Years 7–8 Digital Systems Definitions Worksheet: Data transmission and network security and Account security and cyber threats (Modules 26–74)
Name:
Date:
Class:
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Key terms
Write what each term means, in your own words.
1
wired vs wireless
2
Wi-Fi range
3
HTTPS
4
WPA3
5
data breach
6
authentication factor
7
MFA methods
8
second factor
9
MFA fatigue
10
phishing red flags
11
Misleading link
12
smishing and vishing
13
social engineering
14
Respond to a compromise
Answer Key
Years 7–8 Digital Systems · Modules 26–74 · Student wording will vary for definitions
1wired vs wireless — Wired links are usually faster, more reliable and more secure. Wireless links are more mobile and convenient. Choose the one that best suits the situation.
2Wi-Fi range — How far a Wi-Fi signal reaches. It gets weaker with distance and walls, and interference from other devices on crowded channels can slow or drop your connection.
3HTTPS — A secure way for your browser to talk to a website. It encrypts the data you send and receive, and shows https:// and a padlock in the address bar. A padlock does not prove a site is trustworthy.
4WPA3 — The newest Wi-Fi security standard. With a strong password it scrambles data in the air so outsiders can't read it. WPA2 is the older version. Open networks have no protection at all.
5data breach — When attackers get into an organisation's stored data, such as usernames and passwords. Find out through alerts, then change your password and turn on MFA.
6authentication factor — A type of proof that you are who you say you are: something you know (password, PIN), something you have (phone, key), or something you are (fingerprint, face).
7MFA methods — Ways to prove it's you: an SMS code, an authenticator app, a biometric like a fingerprint, or a physical security key. They differ in how easy they are to use and how strong they are.
8second factor — An extra proof of identity, like a code from your phone, needed after the password. A thief with only your stolen password can't log in without it.
9MFA fatigue — A trick where a scammer spams you with login prompts hoping you approve one, or talks you into sharing your code. Never share codes, never approve prompts you didn't start, and report them.
10phishing red flags — Warning signs that a message is a scam: an odd sender address, urgent or threatening tone, a generic greeting like 'Dear user', spelling errors, or requests for your details.
11Misleading link — A link whose shown text hides a different real web address. Hover to check the address before you click or log in, watch for look-alike names, or type the address yourself.
12smishing and vishing — Smishing is phishing by text message and vishing is phishing by phone call. Examples are a fake delivery text or a fake bank call that tries to trick you into sharing private details.
13social engineering — Tricking people, instead of hacking systems, into giving away access or information, often by pretending to be someone trusted or creating urgency. Phishing is one type.
14Respond to a compromise — If an account or device may be hacked, act fast: tell a trusted adult, change the password, turn on MFA and check for odd activity. Also report phishing, change shared passwords and scan for malware.