the messages, while IMAP keeps the messages on the server.

3)      Open Standards and Protocols:

 

Development and adherence to open, consensus-based standards and protocols by organizations like the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and World Wide web Consortium (W3C).

 

Open standards and protocols are universally agreed-upon rules, conventions, and formats that enable interoperability, compatibility, and consistency in the functioning of systems, devices, and applications. These standards are openly available, transparent, and not owned by any

specific entity, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Here are important open standards and protocols in the realm of information technology:

 

•     Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP): The foundation of the internet TCP/IP is a suite of protocols governing communication over networks. It includes protocols like TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP, and more.

 

•     HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and HTTPS: HTTP is the fundamental protocol for transferring data on the Worldwide. HTTPS is the secure, encrypted version of HTTP, providing secure communication.

 

•     SMTP: is a standard for email transmission, specifying how emails are sent received between mail servers.

 

•     File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a standard protocol for transferring files between a client and a server on a network.

 

•     Domain Name System (DNS): DNS is an essential standard for translating domain names into IP addresses, making internet resources accessible using human-readable names.

 

•     Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL): TLS and SSL are cryptographic protocols that provide secure communication over a computer network. They are widely used to secure web browsing, email, and other internet-based applications.

 

•     Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): SNMP is a standard protocol used for network management and monitoring of devices like routers, switches, and servers.

Internet Society

 

The Internet Society is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone. Founded in 1992, it works on various fronts to promote the development, availability, and accessibility of the Internet, advocating for policies that support these goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Internet Society (ISOC) was founded in 1992 by a group of early Internet pioneers and visionaries. The founding members included individuals like Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn, who are known for their significant contributions to the development of the Internet and its underlying protocols. Vint Cerf is often referred to as one of the "fathers of the Internet" for his work on TCP/IP protocols, while Bob Kahn co-designed the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet.

 

 

Roles and Objectives/Key Aspects

 

1)                Advocacy: The organization works to influence policies and standards that promote an open and accessible Internet, advocating for principles like net neutrality, privacy protection, and universal access.

 

2)                Internet Standards and Technology: It plays a crucial role in the development of technical standards through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and supports the deployment of these standards to ensure a stable and interoperable Internet infrastructure.

 

3)                Capacity Building and Education: The Internet Society promotes education and training programs to build the skills and knowledge necessary for people to contribute to and benefit from the Internet effectively, particularly in underserved communities.

4)                Community Networks and Connectivity: Encouraging the development of community networks and supporting efforts to expand Internet access in underserved or remote areas to bridge the digital divide.

 

5)                Internet Governance: Participating in discussions and forums on global Internet governance issues, aiming to ensure that decisions about the Internet's future are made inclusively and transparently.

 

6)                Cybersecurity and Trust: Working to enhance the security and resilience of the Internet by promoting best practices, raising awareness about cybersecurity threats, and advocating for measures to build trust in online environments.

 

Regulation of Cyberspace

 

Regulation of cyberspace involves a complex interplay of laws, policies, and agreements at national, international, and supranational levels. Given the global nature of the internet and its impact on various aspects of life, there's ongoing debate and efforts to establish frameworks that address different aspects of cyberspace.

 

Here are key areas and approaches related to the regulation of cyberspace:

 

1)                Cybersecurity: Governments worldwide enact laws and regulations to protect critical infrastructure, personal data, and national security in cyberspace. These laws often address data protection, incident reporting, and measures against cyber threats.

 

2)                Data Privacy and Protection: Many countries have established regulations (e.g., GDPR in the European Union, CCPA in California) that govern the collection, processing, and sharing of personal data online to safeguard individuals' privacy rights.

 

3)                Intellectual Property Rights: Laws governing copyrights, patents, trademarks, and digital content distribution attempt to protect intellectual property rights in cyberspace, addressing issues like piracy, illegal file sharing, and plagiarism.

 

4)                Internet Governance: Various organizations, such as ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), oversee domain names and IP address allocations. There's ongoing debate about who should manage internet governance and how it should be regulated to ensure a fair, open, and accessible internet for all.

 

5)                Cybercrime Legislation: Laws and regulations are designed to combat cybercrimes, including hacking, fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. Many countries have specific legislation that criminalizes such activities and defines penalties.

6)                Content Regulation: There are efforts to regulate online content to curb hate speech, misinformation, and illegal activities on the internet. This includes laws addressing social media platforms' responsibilities in moderating content and ensuring a safe online environment.

 

7)                International Cooperation and Treaties: Nations collaborate through treaties and agreements to establish norms and rules for responsible behaviour in cyberspace. Examples include the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare.

 

8)                Net Neutrality: Policies and regulations aim to maintain a neutral and open internet,

 

 

preventing discrimination by internet service providers in terms of speed, access, or content delivery.

 

Regulating cyberspace is a complex task due to the borderless and rapidly evolving nature of the internet. Balancing security, privacy, innovation, and free expression remains a significant challenge in creating effective and globally accepted regulatory frameworks for the digital world.

 

 

Concept of Cybersecurity

 

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, damage, or theft. Its primary goal is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and computing resources. Key concepts within cybersecurity include:

 

1)                Confidentiality: Keeping sensitive information private and accessible only to authorized users or entities. This involves encryption, access controls, and secure communication protocols to prevent unauthorized access.

 

2)                Integrity: Ensuring that data remains accurate, complete, and trustworthy. Protection against unauthorized alterations, modifications, or corruption of data is critical for maintaining integrity.

 

3)                Availability: Ensuring that systems and information are accessible and usable when needed. Measures such as redundancy, backups, and robust infrastructure help prevent and mitigate service disruptions caused by cyber attacks or technical failures.

4)                Authentication and Access Control: Verifying the identity of users and entities attempting to access systems or data. Strong authentication methods like passwords, multi-factor authentication, and biometrics help control access and prevent unauthorized entry.

 

5)                Vulnerability Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities in systems and software. Regular updates, patches, and security measures help protect against known vulnerabilities.

 

6)                Threat Detection and Prevention: Using tools and technologies to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time. This includes intrusion detection systems, firewalls, antivirus software, and security monitoring to identify and thwart attacks.

 

7)                Incident Response: Developing plans and procedures to respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents when they occur. This involves containing the incident, minimizing damage, and restoring systems and services to normal operations.

 

8)                Security Awareness and Training: Educating users and employees about cybersecurity best practices, potential threats, and their roles in maintaining a secure computing environment. Human error is often a significant factor in cyber incidents, so awareness is crucial.

 

 

 

Cybersecurity is a dynamic field that continually evolves to counter new and sophisticated threats. It encompasses a range of technologies, processes, practices, and policies aimed at protecting information and systems from a broad spectrum of cyber risks in an interconnected and digitized world.

 

 

Types of Cybersecurity

 

1)                Network Security

 

2)                Endpoint Security

 

3)                Cloud Security

 

4)                Application Security

 

5)                Data Security

 

6)                Identify And Access Management (IAM)

 

7)                Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

 

8)                IoT Security

9)                Network Security: Focuses on securing the infrastructure and connections between devices and systems. It involves implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and other tools to protect networks from unauthorized access, attacks, and vulnerabilities.

 

10)        Endpoint Security: Centres on protecting individual devices (endpoints) like computers, laptops, mobile devices, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Endpoint security involves antivirus software, anti-malware tools, encryption, and access controls to safeguard these devices from threats.

 

11)        Cloud Security: Concentrates on securing data, applications, and infrastructure hosted in cloud environments. It involves ensuring proper access controls, data encryption, regular audits, and compliance with security best practices within cloud services.

 

12)        Application Security: Involves securing software and applications throughout the development lifecycle. It includes practices like secure coding, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and regular updates to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities in applications.

 

13)        Data Security: Focuses on protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, or corruption. Encryption, access controls, data masking, tokenization, and data loss prevention (DLP) technologies are used to secure data at rest, in transit, and during processing.

 

14)        Identity and Access Management (IAM): Manages and controls user access to systems and resources. IAM systems ensure that only authorized individuals have appropriate access to data and resources, employing techniques such as multi-factor authentication, least privilege access, and identity governance.

 

15)        Incident Response and Disaster Recovery: Involves preparing for and responding to cybersecurity incidents. It includes developing plans, procedures, and teams to detect, contain, mitigate, and recover from security breaches or cyber-attacks. Disaster recovery plans ensure business continuity after incidents.

 

16)        IoT Security: Focuses on securing the interconnected devices and systems in the Internet of Things ecosystem. IoT security addresses vulnerabilities in smart devices, sensors, and networks to prevent unauthorized access and potential exploitation.

Issues of Cybersecurity

 

1)                Data Breaches: Unauthorized access or theft of sensitive information from organizations, leading to the exposure of personal data, financial information, or intellectual property.

 

2)                Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Ransomware specifically encrypts files or systems, demanding payment for decryption.

 

3)                Phishing Attacks: Deceptive attempts to acquire sensitive information (such as usernames, passwords, or financial details) by posing as a trustworthy entity through emails, messages, or websites.

 

4)                Weak Authentication and Access Control: Inadequate or poorly implemented systems for user authentication, including weak passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, and improper access controls, which can lead to unauthorized access.

 

5)                IoT (Internet of Things) Vulnerabilities: Devices connected to the internet, such as smart home appliances, wearables, and industrial systems, may have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain access to networks or compromise user privacy.

 

6)                Insider Threats: Employees, contractors, or associates within an organization intentionally or unintentionally causing security breaches, whether through malicious actions or negligence.

 

7)                Lack of Security Updates and Patch Management: Failure to regularly update software and systems leaves them vulnerable to known exploits and vulnerabilities.

 

8)                Supply Chain Attacks: Cyberattacks targeting vulnerabilities in the supply chain, aiming to compromise software, hardware, or services that organizations rely on.

 

9)                Regulatory and Compliance Challenges: Adhering to various cybersecurity regulations and compliance standards, which vary across industries and regions, can be challenging for organizations.

 

10)        Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: There is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, making it difficult for organizations to find and retain talent to protect against evolving threats.

 

11)        Emerging Technologies and Threats: Rapid advancements in technologies like AI, machine learning, and quantum computing bring new security challenges as cyber threats evolve alongside these innovations.

Challenges of Cybersecurity

 

1)                Sophisticated Cyber Threats: The rapid evolution of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs), poses significant challenges for cybersecurity professionals. Cybercriminals continuously develop more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attack methods.

 

2)                Shortage of Skilled Professionals: There's a global shortage of cybersecurity experts and professionals. The demand for skilled individuals who can combat cyber threats surpasses the available workforce, creating a significant skills gap in the industry.

 

3)                Complexity of IT Environments: Increasingly complex IT infrastructures, including hybrid cloud environments, IoT devices, interconnected systems, and diverse networks, make it challenging to implement consistent and comprehensive security measures across all components.

 

4)                Vulnerabilities in Software and Systems: The discovery of software vulnerabilities and weaknesses, especially in widely used applications and systems, poses a continuous challenge. Patching and securing these vulnerabilities before exploitation by threat actors are critical yet demanding tasks.

 

5)                Lack of Security Awareness: Human error remains a major contributor to cybersecurity incidents. A lack of awareness among employees and individuals about cybersecurity best practices, including phishing awareness and proper password management, can lead to vulnerabilities.

 

6)                Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of various cybersecurity regulations and standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS) is challenging for organizations. Compliance often demands substantial resources and effort to ensure adherence to specific security measures and protocols.

 

7)                Privacy Concerns: Safeguarding user privacy while collecting, storing, and processing data is a persistent challenge. Balancing the need for data collection with privacy regulations and ethical considerations presents a complex dilemma.

 

8)                Supply Chain Risks: Dependencies on third-party vendors, suppliers, and interconnected supply chains create vulnerabilities. Cyber-attacks targeting supply chains can have far-reaching consequences and require robust security measures across the entire ecosystem.

9)                Rapidly Changing Technology: The pace of technological advancement outstrips security measures. New technologies like AI, IoT, cloud computing, and quantum computing introduce novel attack surfaces that demand proactive security measures to protect against emerging threats.

 

10)        Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: The cybersecurity of critical infrastructure sectors (energy, healthcare, transportation, etc.) is a growing concern. Attacks targeting these sectors could have severe societal and economic impacts.