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Cybersecurity Practices Assessment Quiz

Test Your Security Best Practices Skills

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art representing a cybersecurity practices assessment quiz

Are you ready to test your cybersecurity quiz skills? This Cybersecurity Practices Assessment Quiz challenges you with thought-provoking questions on security best practices, risk management, and incident response. Ideal for IT professionals, students, and security enthusiasts seeking to validate their knowledge, this assessment offers instant feedback and insights. Users can freely adapt or expand the quiz in our editor to suit training needs or classroom use. Explore more Cybersecurity Fundamentals Quiz and Cybersecurity Awareness Quiz in our quizzes library.

What is the primary purpose of a firewall?
To encrypt data at rest
To filter incoming and outgoing network traffic based on rules
To monitor employee productivity
To provide physical security controls
A firewall inspects and filters network traffic according to predefined security policies. It does not encrypt data at rest or provide physical security, but it controls which packets are allowed or denied.
Which practice ensures a strong password?
Using username as the password
Using only dictionary words
Using a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Sharing the password over email
Strong passwords combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to increase complexity and resist brute-force attacks. Simple or shared passwords are easily compromised.
What is phishing?
A social engineering attack that tricks users into revealing sensitive information
Installing unauthorized hardware on a network
A wireless attack using radio frequency jamming
A type of malware that encrypts files for ransom
Phishing uses fraudulent messages, often via email, to deceive individuals into disclosing credentials or personal data. It is not the same as jamming or ransomware.
What is two-factor authentication?
Answering two security questions
Using two different methods to verify identity
Using two passwords sequentially
Authenticating only on a VPN
Two-factor authentication requires two distinct methods (for example, a password plus a one-time code) to verify a user's identity. Simply using multiple passwords or questions does not provide the same security.
Which method protects data at rest?
Using antivirus software
Encrypting files stored on disk
Configuring firewall rules
Monitoring network traffic
Encrypting data at rest ensures that stored information remains unreadable without the proper decryption key. Firewalls and antivirus software focus on network or active threats, not data at rest.
What vulnerability is exploited by SQL injection?
Unsanitized user input in database queries
Weak password authentication
Outdated firewall rules
Weak SSL certificates
SQL injection occurs when attackers insert malicious SQL into unsanitized user inputs. Proper input validation and parameterized queries prevent these attacks.
Which practice is key for secure network segmentation?
Allowing all internal traffic by default
Dividing the network into isolated zones with specific access controls
Using a single flat network
Disabling VLANs
Network segmentation creates isolated zones, limiting lateral movement and improving security controls. A flat network without segmentation exposes all systems to potential breaches.
What is the first phase of the NIST incident response lifecycle?
Preparation
Containment
Eradication
Recovery
The NIST framework begins with Preparation, which involves establishing policies, tools, and training before any incident occurs. Containment and eradication come in later phases.
Which principle restricts user access to only what is needed?
Principle of least privilege
Separation of duties
Defense in depth
Fail-safe defaults
The principle of least privilege limits user and system permissions to only those necessary for legitimate tasks. This reduces the attack surface and potential damage from compromised accounts.
What is the main difference between an IDS and an IPS?
IDS detects and alerts without blocking, while IPS can block threats
IDS proactively blocks traffic
IPS only monitors log files
IDS encrypts network data
An IDS (Intrusion Detection System) monitors and alerts on suspicious activity, whereas an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) can actively block or reject malicious traffic in real time.
What is a best practice when configuring a new router?
Disable unnecessary services and ports
Broadcast the management interface on a public network
Allow all inbound connections by default
Use the default administrator credentials
Disabling unused services and ports reduces the attack surface and prevents unauthorized access. Default credentials and open management interfaces are common targets for attackers.
Why is regular patch management important?
To fix known software vulnerabilities
To improve the user interface aesthetics
To increase network latency
To reduce hardware costs
Applying patches addresses known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. Neglecting updates leaves systems open to compromise and potential data breaches.
Which log type is most critical for demonstrating compliance with access controls?
Wallpaper change logs
Browser history logs
User activity and access logs
Printer usage logs
User activity and access logs record who accessed what and when, which is essential for auditing and compliance purposes. Other logs do not provide meaningful access control evidence.
What method helps defend against social engineering attacks?
Encrypting data at rest
Security awareness training for employees
Implementing VLANs
Using network segmentation
Regular security awareness training educates staff on recognizing and responding to social engineering attempts. Technical controls alone cannot fully prevent these human-targeted attacks.
Which solution ensures secure remote access for employees?
A VPN with strong encryption
Open public SSH access
Telnet for remote command access
A standard FTP connection
A VPN establishes an encrypted tunnel for remote users, protecting data in transit and authenticating connections securely. Telnet and FTP are unencrypted and vulnerable to interception.
During incident response, what is the main goal of the eradication phase?
Containing the threat within the network
Detecting the initial compromise
Recovering business operations to full capacity
Removing malicious artifacts and preventing reoccurrence
Eradication focuses on eliminating malware, backdoors, and other malicious components from the environment. Containment and recovery are separate phases that occur before and after eradication, respectively.
Which best describes an advanced persistent threat (APT)?
A prolonged and targeted attack often backed by sophisticated actors
A short-term phishing campaign
An automated antivirus signature update
A one-time exploit with minimal impact
APTs involve long-term, stealthy operations by skilled adversaries who maintain persistence to exfiltrate data or disrupt operations. They differ from opportunistic or automated attacks.
What is the purpose of a DMZ in network architecture?
To host internal-only applications hidden from the internet
To provide a buffer zone between the internal network and the internet
To centralize all system and application logs
To encrypt all internal traffic by default
A DMZ (demilitarized zone) isolates public-facing services from the internal network, reducing the risk that a breach of those services leads to deeper compromise. It acts as a buffer with controlled access.
Which principle is core to Zero Trust architecture?
Relying solely on a perimeter firewall
Providing unlimited access once authenticated
Trust all internal traffic by default
Continuous verification of users and devices before granting access
Zero Trust assumes no inherent trust for any user or device, even if they are inside the network perimeter. Continuous verification ensures each request is authenticated and authorized.
In risk assessment, what is residual risk?
The risk associated with natural disasters only
The risk transferred to an insurance provider
The total risk exposure before applying controls
The risk that remains after controls are implemented
Residual risk is the remaining exposure after security controls and mitigation measures are in place. It helps organizations understand what risks still need monitoring or acceptance.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key cybersecurity practices to protect data
  2. Analyse common security threats and vulnerabilities
  3. Apply best practices for secure network configuration
  4. Evaluate incident response procedures effectively
  5. Demonstrate compliance with security policy requirements

Cheat Sheet

  1. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attempts - Phishing attacks are clever traps designed to trick you into sharing passwords or personal info by posing as trusted sources. Always hover over links to check where they really lead and never rush when entering sensitive data. Staying vigilant and skeptical can save you from digital disasters. hsph.harvard.edu
  2. Implement Strong, Unique Passwords - Think of your password like a secret handshake: the more complex, the better. Mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse the same password across multiple sites. Consider a password manager to juggle all those wild combinations without breaking a sweat. online.maryville.edu
  3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - MFA is your superhero cape, adding a second checkpoint - like a text code or authentication app - on top of your password. Even if a hacker steals your password, they'll still need that extra code to break in. Flip that switch on every account you can for maximum protection. blogs.iu.edu
  4. Keep Software and Systems Updated - Updates are like booster shots for your devices, patching vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Turn on automatic updates to ensure you're always defended against the latest threats. It's a small step that pays off big time in digital safety. umaine.edu
  5. Secure Your Devices Physically and Digitally - Lock screens, strong PINs or passwords, and fingerprint or face recognition keep nosy neighbors out of your data. Enable remote wiping so you can erase everything if your phone or laptop goes missing. Treat your gadgets like treasure chests - they hold a lot more than just selfies! blogs.iu.edu
  6. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) on Public Wi-Fi - Public Wi-Fi is a hacker's playground, but a VPN wraps your connection in a secure tunnel. This encryption keeps prying eyes from snooping on your data when you're streaming, studying, or shopping on the go. Always turn it on before you connect! rso.iu.edu
  7. Regularly Back Up Important Data - Imagine writing a term paper and losing it - nightmare fuel! Back up your files to an external drive or trusted cloud service so you can recover from malware, hardware failure, or accidental deletes. Schedule backups at least once a week for peace of mind. blogs.iu.edu
  8. Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links - That "urgent" email from a stranger might be a sneaky malware drop. Before clicking, pause and ask: "Do I know this sender?" If in doubt, verify by phone or delete the message entirely. Curiosity killed the cat, but caution keeps your files safe! hsph.harvard.edu
  9. Understand and Apply the Principle of Least Privilege - Only give users or apps the exact permissions they need - no free passes allowed. This way, if an account is compromised, the damage stays contained. It's like only giving your roommate the key to your kitchen, not your entire house. rso.iu.edu
  10. Stay Informed About Common Security Threats - The digital world is always evolving, and so are hackers' tactics. Read up on threats like denial-of-service attacks, ransomware, and social engineering to spot red flags and react fast. Knowledge is your best defense in the cybersecurity arena! en.wikipedia.org
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