Hotspot, Broadband, Digital Payments & Cybersecurity Terms

1. Hotspot and Broadband (with Examples)

• Hotspot: A hotspot is a wireless access point created using a mobile phone or router to share internet access over Wi-Fi¹. It allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously². For example, turning on the hotspot on a smartphone enables a laptop to access the internet³.
• Broadband: Broadband refers to high-speed, always-on internet delivered through DSL, fiber optics, or cable networks⁴. It supports activities like streaming, online classes, and gaming⁵. Examples include Airtel Xstream Fiber and Jio Fiber services provided for homes and offices⁶.

2. ISP and Its Role

ISP (Internet Service Provider): An ISP is a company that supplies internet connectivity to users⁷. The ISP assigns IP addresses to devices, maintains network infrastructure, and ensures stable and secure internet access⁸. It also provides services like email, web hosting, DNS resolution, and customer support⁹. Examples of ISPs in India include Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and ACT Fibernet¹⁰. ISPs act as a bridge between users and the global internet¹¹.

3. Internet Banking and e-Wallets

Internet Banking: Internet banking enables customers to access banking services through a bank's website or mobile app¹². It supports fund transfers, mini statements, tax payments, and online bill payments without visiting a branch¹³.

e-Wallets: e-Wallets are digital applications that store money electronically and allow quick payments using a mobile device¹⁴. Popular e-wallets like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay simplify bill payments, mobile recharges, and online shopping¹⁵. Both tools promote digital transactions and financial convenience¹⁶.

4. QR Code

QR Code (Quick Response Code): A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information such as URLs, product details, or payment data¹⁷. When scanned using a smartphone camera or QR scanner, it quickly redirects users to the stored information¹⁸. QR codes are widely used for UPI payments (Scan & Pay), downloading applications, verifying product authenticity, and contactless menus in restaurants¹⁹. They ensure speed, accuracy, and ease of access²⁰.

5. Netiquettes with Examples

Netiquettes are rules of acceptable behavior while using the internet aimed at promoting courtesy, respect, and responsible communication in digital spaces²¹.

Examples of netiquettes include:

• Not using abusive or offensive language in comments or chats²².
• Avoiding the spread of fake news or unverified information²³.
• Respecting others' privacy by not sharing images or messages without permission²⁴.
• Writing emails politely with proper subject lines²⁵.

Following netiquettes ensures a safe and respectful online environment²⁶.

6. E‑Governance with Examples

E‑governance refers to the delivery of government services through electronic means to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility²⁷.

Example 1 (IRCTC Railway Reservation): Citizens can book train tickets, check schedules, and cancel bookings online²⁸.

Example 2 (Passport Seva Portal): Applicants can apply for a passport, schedule appointments, and track application status online²⁹. E‑governance reduces paperwork, travel, and time required for accessing public services³⁰.

7. Common Cybercrimes in India

Common cybercrimes include:

• Phishing: Fraudulent emails or messages that trick users into revealing passwords or bank details³¹.
• Cyberbullying: Sending threatening or insulting messages through social media³².
• Ransomware Attack: Malware that encrypts user data and demands money for recovery³³.
• Online Financial Fraud: Unauthorized UPI or card transactions done without the user's knowledge³⁴.

These cybercrimes affect individuals' privacy, finances, and mental well‑being and require strong cyber hygiene practices³⁵.

8. Cybercrimes Against Women and Children

Against Women: Women often face cyberstalking, where offenders repeatedly harass them through messages or calls³⁶. Morphing involves editing photographs to create fake or inappropriate images³⁷. Online harassment includes abusive comments, threats, or blackmail on social media³⁸.

Against Children: Children face threats like online grooming, where criminals manipulate them through gaming or chat apps, and child pornography, which is strictly illegal³⁹. These crimes have serious psychological and legal implications⁴⁰.

9. RTGS vs NEFT

RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement): Transfers funds immediately in real time⁴¹. It is used for large-value transactions (above 2 lakh)⁴². It settles each transaction individually and is faster but may involve higher charges⁴³.

NEFT (National Electronic Fund Transfer): Works on half-hourly batch settlement⁴⁴. There is no minimum transaction limit⁴⁵. It is slower compared to RTGS and widely used for regular payments and transfers⁴⁶.

10. IMPS vs NEFT

IMPS: Provides instant, real-time fund transfers⁴⁷. It is available 24×7, including holidays, and is ideal for small to medium payments⁴⁸. It works via mobile number, MMID, or UPI⁴⁹.

NEFT: Uses batch-based settlement and is slower compared to IMPS⁵⁰. It requires bank account details and is suitable for scheduled or regular payments⁵¹.

11. AEPS and Its Use Cases

AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System): AEPS allows banking transactions using an Aadhaar number and biometric authentication⁵². It is useful for rural areas with limited banking facilities⁵³.

• Use Cases: Cash withdrawal through micro-ATMs⁵⁴.
• Balance inquiry using Aadhaar authentication⁵⁵.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) withdrawals such as pensions or subsidies⁵⁶.

AEPS promotes financial inclusion by enabling banking without cards or smartphones⁵⁷.

12. USSD and Its Use Cases

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data): USSD is a mobile-based banking service accessed by dialing *99# that works without internet connectivity⁵⁸.

• Use Cases: Checking bank account balance⁵⁹.
• Transferring money using UPI over USSD⁶⁰.
• Mini statements and fund requests⁶¹.

USSD helps users without smartphones or internet access perform basic banking functions⁶².

13. MAC Address and Uses

A MAC Address (Media Access Control Address) is a unique hardware identifier assigned to the network interface card (NIC) of a device⁶³. It is permanent and embedded by the manufacturer⁶⁴.

• Uses: Helps identify devices in a local network⁶⁵.
• Enables MAC filtering in routers to allow or block devices⁶⁶.
• Assists in network troubleshooting and monitoring⁶⁷.

MAC addresses ensure secure and efficient communication within local networks⁶⁸.

14. IP Address and Its Types

An IP Address is a numerical label assigned to a device connected to a network for identification and communication⁶⁹.

• Types: IPv4: 32-bit address such as 192.168.1.1, widely used⁷⁰.
• IPv6: 128-bit address such as 2001:db8::1, designed to overcome IPv4 limitations⁷¹.

IP addresses help route data packets from source to destination⁷².

15. UPI and Its Features

UPI (Unified Payment Interface): UPI is a real-time digital payment system managed by NPCI that links multiple bank accounts into a single mobile app⁷³.

• Features: Instant money transfer 24×7⁷⁴.
• QR-based merchant payments⁷⁵.
• Uses UPI ID instead of bank details⁷⁶.
• Supports bill payments, recharges, and person-to-person transfers⁷⁷.

UPI has transformed digital payments in India due to its speed and convenience⁷⁸.

16. OTP and Its Importance

OTP (One-Time Password): An OTP is a temporary numeric code used for user authentication during online transactions or logins⁷⁹.

• Importance: Prevents unauthorized access even if the password is compromised⁸⁰.
• Adds an extra layer of security for banking and e-commerce⁸¹.
• Reduces chances of fraud and identity theft⁸².
• OTPs expire quickly, making them safe and reliable for verification⁸³.

17. Malware and Ransomware

• Malware: Refers to malicious software created to harm, steal, or damage data, including viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware⁸⁴.
• Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts user data and demands payment to restore access⁸⁵. It spreads through phishing emails or unsafe downloads⁸⁶. Examples include WannaCry and Locky ransomware attacks⁸⁷. Ransomware disrupts businesses and causes financial loss⁸⁸.

18. Blogs and Their Uses

A blog is an online platform where individuals or organizations publish articles (posts) on various topics such as education, technology, cooking, or travel⁸⁹.

• Uses: Sharing knowledge or personal opinions⁹⁰.
• Providing tutorials and educational content⁹¹.
• Publishing reviews of products or services⁹².
• Creating personal branding or business marketing⁹³.

Blogs promote communication, creativity, and information sharing⁹⁴.

19. Point of Sale (PoS) Example

A PoS (Point of Sale) device is used for electronic payments in shops or retail counters⁹⁵. It reads card details through swiping, inserting, or tapping⁹⁶.

For example, when a customer pays using a debit card at a supermarket, the PoS machine processes the transaction and generates a receipt⁹⁷. PoS devices support card, UPI, and wallet payments, making transactions quick and secure⁹⁸.

20. IMEI and Its Uses

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that identifies every mobile handset⁹⁹.

• Uses: Helps track lost or stolen phones by police or service providers¹⁰⁰.
• Prevents misuse of stolen devices by blocking their network access¹⁰¹.
• Assists in device warranty verification¹⁰².

IMEI enhances mobile security and helps in law enforcement¹⁰³.

21. Cloud Computing Example

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computing resources like servers, databases, and storage over the internet¹⁰⁴.

Example: Google Drive allows users to store documents online, access them anywhere, and share files easily¹⁰⁵. Cloud computing reduces hardware costs, supports remote work, and ensures automatic backups¹⁰⁶.

22. Virtual Reality and Applications

Virtual Reality (VR) creates an immersive, computer-generated environment that users can interact with using VR headsets¹⁰⁷.

Applications:

• Education: Medical students practicing surgeries¹⁰⁸.
• Gaming: Fully immersive 3D games¹⁰⁹.
• Training: Military and pilot training simulations¹¹⁰.

VR enhances learning and entertainment through realistic simulations¹¹¹.

23. Big Data Analytics and Uses

Big Data Analytics involves collecting, processing, and analyzing huge volumes of structured and unstructured data to find patterns and support decision-making¹¹².

Applications:

• E-commerce platforms use it to recommend products¹¹³.
• Banks detect fraud through transaction analysis¹¹⁴.
• Healthcare predicts disease outbreaks using patient data¹¹⁵.

Big data helps organizations improve efficiency and customer experience¹¹⁶.

24. e-Wallets and Online Bill Payment

e-Wallets: Store money digitally and allow payments through mobile apps without using physical cash or cards. Examples include Paytm, Amazon Pay, and PhonePe¹¹⁸.

Online Bill Payment: Enables users to pay electricity, water, DTH, and mobile bills through apps or websites¹¹⁹. It saves time, avoids queues, and provides instant receipts¹²⁰. Together, they promote digital transactions and financial convenience¹²¹.