Cyber Security
What's covered
Key facts
Automated Software Updates
Automatic updates can apply security patches without user delay.
Biometric Systems
A user cannot forget their fingerprint or face: the body feature is always with them, unlike a password.
CAPTCHA
CAPTCHAs on a login form help block automated brute-force attempts because each guess requires solving a fresh CAPTCHA.
Cyber Security Threats: Overview
Routine events like a printer running out of toner, a disconnected monitor, or an authorised user logging in correctly are not cyber-security threats: they're operational issues.
Cyber Security: Definition and Purpose
Cyber security is the protection of computers, devices, networks and data from unauthorised access, damage and disruption.
Email Confirmation Processes
Email confirmation alone is not a complete two-factor authentication system: it's a single account-creation check, not an ongoing second login factor.
Malware Types: Viruses, Trojans, Spyware
Viruses, trojans and spyware are all forms of malware.
Malware: Definition
Malware is software intentionally designed to harm a computer, steal data, or disrupt services.
Network Attacks: DoS, SQL Injection, Brute Force and Data Interception
The main prevention for each attack: brute force, account lockout; SQL injection, input validation; data interception, encryption; denial of service, a firewall blocking suspicious traffic.
Password Protocols
Requiring a mix of letters, digits and symbols increases the search space, making a password harder to guess by brute force.
Practice questions with answers
A taste of the 152 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
Why use automated software updates?
- ✓Apply security patches without delay
- •Automatically back up files to the cloud
- •Prevent users from changing system settings
- •Reduce the size of installed software over time
Which is an example of biometric authentication?
- •A PIN code memorised by the user
- •A security question with a typed answer
- •A typed password chosen by the user
- ✓Fingerprint scanner on a smartphone
Which is a typical CAPTCHA challenge?
- •Calculate the square root of pi exactly
- ✓Click images that contain traffic lights
- •Read aloud a poem stored on the server
- •Type your full date of birth into a box
Which is a typical cyber security threat?
- •A monitor disconnected from the tower PC
- •A printer running out of toner ink suddenly
- •A user logging in with their real password
- ✓Malware delivered via email attachments
What is the purpose of cyber security?
- •To compress files for less storage usage
- •To make programs run more quickly always
- ✓To prevent unauthorised access to data
- •To replace the need for any user accounts
Why send a confirmation link to a new user's email?
- •To delete the user from the database
- •To let them choose a password later
- •To upgrade the user's email account
- ✓To verify they own that email address
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