Social Implications

Question 1

Give TWO ways of reducing the possible negative impact of ICTs on the environment

Answer 1

(1) Recycle/Reuse old computers/devices/parts
(2) Buy energy efficient hardware
(3) Switch off computers when not in use
(4) Proofread before printing/Print on both sides of the paper/Print 2 pages per sheet/Print in draft/eco-mode
(5) Adjust device settings to use less energy, etc.

Question 2

Explain TWO dangers of sharing your location online

Answer 2

(1) You could be spammed with location-based advertising
(2) You could be stalked and harassed
(3) Criminals could target your premises while you are away

Question 3

What can you do to prevent the spread of fake news when using social media?

Answer 3

(1) Verify the authority of the source/content/Check the facts
(2) Do not forward messages that are emotionally charged/not confirmed/seems too good to be true
(3) Educate people about fake news
(4) Report fake news

Question 4

Discuss TWO consequences for victims of identity theft

Answer 4

(1) Others will have access to bank accounts and steal your funds
(2) Financial implications, e.g. others are able to take out loans in your name that you will have to repay/You may be blacklisted
(3) Reputational damage/Emotional distress as a result of being a victim of identity theft
(4) Others can impersonate you so that they can commit fraud/to commit criminal activity

Question 5

Why is a screen lock pattern on a computing device generally considered less secure than a strong password?

Answer 5

(1) Easier to trace the pattern by following the marks (residue) that your fingers have left on the screen
(2) Easy for someone to see if they are looking over your shoulder
(3) There are a limited number of patterns available/Strong passwords require alphabetical characters, digits and other characters (symbols) offering more combinations

Question 6

Give TWO recommendations to prevent ransomware attacks

Answer 6

(1) Update all software
(2) Install and update antivirus/anti-ransomware software
(3) Do not click on links in pop-up windows or phishing e-mails/Spam filtering for less exposure to adware
(4) Implement advanced security measures on the network

Question 7

What is the difference between a bot and a zombie?

Answer 7

A bot is software/application used to automate certain tasks and actions

A zombie is an infected computer that has been taken over/is remotely controlled

Question 8

Explain why users may not realise when they are victims of a spoofing attack

Answer 8

The e-mail address appears to be valid

Question 9

Give TWO reasons why DDoS attacks are harmful

Answer 9

1) Legitimate users are not able to use the website/service/internet
2) Website/Company can lose income
3) Reputational damage done to the company

Question 10

Discuss the risk of posting videos that you made on social media platforms (such as TikTok or Instagram)

Answer 10

1) Others can use and share your content as if it belongs to them/identify theft
2) You may become a victim of stalking/phishing/cyberbullying
3) Agreement may state that you have transferred the ownership of your content to that platform
4) Consequences such as legal liability/harming minors and others
5) Disadvantaging yourself on a social/professional level

Question 11

Give TWO ways to reduce the risk of your computer getting infected by a virus, other than installing an antivirus program or keeping software up to date

Answer 11

1) Do not click on links/attachments in suspicious e-mails or websites
2) Do not use pirated/cracked software
3) Only download files from safe sources
4) Use a browser known for good security e.g. Firefox/Pop-up blocker
5) Minimise use of untrustworthy/external media to transfer data
6) Scan external media before data transfer

Question 12

Give TWO examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be useful in a school environment

Answer 12

1) Educational apps to personalise learning experience
2) Digital classroom assistant can help with internet research
3) Facial recognition on CCTV can assist with better management of the school disciplinary system
4) Automated management of attendance using data gathered from CCTV and fingerprint scanners
5) Analysis of trends based on data gathered by sensors such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanners, regarding attendance of school functions, academic performance, etc.

Question 13

Give an example of a product that is considered to be intellectual property

Answer 13

1) Music
2) Software
3) Art
4) Books
5) Design/Industrial design
6) Podcast

Question 14

Give TWO guidelines that can be found in a school’s BYOD policy

Answer 14

1) Install an antivirus program
2) Use legal/approved software
3) Do not store sensitive/personal information
4) School has the right to install software on your device
5) Limitation placed on data usage

Question 15

Explain TWO ways to protect your privacy when using the internet through a public hotspot

Answer 15

1) Do not perform financial transactions
2) Do not give out/enter personal information/Do not share data over network
3) Do not login to any apps that have your sensitive information
4) Ensure that nobody is looking at your screen/shoulder surfing
5) Use a VPN/Incognito mode

Question 15

Suggest TWO ways in which to prevent computer hardware theft in schools

Answer 15

1) Install security gates and burglar bars
2) Limit access/employ security companies/guards
3) Install security cameras
4) Install alarm systems
5) Biometric security for entry into the computer lab
6) Place devices in a strong room/safe

Question 16

Give ONE reason why some companies may NOT allow their employees to telecommute

Answer 16

1) Security of sensitive information
2) Cannot easily measure their performance/productivity when employees are not in the office/Too many distractions at home
3) Costly to set up work infrastructure/resources at the office and at the homes of employees
4) Job description requires physical presence
5) Eliminate professional isolation/Encourages teamwork

Question 17

Discuss TWO negative effects a user can experience if he/she overuses social media

Answer 17

1) Lack of social interaction/Person becomes anti-social
2) Can become addicted to social media/Neglects important work
3) Addictive behaviour can lead to depression/Body dysmorphia
4) Could affect the normal development of children/Could lead to low self-esteem
5) High data usage may lead to financial strain
6) More likely to become a victim of online harassment/cyberbullying, etc.

Question 18

Give the term for a type of malware designed to encrypt or block access to your computer system and files until you pay a sum of money

Answer 18

Ransomware

Question 19

Why do recruitment agencies check the social media accounts of jobseekers?

Answer 19

(1) To check a jobseeker’s work or study history/track record
(2) To confirm evidence of claims made on the job-seeker’s CVs
(3) To do a background check on the type of character and social activity of the job-seeker

Question 20

Some free apps are not really free

Give ONE reason to support the statement above

Answer 20

(1) The apps generate an income through advertising
(2) The apps sometimes ask users to pay to activate additional features/In-app purchases
(3) Could be for a trial period after which payment is expected

Question 21

Explain how user-centred design (UCD) can be applied when creating an electronic form that will be used by partially sighted people

Answer 21

(1) Text should be larger
(2) Images or illustrations should be large enough and clear
(3) Layout and structure of the form should be well spaced and user friendly
(4) Consistent use of styles and sequence of objects for a text reader
(5) Add alternative text to explain the content of images
(6) Use a high display contrast between foreground and background colours
(7) Add custom sounds/voice prompts

Question 22

Give TWO measures to prevent cyber criminals from accessing a computer system

Answer 22

(1) Use a firewall/antivirus
(2) Use (strong) passwords/Use a password manager
(3) Never share passwords/personal details with others
(4) Use biometric security
(5) Run regular updates to fix software vulnerabilities