Knowledge Checker: Understanding Cyber Threats and Safety

What is the main goal of a phishing attack?

• To physically damage a computer

• To trick people into giving away personal information

• To speed up internet connections

• To improve computer security

Answer explanation

The main goal of a phishing attack is to trick people into giving away personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, often through deceptive emails or websites.

Which of the following is an example of malware?

• Antivirus software

• Ransomware

• Word processor

• Firewall

Answer explanation

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a user's files and demands payment for the decryption key. In contrast, antivirus software and firewalls are security tools designed to protect against malware.

What should you do if you receive an email from an unknown sender asking for your password?

• Reply with your password

• Ignore or delete the email

• Forward it to your friends

• Click on all the links

Answer explanation

If you receive an email from an unknown sender asking for your password, you should ignore or delete the email. Responding or clicking links can compromise your security.

Which of the following is a common social engineering tactic?

• Encrypting files

• Pretending to be someone trustworthy

• Installing updates

• Backing up data

Answer explanation

A common social engineering tactic is pretending to be someone trustworthy. This method exploits human psychology to gain access to sensitive information, unlike encrypting files, installing updates, or backing up data, which are security measures.

What is the main purpose of ransomware?

• To clean your computer

• To lock your files and demand payment

• To speed up your internet

• To update your software

Answer explanation

The main purpose of ransomware is to lock your files and demand payment for their release. It is a malicious software designed to extort money from victims by restricting access to their data.

Which of the following is NOT a type of malware?

• Virus

• Worm

• Trojan horse

• Firewall

Answer explanation

A firewall is not a type of malware; it is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. In contrast, a virus, worm, and Trojan horse are all types of malware designed to harm or exploit systems.

What is a sign that an email might be suspicious?

• It comes from your teacher’s school email address

• It asks for your bank details urgently

• It contains your full name and correct spelling

• It is about your homework

Answer explanation

An email asking for your bank details urgently is a strong sign of suspicion, as legitimate organizations typically do not request sensitive information in this manner. The other options do not indicate a red flag.

Which of the following helps prevent system threats?

• Sharing your password with friends

• Installing security updates regularly

• Downloading files from unknown websites

• Ignoring antivirus warnings

Answer explanation

Installing security updates regularly helps protect your system from vulnerabilities and threats. The other options, like sharing passwords or ignoring antivirus warnings, can increase risks.

What does the term “malware” stand for?

• Malfunctioning hardware

• Malicious software

• Manual warning

• Main alert

Answer explanation

The term 'malware' stands for 'malicious software', which refers to any software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise computer systems. The other options do not accurately describe this term.

Which of these is a way to identify a phishing email?

• It has poor spelling and grammar

• It is always sent from your friend

• It never contains links

• It is always about your favourite sport

Answer explanation

Phishing emails often contain poor spelling and grammar, which can be a red flag. The other options are misleading; emails can be from friends, may contain links, and can be about various topics, including sports.