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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Test Your Information Security Awareness: Start the Quiz!

Think you can ace this security awareness quiz? Dive in and boost your password safety and virus prevention know-how!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut icons of lock, key, shield, envelope and virus symbol on teal background for security awareness quiz

This Information Security Awareness quiz helps you practice core safety skills - strong passwords, safe email, phishing clues, and malware basics. Work through short, real-world items to spot gaps and learn a fix or two before training or an audit. Prefer another format? Take this version or try the awareness set .

What is the minimum recommended length for a strong password?
4 characters
6 characters
12 characters
8 characters
Security experts recommend using passwords of at least 12 characters to increase resistance against brute-force attacks. Longer passwords exponentially increase the number of possible combinations, making them harder to crack. Including varied character types also strengthens the password.
What does antivirus software primarily protect against?
Data breaches
Malware
Phishing emails
Weak passwords
Antivirus software scans for, detects, and removes malware, which includes viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious code. It uses signature databases and behavioral analysis to identify threats. While it may help reduce phishing attacks indirectly, its main role is blocking malware installation.
Which of the following is a common phishing indicator?
Generic greeting (e.g., "Dear Customer")
Recognizable company domain
Personalized email using your full name
Secure encrypted attachment
Phishing emails often use generic greetings because attackers don't know individual details. Legitimate organizations typically address you by name. Other signs include urgent language and suspicious links.
Why should you avoid sharing your password?
It can be changed regularly
It improves network speed
It reduces complexity
It can be misused by others
Sharing passwords undermines security because anyone with the password can access your account and data. It prevents accountability and makes it hard to track unauthorized actions. Always keep passwords private and unique.
What is two-factor authentication?
Logging in from two devices
Using two passwords
Changing password twice
Verifying identity with two different methods
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two distinct proofs of identity, such as a password plus a one-time code. It adds a layer of security beyond just a password. If one factor is compromised, the account remains protected.
What is a strong password composed of?
Only numbers
A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
Only lowercase letters
Your birth date
Strong passwords combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to maximize entropy. This variety makes brute-force and dictionary attacks much harder. Avoid common words or easily guessed patterns.
What is the purpose of software updates?
To delete files automatically
To change default languages
To add new security patches and fix vulnerabilities
To slow down the system
Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities discovered after release. Keeping applications and operating systems up to date reduces exposure to malware and exploits. Ignoring updates can leave you open to known threats.
How often should you back up important data?
Monthly
Annually
Never
Regularly, such as daily or weekly
Regular backups - daily or weekly depending on data volatility - ensure you can recover quickly after data loss. Less frequent backups risk losing significant information. Automate backups to maintain consistency.
What is the purpose of a firewall?
To encrypt files
To create backups
To speed up the internet
To filter network traffic
Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. They help block unauthorized access and protect systems from attack. Both hardware and software firewalls form critical defense layers.
How can you verify a website's security before entering personal information?
Confirm the site is popular
Look for colorful graphics
Ensure the site loads quickly
Check for a padlock icon and HTTPS in the URL
HTTPS and the padlock icon indicate a site uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit. This prevents eavesdropping and tampering with sensitive information. Always verify certificates before sharing credentials.
What is malware disguised as legitimate software called?
Trojan horse
Worm
Firewall
Adware
A Trojan horse appears to be useful software but hides malicious functionality. Once executed, it can steal data, open backdoors, or perform other harmful actions. Unlike viruses, Trojans don't self-replicate.
Why should you use a VPN on public Wi-Fi?
To protect your data from eavesdropping
To increase download speed
To delete cookies
To connect to multiple networks
Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, allowing attackers to intercept unencrypted traffic. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it difficult for eavesdroppers to view or tamper with your data. This protects sensitive activities like banking and email access.
Which protocol is more secure: HTTP or HTTPS?
HTTP
FTP
Both are the same
HTTPS
HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure data exchange, preventing interception and tampering. HTTP transmits data in plaintext, exposing it to network-based attacks. Always prefer HTTPS for sites handling sensitive information.
What is social engineering?
A method to design social media platforms
Building social networks
Using psychological manipulation to trick individuals into revealing information
A software engineering process
Social engineering exploits human psychology to gain confidential information or access. Techniques include pretexting, baiting, and tailgating. Training and awareness can reduce susceptibility to these attacks.
What does the principle of least privilege mean?
Users have full admin rights
Users get privileges only as needed to perform their tasks
Privileges are never revoked
Everyone has the same access level
The principle of least privilege grants users only the minimal access necessary to perform their duties. Limiting permissions reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse. It's a core security best practice.
Which encryption method uses two keys, public and private?
Hashing
Symmetric encryption
Steganography
Asymmetric encryption
Asymmetric encryption uses a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This enables secure key exchange and digital signatures. It's fundamental to protocols like TLS.
What is a zero-day vulnerability?
A vulnerability known to everyone
A patched flaw
A flaw unknown to the vendor with no available patch
A bug disclosed after a patch is available
Zero-day vulnerabilities are undisclosed flaws unknown to the software vendor, leaving no time to create a patch. Attackers can exploit these before fixes are available. They pose high risk due to their unpredictability.
What is spear phishing?
Phishing via phone only
Using spear-shaped malware
Targeted phishing at specific individuals
Sending mass generic emails
Spear phishing tailors messages to a specific individual or organization to increase credibility. Attackers often research their targets to craft convincing lures. It's more dangerous than generic phishing due to its precision.
Which port is commonly targeted by network scans to find telnet services?
Port 25
Port 80
Port 23
Port 3306
Port 23 is the default for Telnet, which transmits data in plaintext and is often scanned by attackers. Identifying open Telnet ports helps attackers exploit weak or default credentials. Modern networks block or disable Telnet for security.
What is the function of a sandbox in malware analysis?
To encrypt malware
To execute potentially malicious code in a controlled environment
To block all network traffic
To speed up scanning
A sandbox isolates and runs suspicious code in a safe, restricted setting to observe behavior without risking production systems. Analysts can identify payload actions, network calls, and persistence methods. It's essential for malware research and defense.
What is SQL injection?
A type of DoS attack
A phishing technique
A network virus
A web code vulnerability allowing database manipulation
SQL injection exploits input validation flaws to inject malicious SQL queries into an application. Attackers can read or modify the database, steal data, or escalate privileges. Preventing it requires parameterized queries and input sanitization.
How can you mitigate man-in-the-middle attacks?
Rely on email spam filters
Share passwords over the network
Use strong encryption like TLS and verify certificates
Use unencrypted HTTP
TLS encryption and proper certificate validation ensure that communications are between legitimate endpoints. This prevents attackers from intercepting or altering data in transit. Additional measures include HSTS and secure key management.
What is the primary benefit of using elliptic curve cryptography over RSA?
Lower computational overhead with shorter key lengths
No need for private keys
Easier key management
It is immune to quantum attacks
Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) provides equivalent security to RSA with much shorter keys, reducing computational load and bandwidth. This efficiency is critical for constrained environments like mobile devices. ECC is widely adopted in modern security protocols.
How does a rootkit maintain persistent unauthorized access?
It sends spam emails
It encrypts user files
It disables firewall only
It hides its presence by intercepting and modifying system calls
Rootkits hook into operating system processes and intercept system calls to hide files, processes, or registry entries. This stealth allows them to remain undetected and maintain privileged access. Detection often requires specialized tools or offline scanning.
In the context of email security, what is DMARC used for?
Compressing attachments
Blocking TLS
Encrypting email content
Authenticating sending domains and specifying policies for SPF and DKIM alignment
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) builds on SPF and DKIM to ensure email authenticity. It instructs receivers how to handle messages that fail validation and provides reports to the domain owner. Proper DMARC setup reduces phishing and spoofing risks.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Assess Password Safety -

    Through the password safety quiz, you'll evaluate the strength of your passwords and apply best practices for creating secure, memorable credentials.

  2. Identify Virus Prevention Techniques -

    By tackling virus prevention quiz questions, you'll recognize common malware threats and implement proactive steps to protect your devices from infection.

  3. Analyze Email Security Threats -

    In the email security quiz, you'll spot phishing attempts and learn how to safeguard sensitive information in real-world scenarios.

  4. Apply Security Awareness Principles -

    Using insights from our security awareness quiz, you'll reinforce daily digital habits that minimize security gaps and strengthen your overall posture.

  5. Download Offline Review Materials -

    You'll access the information security awareness quiz questions and answers PDF to review content offline and ensure continuous learning.

  6. Measure Overall Security Knowledge -

    You'll test your digital security skills against authentic scenarios in the information security quiz and track improvement over time.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Strong Password Creation -

    Follow NIST SP 800-63B guidelines by using passphrases of at least 12 characters combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. A helpful mnemonic is "Correct Horse Battery Staple," illustrating how random words boost memorability and entropy (University of Cambridge Security Group). Store and autofill them securely with a reputable password manager to avoid reuse.

  2. Recognizing Phishing Attempts -

    Spot phishing by verifying sender addresses, hovering over links to reveal true URLs, and watching for urgent or fear-driven language (Anti-Phishing Working Group). The "S.U.D.O." mnemonic - Sender, Urgency, Domain, Odd attachments - can help you recall key red flags. Always report suspicious emails to your security team or IT department.

  3. Malware & Virus Prevention -

    Keep antivirus software up to date and enable automatic scans to detect threats early, as recommended by SANS Institute research. Pair this with timely OS and application patches to close known vulnerabilities (MITRE). Adopt the mantra "Think Before You Click" to avoid drive-by downloads and infected attachments.

  4. Secure Email Practices -

    Use end-to-end encryption (e.g., PGP or S/MIME) and ensure TLS is enabled to protect messages in transit (Electronic Frontier Foundation). Verify the authenticity of attachments and use digital signatures for sensitive communications. Regularly clear your inbox of outdated messages to minimize data exposure.

  5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) -

    Implement 2FA on all critical accounts using authenticator apps (Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS for stronger security (NIST). This extra layer protects against credential theft even if passwords are compromised. Reinforce your understanding by reviewing the information security awareness quiz questions and answers PDF offline.

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