ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 Definitions Worksheet: Networks and Cyber Threats and Digital Footprints and Data Minimisation (Modules 696–726)
Name:
Date:
Class:
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
substitution cipher
2
transposition cipher
3
keep the key secret
4
weak cipher
5
plaintext + key = ciphertext
6
layered security
7
apply protections
8
awareness message
9
digital reputation
10
server log
Answer Key
ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 · Modules 696–726 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1substitution cipher — A cipher that swaps each letter for a different letter or symbol using a key table, like a scrambled alphabet. It is not a simple shift, and the table is used in reverse to decrypt.
2transposition cipher — A cipher that keeps the same letters but rearranges their order by a rule, like writing them in a zigzag on two rails and reading off the rows.
3keep the key secret — Encryption is only as strong as its key. Never send the key with the message, share it in person or by another channel, and change it if it may have leaked.
4weak cipher — A cipher with few keys and letter patterns that show through, so a computer can break it fast. Modern encryption uses huge keys and complex steps. A Caesar cipher has only 25 keys.
5plaintext + key = ciphertext — A clear explanation names the plaintext, the key and the ciphertext in order, then says why it keeps data private using because: only someone with the key can read it.
6layered security — Using several protections together, such as a strong passphrase, MFA, updates and encryption, so if one fails the others still keep your account and data safe.
7apply protections — Read a scenario, name the threat, explain how it works, then suggest measures like MFA or encryption and say why they reduce the harm.
8awareness message — A poster, infographic or short video that tells an audience how to spot one cyber threat and what to do about it. It uses one clear message and is fact-checked before it is shared.
9digital reputation — The impression other people form of you from the data in your digital footprint, such as posts, photos and comments that show up when someone searches your name.
10server log — A record a web server makes for every visit, such as the IP address, device type, time and pages viewed, even when the visitor types nothing in.