Entry 10 - Cybersecurity

What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity or computer security is "the protection of computer systems from theft or damage to the hardware, software or the information on them, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide" (Wikipedia). Cybersecurity has become more important as the Internet has become more widespread. Currently, most electronic equipment, like computers, laptops, and smartphones, comes equip with a built-in security system. However, these security systems are not 100 percent accurate as there are ways to get around them. It is important for cybersecurity systems to improve as more tasks are being completed through computers.

How this relates to Computer Science
Cybersecurity works in many different ways depending on what specifically is being protected. For example, the process of encryption is used to hide sensitive information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, personal details, etc. Encryption encodes information so that only the person can decode it. Another type of security is firewalls. Firewalls generally come with electronic devices and are used to monitor network traffic based on built-in security rules. Firewalls can be built into either the software or hardware and determine if networks can be trusted. Although there are different methods in order to keep computers and information safe, all cybersecurity is dependent on algorithms. The algorithms help determine if sites and networks are safe as well as encode information to keep it safe from outside threats.

References
1. Tyson, Jeff. "How Encryption Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., 06 Apr. 2001. Web.
2. "Computer Security." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
3. "Firewall." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.

Entry 9 - Computer Graphics

What are Computer Graphics?
Computer graphics are "pictures and films created by using computers" (Wikipedia). Computer graphics are known for being used in animation, movies, advertising, video games, and graphic design. Computer graphics is a relatively new aspect of computer science and is becoming more advanced as technology improves. A specific type of computer graphics is CGI or computer genereated imagery. CGI is "the application of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, films, television programs, shorts, commercials, videos, and simulators" (Wikipedia). CGI has been used to create widely popular movies, like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, as well as video games, like Grand Theft Auto.

How this relates to Computer Science
Computer graphics are related to computer science because its existence is entirely dependent on computers. Computer graphics are based off of digital images that provide the illusion of movement. In order to create computer graphics, specialized hardware and software is needed. The software allows for models to be created and programmed to act accordingly. For example, if an animal is being created, the software allows the user to program the graphics to act and move like that specific animal. All graphics rely on algorithms that effect the frame rate and make it appear as though the image is moving.

References
1. "Computer Graphics."Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
2. "Computer-generated Imagery." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.