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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Cyber Security Basics Quiz - Test Your Knowledge Now!

Think you can ace this basic cybersecurity quiz? Dive in and tackle our cyber security quiz questions!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art laptop lock shield cybersecurity quiz icons on golden yellow background

Think you know the ins and outs of cyber threats? Dive into our Ultimate cyber security quiz questions and find out! This free online cybersecurity quiz is perfect for beginners and pros alike, offering a comprehensive cybersecurity basics quiz and a fun basic cybersecurity quiz to sharpen your defenses. You'll learn to spot phishing attempts, strengthen passwords, and protect sensitive data in real-world scenarios. Ready to test your cybersecurity knowledge? Take our cybersecurity quiz for a quick challenge, or tackle the bonus quiz on hacking to see how you stack up. Get started now and level up your skills!

What does the 'CIA' triad stand for in cybersecurity?
Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Centralization, Integration, Authorization
Control, Identification, Accessibility
Compliance, Identification, Auditability
The CIA triad is a foundational security model that focuses on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability to protect information assets from unauthorized access, alteration, and ensure they are accessible when needed. Confidentiality ensures sensitive data is viewed only by authorized users. Integrity maintains the accuracy and trustworthiness of data by preventing unauthorized changes. Availability guarantees that systems and information remain operational and accessible to authorized users.
Which of the following is an example of a 'something you know' authentication factor?
Password
Fingerprint
Smart card
Retinal scan
Authentication factors are categorized as something you know, have, or are. A password is a classic example of something you know, which relies on shared secret knowledge. Biometric traits like fingerprints or retinal scans represent something you are, while smart cards are something you have. Combining factors from different categories enhances security through multi-factor authentication.
What is phishing?
A social engineering attack using deceptive emails to steal credentials
A network intrusion using packet sniffers
A process for managing software patches
A distributed denial-of-service technique
Phishing is a social engineering attack where attackers send deceptive emails or messages posing as legitimate entities to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information. These emails often contain malicious links or attachments leading to credential theft. Phishing is one of the most common vectors for initial compromise in cyber attacks. Awareness training and email filtering are key defenses against phishing campaigns.
Which port is commonly used by HTTPS?
443
80
25
22
HTTPS encrypts HTTP traffic using TLS/SSL and defaults to TCP port 443. Port 80 is used by unencrypted HTTP. Ports 25 and 22 are used by SMTP and SSH respectively. Using HTTPS on port 443 ensures secure data transmission between clients and servers.
What type of malware restricts access to data until a ransom is paid?
Ransomware
Adware
Spyware
Rootkit
Ransomware encrypts files or locks users out of systems and demands payment to restore access. Adware displays unwanted advertisements without restricting system functionality. Spyware covertly monitors user activity and steals data. Rootkits hide malicious processes at the operating system level but do not typically demand ransom.
Which encryption method uses the same key for encryption and decryption?
Symmetric encryption
Asymmetric encryption
Hashing
Public key infrastructure
Symmetric encryption uses one shared secret key to both encrypt and decrypt data. Asymmetric encryption uses a key pair: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. Hashing generates a one-way digest that cannot be decrypted back to the original data. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a framework for managing digital certificates rather than an encryption algorithm.
What is a buffer overflow attack?
A technique where an attacker overwrites memory beyond a buffer boundary to execute arbitrary code
An attack that injects SQL commands into a database query
Intercepting network traffic to view unencrypted data
Exploiting default credentials on a web application
A buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, overwriting adjacent memory. Attackers exploit this to corrupt memory, alter control flow, and execute arbitrary code. Proper bounds checking and modern compiler protections like ASLR and DEP help mitigate these attacks. Buffer overflows remain a critical vulnerability in low-level languages like C.
Which IEEE standard is associated with wireless LANs (Wi-Fi)?
IEEE 802.11
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.15
IEEE 802.16
IEEE 802.11 defines standards for implementing wireless local area network (WLAN) communication in various frequency bands. IEEE 802.3 covers Ethernet (wired LAN). IEEE 802.15 addresses wireless personal area networks (WPAN). IEEE 802.16 specifies broadband wireless access (WiMAX).
What is the primary difference between an IDS and an IPS?
An IDS detects and alerts on malicious activity, while an IPS also takes action to block or prevent it
An IDS blocks threats, while an IPS only logs them
An IDS encrypts network traffic, while an IPS decrypts it
An IDS filters spam, while an IPS secures email attachments
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network or system activities and issues alerts when suspicious behavior is detected. An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) extends IDS functionality by automatically taking actions such as blocking or dropping malicious traffic. IDS is typically passive, while IPS is inline and proactive. Both are essential components of layered network security.
In an X.509 public key infrastructure, which component is considered the highest level of trust?
Root Certificate Authority
Intermediate Certificate Authority
Certificate Revocation List
Certificate Signing Request
The Root Certificate Authority (CA) is the trusted anchor in an X.509 PKI and issues certificates to intermediate CAs. Trust in the entire certificate chain is based on the integrity of the root CA's private key. Intermediate CAs inherit trust from the root but rely on the root's signing authority. Certificate Revocation Lists and signing requests are operational components but not trust anchors.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Cyber Threats -

    Recognize characteristics of phishing, malware, ransomware, and other prevalent threats to spot them in real-world scenarios.

  2. Analyze Security Vulnerabilities -

    Evaluate typical system weaknesses such as weak passwords and unpatched software to prioritize areas for improvement.

  3. Apply Best Practice Defenses -

    Implement essential security measures like strong authentication, regular patching, and secure browsing habits to fortify digital assets.

  4. Interpret Security Protocols -

    Distinguish between firewalls, encryption, and antivirus tools to understand their roles within a layered cybersecurity strategy.

  5. Assess Personal Security Posture -

    Gauge your strengths and weaknesses in cybersecurity basics to develop a targeted plan for ongoing protection and learning.

  6. Leverage Quiz Feedback for Growth -

    Use immediate quiz results and explanations to identify knowledge gaps and guide further study in cybersecurity fundamentals.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The CIA Triad -

    Review the core principles of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability as defined by NIST SP 800-12. Use the mnemonic "CIA keeps data safe" to recall how each pillar underpins access controls, change management, and uptime guarantees in any cybersecurity basics quiz.

  2. Common Attack Vectors: Phishing & Malware -

    Understand how phishing emails trick users into revealing credentials and how malware like ransomware can encrypt files without permission. Refer to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report for real-world examples of how phishing campaigns compromise corporate networks.

  3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) -

    Examine the "something you know, something you have, something you are" model to see why combining passwords with OTP apps or biometrics greatly reduces account takeover risks. Try a hands-on setup of TOTP in Google Authenticator to appreciate how time-based one-time passwords work.

  4. Encryption Fundamentals: Symmetric vs Asymmetric -

    Compare AES (symmetric) with RSA or ECC (asymmetric) to learn why one uses a single key while the other uses key pairs for encryption and digital signatures. Remember: "AES is speedy, RSA is roomy" to recall their typical use cases in secure communications.

  5. Network Defense: Firewalls & IDS/IPS -

    Differentiate between firewalls, which enforce rules on inbound/outbound traffic, and IDS/IPS systems, which detect and block suspicious patterns in real time. Consult SANS whitepapers for configuration best practices and sample Snort rules.

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