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Basic Computer Notes for MPSC

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Cybersecurity & Awareness

Computer Security, also known as Cybersecurity or Information Technology Security (IT Security), refers to the protection of computer systems from:

  • Theft or damage to hardware.
  • Damage to software.
  • Theft or loss of electronic data.
  • Unauthorised access to information.
  • Disruption or misdirection of the services provided by computer systems.

Computer security protects the following three major areas:

COMPUTER SECURITY

┌────────────┼────────────┐

│            │            │

HARDWARE      SOFTWARE       DATA

│            │            │

Protection    Protection    Protection

SECURE SERVICES

INTERNET SECURITY

Internet Security is a branch of computer security that specifically deals with protecting computers, networks, browsers, websites, and data connected to the Internet.

Its objective is to establish rules and security measures to protect users and systems against attacks over the Internet.

The Internet is an open communication channel and, therefore, information exchanged over it may be exposed to various security risks, including:

  • Phishing
  • Viruses
  • Trojans
  • Worms
  • Identity theft
  • Online fraud
  • Unauthorised access

Various methods are used to protect data and communication over the Internet, including:

  • Encryption
  • Authentication
  • Firewalls
  • Secure network design
  • Antivirus software

INTERNET SECURITY

┌─────────┴─────────┐

│                   │

PROTECTION          PROTECTION

OF DATA             OF SYSTEMS

│                   │

Encryption        Firewall

Authentication    Antivirus

Secure Browsing   Access Control

CYBER-ATTACK

A cyber-attack is an attempt to exploit computer systems, networks, or digital devices.

A cyber-attack may use malicious code or other techniques to:

  • Alter computer code.
  • Manipulate data.
  • Steal information.
  • Gain unauthorised access.
  • Disrupt computer services.

Cyber-attacks may result in cybercrimes such as:

  • Information theft
  • Identity theft
  • Financial fraud
  • Data destruction

CLASSIFICATION OF CYBER-ATTACKS

Cyber-attacks can broadly be classified into:

  1. Web-Based Attacks
  2. System-Based Attacks

CYBER-ATTACKS

┌───────────┴───────────┐

│                       │

WEB-BASED                SYSTEM-BASED

ATTACKS                    ATTACKS

│                       │

Website / Web             Computer / Network

Application               Compromise

I. WEB-BASED ATTACKS

Web-based attacks are attacks that target websites or web applications.

Some important web-based attacks are described below.

1. INJECTION ATTACKS

An Injection Attack occurs when an attacker inserts or injects malicious data into a web application in order to manipulate the application or obtain unauthorised information.

Examples

  • SQL Injection
  • Code Injection
  • Log Injection
  • XML Injection

Attacker

Malicious Input ───► Web Application

Unauthorised Result

2. DNS SPOOFING

DNS Spoofing is a type of cyber-attack in which false information is introduced into a DNS resolver’s cache.

As a result, the DNS server returns an incorrect IP address.

This may redirect the user from the genuine website to:

  • The attacker’s computer.
  • A fake website.
  • Another unauthorised computer.

DNS spoofing attacks may remain undetected for a long period and can cause serious security problems.

User

Requests genuine website

False DNS Information

Fake IP Address

Attacker’s Website

3. SESSION HIJACKING

Session Hijacking is a security attack in which an attacker takes control of a user’s active session over a protected network.

Web applications often use cookies to store information about user sessions.

If an attacker steals a user’s session cookie, the attacker may gain access to the user’s data and account.

User ───────► Web Server

│               │

│  Session      │

│  Cookie       │

▼               │

Attacker steals ──┘

session information

4. PHISHING

Phishing is an attack designed to steal sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organisation.

The information targeted may include:

  • Usernames
  • Passwords
  • Login credentials
  • Credit card numbers
  • Banking information

Phishing is commonly carried out through:

  • Fake emails
  • Fake websites
  • Instant messages
  • Fraudulent links

5. BRUTE-FORCE ATTACK

A Brute-Force Attack uses a trial-and-error method to obtain confidential information.

The attacker generates and tests a large number of possible combinations until the correct information is found.

It may be used to obtain:

  • Passwords
  • PINs
  • Encryption keys

Security analysts may also use controlled brute-force techniques to test the security of an organisation’s systems.

Possible Passwords

       │

       ▼

   1234 ──► Incorrect

   5678 ──► Incorrect

   2468 ──► Incorrect

   4321 ──► Correct

6. DENIAL-OF-SERVICE (DoS) ATTACK

A Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack is designed to make a server, website, or network resource unavailable to legitimate users.

The attacker may:

  • Flood the target with excessive traffic.
  • Send specially designed information that causes the system to crash.

A traditional DoS attack generally uses a single system and a single Internet connection.

Types of DoS Attacks

A. Volume-Based Attacks

The objective is to consume or saturate the bandwidth of the target.

Measurement: Bits per second (bps)

B. Protocol Attacks

These attacks consume the resources of servers or network devices.

Measurement: Packets

C. Application-Layer Attacks

The objective is to crash or overload a web server.

Measurement: Requests per second

ATTACKER

┌─────────┐

│ SERVER  │

└─────────┘

Excessive Traffic

Service Unavailable

7. DICTIONARY ATTACK

A Dictionary Attack uses a prepared list of commonly used passwords.

The attacker tests the passwords from the list against the target account until the correct password is found.

8. URL INTERPRETATION ATTACK

A URL Interpretation Attack occurs when an attacker changes certain parts of a URL in an attempt to access web pages or resources that they are not authorised to access.

9. FILE INCLUSION ATTACK

A File Inclusion Attack allows an attacker to access unauthorised or sensitive files available on a web server.

In some cases, the attacker may also execute malicious files on the web server by exploiting the file inclusion functionality of a web application.

10. MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE (MITM) ATTACK

A Man-in-the-Middle Attack occurs when an attacker intercepts communication between a client and a server.

The attacker acts as an intermediary between the two parties and may be able to:

  • Read the data.
  • Insert new data.
  • Modify the data.
  • Monitor the communication.

CLIENT

┌─────────┐

│ ATTACKER│

│   MITM  │

└─────────┘

SERVER

  Client believes it is communicating

  directly with the Server.

II. SYSTEM-BASED ATTACKS

System-based attacks are designed to compromise:

  • Individual computers.
  • Computer systems.
  • Computer networks.

Important system-based threats include:

  1. Virus
  2. Computer Worm
  3. Trojan Horse
  4. Malware
  5. Ransomware
  6. Spyware
  7. Adware
  8. Keylogger
  9. Phishing
  10. Spoofing
  11. Pharming

1. COMPUTER VIRUS

A Computer Virus is a type of malicious software that replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and inserting its own code into them.

When the replication process is successful, the affected programs or files are said to be infected.

Common Ways a Virus Spreads

A virus may spread through:

  • Email attachments.
  • Executable files.
  • Infected websites.
  • Malicious advertisements.
  • Infected USB drives.
  • Other removable storage devices.

Effects of a Virus

A virus may:

  • Corrupt data.
  • Delete files.
  • Disrupt computer operations.
  • Spread to other computers.
  • Damage the hard disk in severe cases.

The main purpose of a computer virus is generally to disrupt the operation of a computer or computer program.

Examples of Computer Viruses and Malware Names

  • Ripper
  • Stuxnet
  • Petya
  • WannaCry
  • Code Red
  • Melissa
  • Sasser
  • Zeus
  • Mydoom
  • CryptoLocker
  • Flashback

2. COMPUTER WORM

A Computer Worm is a malicious, self-replicating software program that can spread from one computer to another.

Worms may affect the functioning of software and hardware systems.

Before widespread computer networking, worms were commonly spread through infected storage media such as floppy disks.

Today, USB drives and computer networks may also be used as vectors for spreading worms.

Difference Between a Virus and a Worm

Computer VirusComputer Worm
Usually requires some user action to spread.Can spread without human intervention once activated.
Attaches itself to or modifies other files or programs.Generally spreads independently from one system to another.
Often requires a host file or program.Can replicate itself across networks.

VIRUS:

User Action → Infected File → Other Files / Systems

WORM:

Infected System → Automatic Replication → Other Systems

3. TROJAN HORSE

A Trojan Horse, or simply a Trojan, is malware that misleads users about its true purpose.

It often appears to be a legitimate or harmless program or file.

Common Methods of Distribution

  • Fake email attachments.
  • Fake software.
  • Fraudulent advertisements.
  • Fake social media links.
  • Malicious downloads.

A Trojan may allow an attacker to:

  • Steal banking information.
  • Steal passwords.
  • Access personal information.
  • Delete files.
  • Infect other devices.
  • Install additional malware.
  • Create a backdoor for unauthorised access.

Trojans may range from causing minor inconvenience, such as displaying unwanted windows, to causing serious damage such as stealing data or deleting files.

Important Point

Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans generally do not attempt to replicate themselves by inserting their code into other files or spreading independently.

4. MALWARE

Malware is short for Malicious Software.

It refers to any software designed to:

  • Disrupt computer operations.
  • Gather sensitive information.
  • Damage computer systems.
  • Gain unauthorised access to private systems.

Malware may appear in the form of:

  • Executable code.
  • Scripts.
  • Active content.
  • Other malicious software.

MALWARE

┌────────────┼────────────┐

│            │            │

VIRUS        WORM        TROJAN

│            │            │

RANSOMWARE    SPYWARE      ADWARE

5. RANSOMWARE

Ransomware is a type of malware that infects and takes control of a computer system.

It is designed to prevent the owner from accessing files or systems and is generally used to extort money from the victim.

System / Files

Ransomware

Access Blocked

Ransom Demanded

6. SPYWARE

Spyware is unwanted software that secretly collects information about a user’s activities and device.

It may collect:

  • Internet usage data.
  • Personal information.
  • Sensitive information.
  • Other user activities.

Spyware may be installed without the user’s knowledge through:

  • Malicious email attachments.
  • Cookies.
  • Other software bundled with spyware.
  • Malicious downloads.

7. ADWARE

Adware, or Advertising-Supported Software, is software that generates revenue for its developer by displaying advertisements.

Advertisements may appear as:

  • Banner advertisements.
  • Pop-up advertisements.
  • Static boxes.
  • Full-screen advertisements.
  • Videos.

Revenue may be generated through:

  • Displaying advertisements.
  • Pay-per-click advertisements.

8. KEYLOGGER

A Keylogger is a type of malware or monitoring software that records the keystrokes made on a computer.

It may capture:

  • Usernames.
  • Passwords.
  • Credit card numbers.
  • Emails.
  • Personal documents.

User Types:

Username → Password → Card Number

KEYLOGGER

Keystrokes Recorded

9. PHISHING

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organisation.

It may target:

  • Usernames.
  • Passwords.
  • Credit card details.
  • Banking credentials.

Phishing commonly uses:

  • Email spoofing.
  • Instant messaging.
  • Fake websites.
  • Fraudulent links.

The fake website may be designed to look almost identical to a legitimate website.

10. SPOOFING

A Spoofing Attack occurs when a person, program, or system falsely represents itself as another legitimate person, device, or system.

The attacker falsifies information in order to gain an unauthorised advantage.

Examples include:

  • Email spoofing.
  • IP spoofing.
  • DNS spoofing.

11. PHARMING

Pharming is a cyber-attack designed to redirect users from a legitimate website to a fake website.

Pharming may be carried out by:

  • Modifying the hosts file on a victim’s computer.
  • Exploiting vulnerabilities in DNS server software.

DNS servers are responsible for converting Internet names into their corresponding IP addresses.

Users of:

  • Online banking websites.
  • E-commerce websites.

may be particularly vulnerable to this type of attack.

User enters:

www.genuine-site.com

Pharming Attack

Fake Website

Sensitive Information Stolen

1. ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Antivirus Software is a program or set of programs designed to:

  • Prevent viruses.
  • Search for malicious software.
  • Detect threats.
  • Remove viruses and other malware.

It may also protect against:

  • Worms.
  • Trojans.
  • Adware.

2. FIREWALL

A Firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

It does this according to predetermined security rules.

INTERNET

┌─────────┐

│ FIREWALL│

└─────────┘

│       │

Allowed   Blocked

Traffic   Traffic

COMPUTER / NETWORK

3. AUTHORIZATION

Authorization is the process of specifying and controlling the access rights of users to resources.

It determines:

What a user is allowed to access or do.

Example

A user may be authorised to:

  • Read a file.
  • Edit a file.
  • Delete a file.
  • Access a particular system.

4. AUTHENTICATION

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a person, system, or entity.

It determines:

Who are you?

Authentication may involve:

  • Passwords.
  • Identity documents.
  • Digital certificates.
  • Biometric verification.
  • Other forms of identification.

Difference Between Authentication and Authorization

USER

AUTHENTICATION

“Who are you?”

AUTHORIZATION

“What are you allowed to access?”

ACCESS GRANTED / DENIED

5. HACKER

A Hacker is a person who uses technical expertise to gain access to computer systems or information.

When a person gains access to another person’s computer illegally or causes damage, the activity is considered unauthorised or malicious hacking.

6. ZOMBIE

A Zombie is a computer connected to the Internet that has been compromised by:

  • A hacker.
  • A computer virus.
  • A Trojan horse.

The compromised computer can then be remotely controlled and used to perform malicious tasks.

7. SECURITY BREACH

A Security Breach occurs when an attacker successfully exploits a vulnerability in a computer system or device and gains unauthorised access to:

  • Files.
  • Data.
  • Systems.
  • Networks.

8. BOT AND BOTNET

A Bot is a software application or script that performs tasks automatically or according to commands.

An attacker may use a bot to remotely control a compromised computer.

A collection of infected computers controlled by an attacker is called a Botnet.

The person controlling a botnet is sometimes referred to as a Bot Herder.

ATTACKER

BOTNET

┌───────┼───────┐

│       │       │

ZOMBIE  ZOMBIE  ZOMBIE

COMPUTER  COMPUTER COMPUTER

9. SPAM

Spam refers to unwanted or unsolicited messages, particularly emails.

Spam may include:

  • Unwanted promotional emails.
  • Unsolicited advertisements.
  • Fraudulent messages.
  • Malicious links.

10. ENCRYPTION

Encryption is the process of converting readable data, known as Plaintext, into an encoded form known as Ciphertext.

The encrypted data can be converted back into its original readable form using a Decryption Key.

PLAINTEXT

ENCRYPTION + KEY

CIPHERTEXT

DECRYPTION + KEY

ORIGINAL DATA

Encryption is one of the most important methods of protecting data, particularly data transmitted across networks.

It is widely used for:

  • Secure communication.
  • Online banking.
  • E-commerce.
  • Password protection.
  • End-to-end data security.

Web-Based Attacks

  • Injection
  • DNS Spoofing
  • Session Hijacking
  • Phishing
  • Brute Force
  • Denial of Service
  • Dictionary Attack
  • URL Interpretation
  • File Inclusion
  • Man-in-the-Middle

System-Based Attacks

  • Virus
  • Worm
  • Trojan
  • Malware
  • Ransomware
  • Spyware
  • Adware
  • Keylogger
  • Phishing
  • Spoofing
  • Pharming

Important Security Concepts

TermMeaning
AntivirusDetects and removes malicious software
FirewallMonitors and controls network traffic
AuthenticationVerifies identity
AuthorizationDetermines access rights
HackerPerson who gains access using technical expertise
ZombieCompromised computer under remote control
BreachUnauthorised access after exploiting a vulnerability
BotSoftware that performs tasks automatically
BotnetCollection of compromised computers
SpamUnwanted or unsolicited messages
EncryptionConverts readable data into coded form

1. ‘ILOVEYOU’, one of the world’s most destructive viruses, spread via
 (A)
USB drives
 (B)
e-mail attachments
 (C)
FTP servers
 (D)
mobile messages

Liaison Officer (LO) 2025

Answer: (B) e-mail attachments

2. Which of the following is malicious software?

A. Malware
B. Hardware
C. Firmware
D. Freeware

Answer: A. Malware

3. Malware stands for:

A. Malfunctioning Hardware
B. Malicious Software
C. Managed Software
D. Manual Software

Answer: B. Malicious Software

4. A computer virus is a program that:

A. Improves computer performance
B. Replicates itself and can infect other files or programs
C. Protects the computer from malware
D. Compresses files

Answer: B. Replicates itself and can infect other files or programs

5. Which malware can replicate itself without requiring a user to attach itself to another program?

A. Worm
B. Adware
C. Spyware
D. Trojan

Answer: A. Worm

6. A Trojan horse is malware that:

A. Always replicates itself
B. Disguises itself as legitimate or useful software
C. Only affects printers
D. Only encrypts files

Answer: B. Disguises itself as legitimate or useful software

7. Ransomware primarily:

A. Displays advertisements
B. Encrypts or locks data and demands payment
C. Improves network speed
D. Creates backups

Answer: B. Encrypts or locks data and demands payment

8. Which of the following is an example of ransomware?

A. Medusa
B. Windows Defender
C. Google Chrome
D. Linux

Answer: A. Medusa

9. Which recent ransomware was the subject of a CISA #StopRansomware advisory in March 2025?

A. Medusa
B. Melissa
C. Michelangelo
D. Mydoom

Answer: A. Medusa

10. Which malware was highlighted by CISA in 2025 for stealing sensitive data?

A. LummaC2
B. ILOVEYOU
C. Morris
D. Brain

Answer: A. LummaC2

11. Adware is software that:

A. Automatically displays advertisements
B. Encrypts files
C. Steals passwords only
D. Repairs hard disks

Answer: A. Automatically displays advertisements

12. Spyware is designed primarily to:

A. Monitor or collect information about users without proper knowledge or consent
B. Increase computer memory
C. Create presentations
D. Compress files

Answer: A. Monitor or collect information about users without proper knowledge or consent

13. A keylogger records:

A. Screen brightness
B. Keystrokes typed by the user
C. Printer speed
D. Internet bandwidth

Answer: B. Keystrokes typed by the user

14. Phishing is an attempt to:

A. Obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity
B. Increase internet speed
C. Repair damaged hardware
D. Create a computer network

Answer: A. Obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity

15. Which of the following is commonly targeted in phishing attacks?

A. Passwords
B. Bank details
C. Login credentials
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

16. A phishing attack carried out through SMS is commonly called:

A. Smishing
B. Vishing
C. Pharming
D. Spoofing

Answer: A. Smishing

17. A phishing attack carried out through voice calls is called:

A. Smishing
B. Vishing
C. Pharming
D. Spamming

Answer: B. Vishing

18. Pharming is an attack that:

A. Redirects users to fraudulent websites
B. Deletes temporary files
C. Blocks advertisements
D. Improves browser performance

Answer: A. Redirects users to fraudulent websites

19. Spoofing involves:

A. Pretending to be another person, device or entity by falsifying information
B. Compressing files
C. Deleting viruses
D. Creating backups

Answer: A. Pretending to be another person, device or entity by falsifying information

20. A brute-force attack attempts to:

A. Guess passwords or credentials through repeated attempts
B. Destroy a computer physically
C. Increase the speed of a network
D. Create a backup

Answer: A. Guess passwords or credentials through repeated attempts

21. A dictionary attack uses:

A. A list of commonly used words and passwords
B. A physical dictionary only
C. Random computer hardware
D. Encrypted backups

Answer: A. A list of commonly used words and passwords

22. A Denial-of-Service attack attempts to:

A. Make a service or network unavailable to legitimate users
B. Improve server performance
C. Encrypt personal files for backup
D. Increase internet bandwidth

Answer: A. Make a service or network unavailable to legitimate users

23. A DDoS attack differs from a DoS attack mainly because:

A. DDoS attacks use multiple compromised systems
B. DDoS attacks do not use the Internet
C. DoS attacks always use malware
D. DDoS attacks are not cyberattacks

Answer: A. DDoS attacks use multiple compromised systems

24. A computer infected and controlled remotely by an attacker is called a:

A. Zombie
B. Firewall
C. Server
D. Proxy

Answer: A. Zombie

25. A network of infected computers controlled by an attacker is called:

A. Botnet
B. Intranet
C. Ethernet
D. Extranet

Answer: A. Botnet

26. A botnet is controlled by:

A. A bot herder or attacker
B. A printer
C. A keyboard
D. A monitor

Answer: A. A bot herder or attacker

27. A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack occurs when:

A. An attacker intercepts communication between two parties
B. A user forgets a password
C. A computer shuts down
D. A printer stops working

Answer: A. An attacker intercepts communication between two parties

28. In a MITM attack, the attacker may:

A. Read data
B. Modify data
C. Insert data
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

29. SQL Injection is an example of:

A. Injection attack
B. Physical attack
C. Hardware failure
D. Backup technique

Answer: A. Injection attack

30. SQL Injection attempts to manipulate:

A. Database queries
B. Monitor brightness
C. Printer settings
D. Keyboard layout

Answer: A. Database queries

31. DNS spoofing involves:

A. Providing false DNS information to redirect users
B. Increasing DNS speed
C. Deleting a web browser
D. Formatting a hard disk

Answer: A. Providing false DNS information to redirect users

32. Session hijacking generally involves stealing:

A. User session information or cookies
B. Computer hardware
C. Printer ink
D. Monitor pixels

Answer: A. User session information or cookies

33. A firewall is used to:

A. Monitor and control network traffic
B. Create documents
C. Increase RAM
D. Print files

Answer: A. Monitor and control network traffic

34. Antivirus software is designed to:

A. Detect, prevent and remove malware
B. Create websites
C. Increase monitor resolution
D. Replace the operating system

Answer: A. Detect, prevent and remove malware

35. Authentication is the process of:

A. Verifying the identity of a user or entity
B. Giving access rights
C. Encrypting all files
D. Deleting user accounts

Answer: A. Verifying the identity of a user or entity

36. Authorization determines:

A. What an authenticated user is allowed to access
B. Whether a user is genuine
C. The speed of a processor
D. The size of a hard disk

Answer: A. What an authenticated user is allowed to access

37. Which of the following is an example of multi-factor authentication?

A. Password only
B. Username only
C. Password plus OTP
D. PIN only

Answer: C. Password plus OTP

38. Encryption converts:

A. Plaintext into ciphertext
B. Ciphertext into hardware
C. Hardware into software
D. Data into a printer

Answer: A. Plaintext into ciphertext

39. The process of converting ciphertext back into readable information is:

A. Encryption
B. Decryption
C. Authentication
D. Compression

Answer: B. Decryption

40. Spam refers to:

A. Unsolicited or unwanted messages
B. Encrypted data
C. Antivirus software
D. Secure communication

Answer: A. Unsolicited or unwanted messages

41. Which of the following is a good cybersecurity practice?

A. Using the same password everywhere
B. Sharing OTPs with others
C. Using strong and unique passwords
D. Clicking every unknown link

Answer: C. Using strong and unique passwords

42. An OTP should:

A. Be shared with customer-care callers
B. Be kept confidential
C. Be posted online
D. Be sent to unknown persons

Answer: B. Be kept confidential

43. Which of the following is the safest action when receiving a suspicious email attachment?

A. Open it immediately
B. Forward it to everyone
C. Verify the sender before opening it
D. Disable antivirus software

Answer: C. Verify the sender before opening it

44. HTTPS is more secure than HTTP because it generally uses:

A. Encryption
B. No security
C. Only plain text
D. No authentication

Answer: A. Encryption

45. Which of the following should NOT be shared publicly?

A. Password
B. OTP
C. ATM PIN
D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

46. A security breach occurs when:

A. An unauthorised person gains access to a system or data
B. A user saves a file
C. A computer is switched on
D. A printer prints a document

Answer: A. An unauthorised person gains access to a system or data

47. A vulnerability is:

A. A weakness that can be exploited by an attacker
B. A type of printer
C. A backup device
D. A strong password

Answer: A. A weakness that can be exploited by an attacker

48. An exploit is:

A. A method or code used to take advantage of a vulnerability
B. A type of antivirus
C. A storage device
D. A computer monitor

Answer: A. A method or code used to take advantage of a vulnerability

49. Which of the following is a common method of protecting data?

A. Encryption
B. Sharing passwords
C. Using outdated software
D. Disabling security updates

Answer: A. Encryption

50. The best protection against ransomware-related data loss is:

A. Regularly maintained backups
B. Sharing passwords
C. Ignoring software updates
D. Opening unknown attachments

Answer: A. Regularly maintained backups

51. Which of the following is an example of a recent ransomware family highlighted in cybersecurity advisories?

A. Ghost (Cring)
B. MS Word
C. Android
D. Firefox

Answer: A. Ghost (Cring)

52. Interlock is associated with:

A. Ransomware
B. Spreadsheet software
C. Antivirus software
D. Web browsers

Answer: A. Ransomware

53. Which of the following is a modern cybersecurity concern associated with AI?

A. AI-assisted phishing and cyberattacks
B. Faster typing only
C. Increased screen resolution
D. Printer maintenance

Answer: A. AI-assisted phishing and cyberattacks

54. Which of the following is an example of social engineering?

A. Tricking a person into revealing a password
B. Increasing RAM
C. Formatting a hard disk
D. Installing a printer

Answer: A. Tricking a person into revealing a password

55. The main purpose of social engineering is to:

A. Manipulate people into revealing information or performing an action
B. Improve computer hardware
C. Increase internet speed
D. Repair software errors

Answer: A. Manipulate people into revealing information or performing an action

56. Cybersecurity is primarily concerned with protecting:

A. Only computer hardware
B. Computer systems, networks, data and digital information
C. Only printers
D. Only software applications

Answer: B. Computer systems, networks, data and digital information

57. What is Adware?

A. A malware that displays unwanted advertisements
B. A software for creating Ads
C. A type of database software
D. A network protocol

AEO 2025

Answer: A. A malware that displays unwanted advertisements

58. What is firewall’s primary function?

A. Store data
B. Increase processing speed
C. Protect against unauthorized network access
D. Run Applications

AEO 2025

Answer: C. Protect against unauthorized network access

59. Which Internet Protocol is used for secure data transfer?

A. HTTP
B. HTTPS
C. FTP
D. SMTP

AEO 2025

Answer: A. HTTP

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