CBSE Class 10 Foundation of Information Technology NCERT Solutions: Chapter 9 Societal Impacts of IT

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter, "Societal Impacts of IT," for CBSE Class 10 Foundation of Information Technology, delves into critical aspects of how Information Technology affects society. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations for concepts such as computer viruses, their types, and common attack forms like worms and Trojan horses. It also covers essential security measures including antivirus software, hacking, data backup strategies (full and differential), encryption for secure data transmission, and the role of digital signatures and certificates in ensuring data integrity and authentication. Understanding these topics is crucial for navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. These solutions are designed to help students grasp complex IT concepts, prepare effectively for their exams, and build a strong foundation in information technology. These solutions offer detailed explanations and step-by-step guidance, making them an invaluable resource for revision and exam preparation. Students can use them to clarify doubts, reinforce their understanding of key terms and processes, and practice answering questions related to the societal impacts of IT, ensuring they are well-prepared for their board examinations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	Foundation of Information Technology
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	9. Societal Impacts of IT

Chapter summary

Chapter 9, "Societal Impacts of IT," for Class 10 Foundation of Information Technology, focuses on the essential security and ethical considerations surrounding IT usage. The NCERT Solutions cover definitions and types of computer viruses, common virus attacks, and the function of antivirus software. It also explains hacking, the importance and methods of data backup, data encryption, and the role of digital signatures and certificates in online security. The solutions address practical aspects like backing up open files and the shortcomings of online purchases, providing a well-rounded view of IT's societal implications.

Learning outcomes

Understand the definition and types of computer viruses.
Identify different forms of virus attacks and examples of worms.
Explain the concept and purpose of antivirus software.
Define hacking and its implications.
Understand the process and importance of data backup.
Explain data encryption and its role in network security.
Recognize the function of digital signatures and certificates for data integrity and authentication.
Identify potential shortcomings of online purchases.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Computer Viruses
Types of Viruses
Virus Attacks (Worms, Trojan Horse)
Antivirus Software
Hacking
Denial of Service Attack
Data Backup
Full Backup
Differential Backup
Data Encryption
Digital Signature
Online Security Measures

Important topics

Computer Viruses and Malware
Antivirus Software Functionality
Data Backup Strategies
Data Encryption and Network Security
Digital Signatures and Authentication
Hacking and Denial of Service Attacks

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Define virus.

Solution: A computer virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that, upon entering a computer system, has the capability to create multiple copies of itself. Once active, it can cause harm by corrupting essential executable files and the data stored in folders on the computer.

Question 2

List the different types of computer viruses.

Solution: The different types of computer viruses include:

File system viruses: These viruses infect executable files (.exe, .com) and other program files.
Boot sector viruses: These viruses infect the boot records of storage devices (like hard drives or floppy disks), executing when the system boots up.
Macro viruses: These viruses are written in macro languages and infect documents or data files that support macros, executing when the file is opened and the macro is run.

Question 3

Name some forms of virus attacks.

Solution: Some common forms of virus attacks include:

Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads across networks.
Trojan horse: Malware disguised as legitimate software to trick users into installing it.
Computer Virus: Malicious code that attaches itself to legitimate programs and spreads when they are executed.

Question 4

Give some examples of computer worms.

Solution: Some well-known examples of computer worms that have caused significant disruption include MS-Blaster, Melissa worm, and SQL Slammer worm.

Question 5

Explain denial of service attack.

Solution: A denial of service (DoS) attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of internet traffic. The primary goal is to consume all the available resources of the computer or network, making it inaccessible to legitimate users.

Question 6

What is used to identify, prevent and take action against malicious programs, such as viruses and worms, by deactivating or deleting them?

Solution: Antivirus software is the tool used to identify, prevent, and take action against malicious programs like viruses and worms. It works by scanning files and system processes, detecting threats, and then deactivating or deleting them to protect the computer system.

Question 7

Describe hacking.

Solution: Hacking refers to the unauthorized access to or manipulation of computer systems or networks. It involves modifying the features or functionalities of a system to achieve a purpose that was not intended by its original creators, often for malicious or exploratory reasons.

Question 8

What is the meaning of backup?

Solution: A backup is the process of creating a duplicate copy of your important data, such as files, folders, or entire system configurations. This extra copy is then stored in a separate, secure location, either on another part of the computer or on an external storage device, to ensure data can be restored in case of loss or corruption.

Question 9

What are the types of data backup?

Solution: There are primarily two main types of data backup:

Full backup: This type of backup copies all selected data. It is comprehensive but takes the longest time and requires the most storage space.
Differential backup: This backup copies only the data that has changed since the last full backup. It is faster than a full backup and requires less space, but restoring data requires the last full backup and the latest differential backup.

Question 10

Can you back up the files while your computer is running?

Solution: Yes, modern backup software and operating systems allow for the safe backup of open files and running programs. This feature, often called "hot backup" or "online backup," ensures that data is captured even if the files are currently in use.

Question 11

What is encryption of data?

Solution: Encryption of data is the process of converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable, coded format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and a key. This is done to protect sensitive information, ensuring that even if data is intercepted during transmission over networks, it cannot be understood without the correct decryption key.

Question 12

A digital signature is issued by which organisation?

Solution: A digital signature is typically issued by a trusted third-party organization known as a Certification Authority (CA). The CA verifies the identity of the individual or entity requesting the signature before issuing the digital certificate that enables it.

Question 13

Name two other means of online security measures.

Solution: Two other important means of online security measures are:

Digital certificate: A digital file that cryptographically binds a public key with an identity, used to verify the authenticity of a website or individual.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols: These protocols encrypt communication between a web browser and a server, ensuring secure data transfer.

Question 14

Which security provision is used to ensure data integrity and authentication?

Solution: A digital signature is a crucial security provision used to ensure both data integrity and authentication. It confirms that the data has not been altered since it was signed (integrity) and verifies the identity of the sender (authentication).

Question 15

Give any two shortcomings of online purchase.

Solution: Two common shortcomings of online purchases are:

Inability to physically inspect the product before buying: Customers cannot touch, feel, or try on items, leading to potential dissatisfaction with quality, size, or appearance.
Risk of security breaches and fraud: Online transactions involve sharing personal and financial information, which can be vulnerable to theft or misuse if the platform is not secure or if the user falls victim to phishing scams.

Common mistakes

Confusing viruses with worms or other malware.
Underestimating the importance of regular data backups.
Not understanding the purpose of encryption for secure data transmission.
Lack of awareness about the risks associated with online transactions.
Misunderstanding the role of digital signatures in verifying authenticity.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the definitions and examples provided for each type of malware.
Create a checklist of security measures discussed, like antivirus, encryption, and backups.
Practice explaining concepts like hacking and denial of service attacks in your own words.
Review the differences between full and differential backups.
Pay attention to the specific security provisions mentioned for data integrity and authentication.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary function of antivirus software?

Q2. Which of the following is a type of computer virus attack?

Q3. What is the process of making an extra copy of data and storing it elsewhere called?

Q4. Which security provision ensures data integrity and authentication?

Q5. What is the main characteristic of a denial of service attack?

Frequently asked questions

What is a computer virus according to the NCERT solutions?

A computer virus is defined as a harmful program that replicates itself upon entering a computer, subsequently corrupting executable files and folders.

What are the main types of computer viruses mentioned?

The solutions list file system viruses, boot sector viruses, and macro viruses as different types of computer viruses.

How does antivirus software help protect a computer?

Antivirus software identifies, prevents, and takes action against malicious programs like viruses and worms by deactivating or deleting them.

What is the purpose of data backup?

Data backup is the process of creating an extra copy of data and storing it in a different location to prevent data loss in case of system failure or corruption.

What is encryption of data?

Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an encoded format, typically for secure transmission over networks, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties.

Which security provision ensures data integrity and authentication?

A digital signature is used to ensure data integrity and authentication, verifying that the data has not been tampered with and confirming the sender's identity.

Can open files be backed up while the computer is running?

Yes, it is possible to safely back up open files and programs even while they are running.

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