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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Cyber Security Awareness Quiz: Test Your Readiness!

Think you can ace this security awareness test? Dive in!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art lock shield key icons with text free cyber security quiz answers password best practices mfa on teal background

This cyber security awareness quiz helps you check your online safety: strong passwords, MFA, spotting phishing, and social engineering. You get instant answers and simple tips so you can close gaps and feel confident at work or school. For a quick warm-up, try this short info security quiz .

What is a characteristic of a strong password?
It is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
It consists only of repeating numbers
It uses a common dictionary word for easy recall
It contains personal information like your birthdate
A strong password should be long and complex to resist brute-force and dictionary attacks. Including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters significantly increases entropy. Avoiding personal or common words makes it harder for attackers to guess. For more guidance on creating strong passwords, see .
What does MFA stand for in cybersecurity?
Mobile File Access
Multi-Factor Authentication
Mainframe Authorization
Multiple File Archive
MFA means Multi-Factor Authentication, which requires two or more verification methods to grant access. These factors can include something you know (password), something you have (token), or something you are (biometric). MFA greatly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access if one factor is compromised. Learn more at .
Which of the following best describes phishing?
Encrypting data to prevent unauthorized access
Sending deceptive messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information
Installing malicious software without user consent
Intercepting network traffic for analysis
Phishing is a social engineering attack where attackers send fraudulent communications, often emails, to trick recipients into revealing personal data or clicking malicious links. It often impersonates legitimate organizations or individuals. Recognizing phishing attempts is critical for protecting credentials and personal information. For more details, visit .
What does the "S" in HTTPS represent?
Standard
Shared
Secure
Server
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. The 'S' indicates that communications between the client and server are encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security), protecting data in transit. Websites using HTTPS help prevent eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Learn more at .
What is one benefit of using a password manager?
It eliminates the need to update passwords over time
It can generate and securely store unique passwords for each account
It replaces the need for multi-factor authentication
It automatically shares your passwords with trusted friends
Password managers create and store complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts in an encrypted vault. This reduces the risk of password reuse and makes managing credentials easier. They also often include features like secure sharing and breach monitoring. See for more information.
Why should you avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions?
Public Wi-Fi is slower than private networks
Public Wi-Fi automatically disables encryption
Public Wi-Fi charges hidden fees for secure browsing
Data transmitted can be intercepted by attackers
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, allowing attackers to intercept or eavesdrop on data transmitted over them. This can lead to credential theft or data compromise. Using a VPN or avoiding sensitive activities on public networks reduces this risk. For tips on safe Wi-Fi use, refer to .
What is social engineering?
Injecting malicious code into software
Manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information
Encrypting data at rest
Physically tampering with network cables
Social engineering involves psychological manipulation to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing unsafe actions. Common tactics include phishing emails, pretexting, and baiting. Training and awareness help users spot and avoid these scams. Learn more at .
What distinguishes spear phishing from regular phishing?
It uses encrypted attachments
It is launched only by automated bots
It requires physical access to the victim's device
It targets a specific individual or organization
Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing where attackers research and customize messages for a specific individual or organization. This increases the likelihood of success compared to broad, generic phishing campaigns. Organizations should educate employees about red flags in personalized messages. Read more at .
Which type of malware replicates itself to spread to other computers without user action?
Spyware
Adware
Worm
Trojan
A worm is self-replicating malware that spreads across networks without requiring user interaction. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach to existing files or programs. They can quickly consume bandwidth and system resources. For distinctions between worms and other malware, see .
What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
To monitor and block unauthorized network traffic
To encrypt all outgoing data
To perform regular data backups
To scan for and remove malware on endpoints
A firewall inspects incoming and outgoing network traffic and either allows or blocks packets based on predefined security rules. It serves as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks. Properly configured firewalls prevent unauthorized access and mitigate attacks. More details at .
What is business email compromise (BEC)?
A distribution list for corporate newsletters
An attacker uses compromised credentials to steal funds via fraudulent email requests
An encryption protocol for business communications
A phishing email sent to random employees
Business Email Compromise is a sophisticated scam where attackers spoof or compromise a legitimate business email account to trick employees into transferring money or sensitive data. It often involves detailed research and timely requests. Training and email authentication (like DMARC) help reduce BEC risk. See .
Why are regular software updates important for security?
They reduce file sizes on your system
They fix known vulnerabilities and patch security flaws
They automatically improve your hardware performance
They disable unnecessary system services permanently
Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Applying updates promptly reduces the window of exposure to known threats. It also ensures you have the latest security features and stability improvements. Read more at .
What is a DNS cache poisoning attack?
Installing malware on a DNS server without altering records
Submitting false DNS data to a resolver to redirect traffic
Tampering with a user's local hosts file only
Intercepting and editing HTTPS traffic
DNS cache poisoning involves injecting malicious or incorrect DNS entries into a resolver's cache, causing clients to be redirected to fraudulent sites. Attackers can then harvest credentials or distribute malware. Securing DNS with DNSSEC helps validate responses and prevent poisoning. For more, see .
What is certificate pinning?
Revoking certificates that have expired
Automatically renewing TLS certificates
Storing certificates in a hardware security module
Forcing a client to accept only a specific server certificate or public key
Certificate pinning ties an application or client to a known server certificate or public key, preventing man-in-the-middle attacks using forged or unauthorized certificates. If a different certificate is presented, the connection is rejected. This enhances security beyond standard certificate validation. Learn about this at .
Which legacy protocol is most susceptible to downgrade attacks without proper configuration?
SSH
SSLv2
TLS 1.3
IPsec
SSLv2 is an outdated protocol with known cryptographic weaknesses that is highly vulnerable to downgrade attacks. Attackers can force connections to fall back to SSLv2 to exploit its flaws. Modern configurations disable SSLv2 and prefer TLS 1.2 or higher for secure communication. See .
What does OAuth primarily provide in web applications?
Authorization framework to grant third-party access
Automatic user password rotation
End-to-end encryption of user data
Authentication service for verifying user identity
OAuth is an authorization framework that allows third-party applications to obtain limited access to user resources without sharing credentials. It delegates access through tokens rather than passwords. While sometimes used for authentication, its core function is authorization. More info at .
What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?
Corrupting server logs with fake entries
Adding unauthorized scripts into web pages viewed by users
Injecting malicious SQL queries into a database
Intercepting HTTPS traffic
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability where attackers inject malicious scripts into web pages, which execute in other users' browsers. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or defacement. Proper input validation and output encoding prevent XSS attacks. For mitigation strategies, see .
Which feature of WPA2 enhances Wi-Fi security compared to WEP?
Mandatory use of WEP keys for compatibility
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption
Static network keys stored in plain text
Use of RC4 stream cipher
WPA2 uses AES encryption, which is significantly more secure than WEP's RC4-based encryption. AES provides strong, standardized block cipher protection against attacks. It also supports CCMP for integrity checking of data frames. Read more at .
In the TLS handshake, which message from the server contains its digital certificate?
ServerHello
ClientHello
Finished
Certificate
During the TLS handshake, after the ClientHello and ServerHello messages, the server sends the Certificate message containing its digital certificate chain. The client uses this to authenticate the server's identity. Proper validation of the certificate helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. For a detailed handshake flow, refer to .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Weak Password Habits -

    Analyze your current password strategies based on quiz feedback and learn to craft strong, unique credentials for every account.

  2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication Techniques -

    Use insights from the multi-factor authentication quiz section to add extra verification layers and bolster your account defenses.

  3. Apply Clean Desk Policies -

    Leverage best practices highlighted in the security awareness test to maintain a clutter-free workspace and safeguard sensitive information.

  4. Recognize Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics -

    Spot common phishing schemes and social engineering tricks by applying scenarios from the cyber awareness quiz to avoid potential threats.

  5. Evaluate Your Cybersecurity Posture -

    Measure your overall security habits through the free cybersecurity quiz and uncover blind spots for targeted improvement.

  6. Integrate Core Cybersecurity Best Practices -

    Adopt key tips from the cyber security awareness quiz with answers to build stronger digital defenses in your daily online activities.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Strong Password Creation -

    Use passphrases of 12+ characters combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols for robust security. Following NIST SP 800-63B guidelines, consider a 4-word Diceware passphrase like Capri Rhino Tango 47 to balance memorability and entropy. Mnemonic tip: create a vivid mental story linking each word to boost recall.

  2. Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) -

    MFA requires two or more authentication factors: something you know (password), something you have (authenticator app), and something you are (biometrics), as defined in NIST SP 800-63. Using a multi-factor authentication quiz scenario, practice enabling time-based one-time passwords via apps like Google Authenticator. Remember the acronym KHA (Know, Have, Are) to cover all factor types.

  3. Clean Desk and Physical Security -

    Implement a clean desk policy per ISO/IEC 27001 to reduce physical data exposure: lock screens, secure sensitive papers, and shred outdated documents. In our cyber awareness quiz, verify that you store USBs and badges in locked drawers when not in use. Mnemonic CLUE - Clear, Lock, Unplug, Encrypt - helps you remember key steps before leaving your desk.

  4. Recognizing and Reporting Phishing Attempts -

    Phishing simulations from SANS teach that hovering over links, checking sender addresses, and examining spelling helps spot fakes. When taking a cybersecurity quiz on phishing, practice the "Phish S.A.F.E." rule: Sender authenticity, Attachments wary, Free offers suspicious, Email header scrutiny. Report any suspected phishing to your IT team within one hour to minimize risk.

  5. Software Updates and Patch Management -

    Regular updates close vulnerabilities tracked in CVE databases; Windows Patch Tuesday and monthly Linux kernel updates exemplify best practices from the Center for Internet Security. A security awareness test should ask which patching frequency aligns with your risk level - aim for at least monthly. Tip: enable automatic updates and use a patch management tool to streamline the process.

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