Important 100 MCQs Mastery On Cybersecurity
Enhance your understanding of Cybersecurity with mastery over 100 important multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Explore key concepts, threat vectors, and defense mechanisms through comprehensive questions and detailed explanations.
Elevate your cybersecurity knowledge and proficiency with this essential resource.
What is the primary goal of a firewall in a network?
A. To prevent unauthorized access to the network
B. To encrypt data transmitted over the network
C. To optimize network performance
D. To detect and remove malware from the network
Answer: A
Explanation: A firewall acts as a barrier between a private internal network and external networks, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to the network by monitoring and blocking potentially malicious or unauthorized connections.
What is the purpose of encryption in cybersecurity?
A. To protect data from unauthorized access
B. To increase network speed
C. To block malicious websites
D. To monitor network traffic
Answer: A
Explanation: Encryption is the process of converting data into a form that cannot be easily understood or accessed by unauthorized individuals. It ensures data confidentiality by encoding information, making it unreadable unless decrypted with the correct encryption key.
Encryption is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data during transmission or storage, providing an additional layer of protection against potential security breaches.
What does the term “phishing” refer to in cybersecurity?
A. A social engineering technique to gain unauthorized access to a network
B. A type of malware that spreads through email attachments
C. A method to encrypt data during transmission
D. A technique to detect vulnerabilities in a system
Answer: A
Explanation: Phishing is a malicious activity in which attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions. Typically, phishing attacks occur via emails, messages, or websites that mimic trusted organizations, aiming to deceive users into sharing passwords, financial details, or other confidential data. Successful phishing attempts can lead to unauthorized access to networks, compromising data security.
What is the purpose of antivirus software?
A. To protect against phishing attacks
B. To identify and remove malware from a computer
C. To secure wireless networks
D. To encrypt sensitive files
Answer: B
Explanation: Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove various types of malicious software, commonly known as malware, from a computer system. It scans files, programs, and incoming network traffic to identify potential threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware. Once detected, the antivirus software takes appropriate actions to quarantine or remove the malware, protecting the computer and its data from potential harm.
What does the term “zero-day vulnerability” mean in cybersecurity?
A. A vulnerability that has never been discovered before
B. A vulnerability that affects zero systems
C. A vulnerability that has no impact on cybersecurity
D. A vulnerability that remains unpatched by the software vendor
Answer: A
Explanation: A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw or weakness in a software application or system that is unknown to its vendor or the public. It is called “zero-day” because developers have had zero days to patch or fix the vulnerability.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they can be exploited by attackers before the software vendor becomes aware of the issue, making it challenging to defend against such attacks.
What is the purpose of a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?
A. To block malicious websites
B. To encrypt network traffic for secure communication
C. To detect and remove viruses from a network
D. To monitor network activity
Answer: B
Explanation: A VPN is a network technology that allows users to create a secure and private connection over a public network, such as the internet. It encrypts the data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server, ensuring that even if intercepted, the information remains unreadable to unauthorized individuals. VPNs are commonly used to protect sensitive data, bypass geo-restrictions, and enhance privacy while accessing the internet.
What is the main purpose of multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
A. To prevent physical theft of devices
B. To verify the identity of a user using multiple credentials
C. To encrypt data during transmission
D. To block spam emails
Answer: B
Explanation: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification or credentials to access a system or application.
It typically combines something the user knows (e.g., a password), something the user has (e.g., a mobile device or smart card), and something the user is (e.g., a fingerprint or face recognition).
MFA adds an extra layer of security by making it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access even if they obtain one factor of authentication.
What is the purpose of a penetration test in cybersecurity?
A. To remove malware from a system
B. To evaluate the strength of an organization’s security defenses
C. To encrypt sensitive data stored on a network
D. To monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
Answer: B
Explanation: A penetration test, also known as a pen test or ethical hacking, is a simulated cyber attack on a system or network conducted by security professionals. The purpose is to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential entry points that attackers could exploit.
By conducting a pen test, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their security controls, detect any weaknesses or gaps, and take appropriate measures to strengthen their defenses.
What is the term used to describe a malicious software that disguises itself as a legitimate program?
A. Trojan horse
B. Firewall
C. Worm
D. Spyware
Answer: A
Explanation: A Trojan horse, or simply a Trojan, is a type of malicious software that appears to be legitimate or useful but actually contains hidden malicious functionality.
Trojans often trick users into executing or installing them, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s computer, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious actions. Unlike viruses or worms, Trojans do not self-replicate.
What is the purpose of a security patch in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt data during transmission
B. To fix a software vulnerability or weakness
C. To block malicious websites
D. To detect and remove malware from a system
Answer: B
Explanation: A security patch is a software update released by a vendor to fix vulnerabilities or weaknesses identified in their software. These vulnerabilities may allow attackers to exploit the system or gain unauthorized access.
By applying security patches, users can protect their systems from known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of security breaches. It is essential to keep software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that floods a network or website with excessive traffic to make it unavailable?
A. Phishing
B. DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)
C. Man-in-the-Middle
D. Spoofing
Answer: B
Explanation: A DDoS attack is a type of cyber attack where multiple compromised computers or devices are used to flood a target network or website with an overwhelming amount of traffic, rendering it unable to function properly.
By overwhelming the target’s resources, such as bandwidth or processing power, the attack disrupts normal operations and denies legitimate users access to the targeted service.
What is the purpose of a security token in authentication?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To block spam emails
C. To verify the identity of a user
D. To detect and remove malware from a system
Answer: C
Explanation: A security token is a physical device or software application used in authentication processes to provide an additional layer of security. It generates one-time passwords or other unique authentication codes that are synchronized with the authentication server. By requiring the user to possess the security token and input the correct code, it helps verify the user’s identity and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
What is the primary purpose of data encryption in transit?
A. To prevent unauthorized access to stored data
B. To increase network speed
C. To protect data during transmission over networks
D. To monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
Answer: C
Explanation: Data encryption in transit refers to the process of encrypting data while it is being transmitted between devices or over networks. It ensures that even if intercepted, the data remains unreadable and secure from unauthorized access.
Encryption in transit is crucial when sending sensitive information, such as financial transactions or personal data, over untrusted networks like the internet, safeguarding it from eavesdropping or interception by malicious actors.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that occurs simultaneously from multiple sources?
A. Zero-day attack
B. Spear phishing
C. Brute-force attack
D. Coordinated attack
Answer: D
Explanation: A coordinated attack, also known as a synchronized attack, is a cybersecurity attack that involves simultaneous or coordinated actions from multiple sources. These sources could be different computers, botnets, or attackers working together to target a system or network.
Coordinated attacks are often more sophisticated and challenging to defend against, as they may overwhelm defenses or exploit vulnerabilities simultaneously.
What is the primary purpose of a honey-pot in cybersecurity?
A. To detect and remove malware from a system
B. To simulate a vulnerable system to lure attackers
C. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
D. To monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
Answer: B
Explanation: A honey-pot is a decoy system or network designed to attract and deceive attackers. It appears as a legitimate target but is intentionally configured with vulnerabilities to lure attackers into interacting with it.
The purpose of a honey-pot is to gather information about the attackers’ techniques, motives, and tools while protecting the actual production systems from compromise. Honey-pots are valuable for studying and understanding attackers’ methods and enhancing overall network security.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that exploits a weakness or vulnerability in a web application’s code?
A. Ransomware attack
B. injection
C. Phishing attack
D. Trojan horse attack
Answer: B
Explanation: injection is a type of cybersecurity attack that targets web applications with vulnerable or poorly coded database queries. Attackers insert malicious statements into user input fields to manipulate the application’s database or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. injection attacks can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data disclosure, or even complete compromise of the targeted web application.
What is the primary purpose of a security incident response plan?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To block malicious websites
C. To detect and remove malware from a system
D. To outline procedures for responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents
Answer: D
Explanation: A security incident response plan is a documented set of procedures and guidelines that organizations follow when responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents. It outlines the necessary steps to be taken, defines roles and responsibilities, and provides a structured approach to identify, contain, eradicate, and recover from security incidents effectively.
A well-prepared incident response plan helps minimize the impact of incidents and facilitates a swift and coordinated response.
What is the term used to describe a security mechanism that verifies the integrity and authenticity of transmitted data?
A. SSL/TLS
B. VPN
C. Hashing
D. Digital signature
Answer: A
Explanation: SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor TLS (Transport Layer Security) are cryptographic protocols used to establish secure communication channels over networks, typically the internet. SSL/TLS protocols verify the integrity and authenticity of transmitted data by encrypting it and providing mechanisms for server authentication. They are commonly used to secure sensitive transactions, such as online banking or e-commerce, by ensuring that the data remains confidential and tamper-proof.
What is the purpose of a security awareness training program?
A. To detect and remove malware from a system
B. To educate employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices
C. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
D. To block spam emails
Answer: B
Explanation: A security awareness training program is designed to educate employees about cybersecurity risks, threats, and best practices to mitigate those risks. It aims to raise awareness, promote responsible behavior, and empower employees to recognize and respond appropriately to potential security incidents. By improving employees’ knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of human error or negligence leading to security breaches.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that exploits a vulnerability before a patch or fix is available?
A. Man-in-the-Middle attack
B. Zero-day attack
C. Phishing attack
D. Denial-of-Service attack
Answer: B
Explanation: A zero-day attack refers to a cybersecurity attack that takes advantage of a vulnerability or weakness in software, hardware, or systems before a patch or fix is available. These attacks exploit unknown vulnerabilities that developers or vendors have had zero days to address.
Zero-day attacks are challenging to defend against since there is no prior knowledge or protection available, making them attractive to attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
What is the purpose of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and respond to security incidents
C. To block malicious websites
D. To monitor network performance
Answer: B
Explanation: A security information and event management (SIEM) system is a software solution that combines security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) functionalities.
It collects, analyzes, and correlates log data from various sources across a network to identify and alert on potential security incidents or anomalies. SIEM systems enable proactive threat detection, real-time monitoring, and efficient incident response in complex network environments.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that involves deceiving users by disguising malicious content as legitimate?
A. Ransomware attack
B. Spoofing attack
C. Phishing attack
D. Man-in-the-Middle attack
Answer: C
Explanation: A phishing attack is a type of cybersecurity attack where attackers impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks, social media platforms, or organizations, to deceive users into revealing sensitive information or performing certain actions.
Attackers typically send deceptive emails, messages, or set up fake websites that closely resemble the genuine ones, tricking users into providing login credentials, personal data, or financial information.
What is the purpose of a firewall in a network?
A. To encrypt data transmitted over the network
B. To prevent unauthorized access to the network
C. To optimize network performance
D. To detect and remove malware from the network
Answer: B
Explanation: A firewall acts as a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to a network or system, acting as a barrier between the internal trusted network and external untrusted networks, such as the internet. Firewalls help filter and block potentially malicious or unauthorized connections, enhancing network security.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that intercepts and alters communication between two parties without their knowledge?
A. Man-in-the-Middle attack
B. Zero-day attack
C. DDoS attack
D. Ransomware attack
Answer: A
Explanation: A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a cybersecurity attack where an attacker intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties without their knowledge or consent. The attacker positions themselves between the legitimate communicating parties, intercepting and sometimes modifying the transmitted data. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on sensitive information or even impersonate one of the parties involved.
What is the purpose of a security audit in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and policies
D. To block spam emails
Answer: C
Explanation: A security audit is a systematic evaluation of an organization’s security measures, policies, and controls to assess their effectiveness, identify weaknesses or gaps, and ensure compliance with relevant standards or regulations.
It involves reviewing security configurations, conducting vulnerability assessments, analyzing access controls, and assessing security practices to provide insights and recommendations for improving the overall security posture.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that aims to disrupt or degrade the availability of a service?
A. Ransomware attack
B. Phishing attack
C. Denial-of-Service attack
D. Man-in-the-Middle attack
Answer: C
Explanation: A Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack is a cybersecurity attack that seeks to disrupt or degrade the availability of a service, system, or network by overwhelming it with excessive traffic or resource consumption.
This attack prevents legitimate users from accessing or using the targeted service, often resulting in service unavailability or performance degradation. DoS attacks can be executed using various techniques, such as flooding the target with traffic or exploiting vulnerabilities to exhaust system resources.
What is the purpose of an intrusion detection system (IDS) in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
C. To detect and remove malware from a system
D. To optimize network performance
Answer: B
Explanation: An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a security tool or software that monitors network traffic, system events, or user behavior to detect and respond to potential security threats or suspicious activities.
It analyzes collected data, compares it against known attack patterns or signatures, and raises alerts or triggers automated responses when anomalies or suspicious behavior is detected. IDS helps organizations identify and respond to potential security incidents in real-time.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that involves guessing passwords or encryption keys through exhaustive trial-and-error?
A. Ransomware attack
B. Phishing attack
C. Brute-force attack
D. injection attack
Answer: C
Explanation: A brute-force attack is a cybersecurity attack that involves systematically attempting all possible combinations of passwords or encryption keys until the correct one is discovered. It is a trial-and-error method, where the attacker uses automated tools to generate and test a large number of possible combinations in rapid succession. Brute-force attacks are resource-intensive and time-consuming but can be successful against weak or easily guessable passwords.
What is the primary purpose of network segmentation in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To block malicious websites
C. To isolate and control network traffic for improved security
D. To monitor network performance
Answer: C
Explanation: Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller subnetworks or segments. Its primary purpose is to isolate and control network traffic, limiting the potential impact of a security breach or unauthorized access.
By segmenting the network, organizations can enforce stricter access controls, reduce the attack surface, and contain potential threats within a smaller network segment, thereby enhancing overall network security.
What is the purpose of a data backup in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To optimize network performance
C. To detect and remove malware from a system
D. To protect against data loss and facilitate recovery in case of a security incident
Answer: D
Explanation: Data backup is the process of creating copies of important data or information and storing them in a separate location or medium. The primary purpose of data backup in cybersecurity is to protect against data loss caused by various factors, such as hardware failures, natural disasters, human errors, or security incidents. Backup copies enable organizations to recover and restore data quickly in the event of data corruption, accidental deletion, or a security breach.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that encrypts files or systems and demands a ransom for their release?
A. Denial-of-Service attack
B. injection attack
C. Ransomware attack
D. Spear phishing attack
Answer: C
Explanation: A ransomware attack is a type of cybersecurity attack where attackers encrypt files or systems on a victim’s computer or network and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
Ransomware typically spreads through malicious email attachments, infected websites, or exploit kits. Successful ransomware attacks can result in data loss, operational disruption, and financial losses for individuals or organizations.
What is the primary purpose of access control in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To optimize network performance
D. To ensure authorized access to resources and protect against unauthorized access
Answer: D
Explanation: Access control is a security mechanism that regulates and manages user authentication and authorization to ensure that only authorized individuals or entities can access specific resources or information.
Its primary purpose is to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, or misuse of resources. Access control involves defining user privileges, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and enforcing granular permission levels based on roles or access policies.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that targets a specific individual or organization with personalized and deceptive messages?
A. Brute-force attack
B. Zero-day attack
C. Phishing attack
D. Spear phishing attack
Answer: D
Explanation: A spear phishing attack is a targeted form of phishing attack that focuses on specific individuals or organizations. Attackers gather detailed information about the target to create personalized and deceptive messages, making them appear more legitimate and increasing the chances of success.
Spear phishing attacks often aim to trick the target into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, or to gain unauthorized access to systems or networks.
What is the purpose of a security policy in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To optimize network performance
D. To provide guidelines and rules for maintaining security and protecting information
Answer: D
Explanation: A security policy is a document that outlines guidelines, rules, and best practices for maintaining security and protecting information within an organization. It serves as a foundation for establishing and implementing security controls, defining responsibilities, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Security policies address various aspects of cybersecurity, including access control, data protection, incident response, employee responsibilities, and acceptable use of resources.
What is the term used to describe a security mechanism that verifies the integrity and authenticity of digital documents or messages?
A. SSL/TLS
B. VPN
C. Digital signature
D. Hashing
Answer: C
Explanation: A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to verify the integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation of digital documents or messages. It involves using a private key to create a unique digital signature that can be validated using the corresponding public key.
Digital signatures ensure that the document or message has not been tampered with during transmission and provides assurance of its origin and integrity.
What is the purpose of a security token in authentication?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To block spam emails
C. To verify the identity of a user
D. To detect and remove malware from a system
Answer: C
Explanation: A security token is a physical device or software application used in authentication processes to provide an additional layer of security. It generates one-time passwords or other unique authentication codes that are synchronized with the authentication server.
By requiring the user to possess the security token and input the correct code, it helps verify the user’s identity and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
What is the purpose of security awareness training in cybersecurity?
A. To detect and remove malware from a system
B. To educate employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices
C. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
D. To block malicious websites
Answer: B
Explanation: Security awareness training is a program designed to educate employees about cybersecurity risks, threats, and best practices to mitigate those risks. It aims to raise awareness, promote responsible behavior, and empower employees to recognize and respond appropriately to potential security incidents.
By improving employees’ knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of human error or negligence leading to security breaches.
What is the term used for a security measure that verifies the integrity of transmitted data by generating a fixed-size output?
A. SSL/TLS
B. VPN
C. Digital signature
D. Hashing
Answer: D
Explanation: Hashing is a cryptographic technique used to verify the integrity of data by generating a fixed-size output called a hash value or hash code. Hash functions take an input (data) and produce a unique output of a fixed length, regardless of the input’s size.
Even a small change in the input will result in a significantly different hash value. Hashing is commonly used to ensure data integrity and to securely store passwords.
What is the term used for a security measure that verifies the identity of a user by their physical characteristics?
A. Firewall
B. VPN
C. Biometric authentication
D. Access control
Answer: C
Explanation: Biometric authentication is a security measure that verifies the identity of a user based on their physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, iris patterns, voice, or facial features. Biometric data is unique to each individual and difficult to forge, making it an effective method for authentication.
Biometric authentication systems capture and compare the user’s biometric data against stored templates to grant or deny access to a system or resource.
What is the purpose of a security incident response plan in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To block spam emails
D. To outline procedures for responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents
Answer: D
Explanation: A security incident response plan is a documented set of procedures and guidelines that organizations follow when responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents. It outlines the necessary steps to be taken, defines roles and responsibilities, and provides a structured approach to identify, contain, eradicate, and recover from security incidents effectively.
A well-prepared incident response plan helps minimize the impact of incidents and facilitates a swift and coordinated response.
What is the term used to describe a cybersecurity attack that aims to gather sensitive information by eavesdropping on network traffic?
A. Man-in-the-Middle attack
B. Zero-day attack
C. Phishing attack
D. Denial-of-Service attack
Answer: A
Explanation: A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a cybersecurity attack where an attacker intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties without their knowledge or consent.
The attacker positions themselves between the legitimate communicating parties, intercepting and sometimes modifying the transmitted data.
This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on sensitive information or even impersonate one of the parties involved.
What is the purpose of a security information and event management (SIEM) system in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To monitor network traffic for suspicious activities
C. To detect and remove malware from a system
D. To optimize network performance
Answer: B
Explanation: A security information and event management (SIEM) system is a software solution that combines security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) functionalities.
It collects, analyzes, and correlates log data from various sources across a network to identify and alert on potential security incidents or anomalies. SIEM systems enable proactive threat detection, real-time monitoring, and efficient incident response in complex network environments.
What is the term used to describe a security measure that restricts access to resources based on a user’s identity and privileges?
A. Firewall
B. VPN
C. Access control
D. Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Answer: C
Explanation: Access control is a security mechanism that regulates and manages user authentication and authorization to ensure that only authorized individuals or entities can access specific resources or information.
Its primary purpose is to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, or misuse of resources. Access control involves defining user privileges, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and enforcing granular permission levels based on roles or access policies.
What is the term used for a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to a network by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic?
A. Intrusion detection system (IDS)
B. Firewall
C. Encryption
D. Two-factor authentication
Answer: B
Explanation: A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to a network or system by acting as a barrier between the internal trusted network and external untrusted networks, such as the internet. Firewalls help filter and block potentially malicious or unauthorized connections, enhancing network security.
What is the purpose of a security assessment in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To optimize network performance
D. To evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and identify vulnerabilities
Answer: D
Explanation: A security assessment is a systematic evaluation of an organization’s security measures, policies, and controls to assess their effectiveness, identify weaknesses or gaps, and recommend improvements.
It involves reviewing security configurations, conducting vulnerability assessments, analyzing access controls, and assessing security practices to provide insights into the organization’s security posture. Security assessments help identify vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that spreads malicious software by disguising it as legitimate or trustworthy?
A. Spear phishing attack
B. Ransomware attack
C. Spoofing attack
D. Trojan horse attack
Answer: D
Explanation: A Trojan horse, or simply a Trojan, is a type of malicious software that appears to be legitimate or useful but actually contains hidden malicious functionality. Trojans often trick users into executing or installing them, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s computer, steal sensitive information, or perform other malicious actions. Unlike viruses or worms, Trojans do not self-replicate.
What is the primary purpose of data classification in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To optimize network performance
D. To categorize and label data based on its sensitivity or criticality
Answer: D
Explanation: Data classification is the process of categorizing and labeling data based on its sensitivity, value, or criticality to the organization. It helps organizations identify and prioritize data protection requirements, implement appropriate security controls, and allocate resources accordingly.
By classifying data, organizations can ensure that appropriate security measures are applied based on the data’s importance, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
What is the term used for a cybersecurity attack that exploits a vulnerability by flooding a system with excessive input?
A. Ransomware attack
B. Denial-of-Service attack
C. injection attack
D. Phishing attack
Answer: C
Explanation: A injection attack is a cybersecurity attack that targets web applications with vulnerable or poorly coded database queries. Attackers insert malicious statements into user input fields to manipulate the application’s database or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Injection attacks can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data disclosure, or even complete compromise of the targeted web application.
What is the purpose of a security incident response team in cybersecurity?
A. To encrypt sensitive data during transmission
B. To detect and remove malware from a system
C. To optimize network performance
D. To respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents effectively
Answer: D
Explanation: A security incident response team, often referred to as a CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) or CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team), is a dedicated group of individuals responsible for responding to and managing cybersecurity incidents within an organization.
The team is trained and equipped to handle security incidents, perform investigations, contain threats, mitigate damage, and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
What is the term used for a security measure that restricts network traffic based on predefined rules or policies?
A. Firewall
B. VPN
C. Intrusion detection system (IDS)
D. Two-factor authentication
Answer: A
Explanation: A firewall is a network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Its primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to a network or system by acting as a barrier between the internal trusted network and external untrusted networks, such as the internet.
Firewalls help filter and block potentially malicious or unauthorized connections, enhancing network security.
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