CCST CyberSec Sample Test Questions
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MCQs with explanations and correct answers on CCST Cybersecurity:
1. Which type of malware encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption?
a) Trojan horse b) Worm c) Keylogger d) Ransomware
Explanation: Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for decryption, impacting data availability and potentially causing operational disruptions. So the answer is (d).
2. What is the purpose of using encryption in cybersecurity?
a) To improve data transfer speed b) To authenticate user identities c) To scramble data and protect its confidentiality d) To compress data for efficient storage
Explanation: Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format using a key, ensuring confidentiality and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. So the answer is (c).
3. What is the principle of "least privilege" in information security?
a) Granting users all necessary permissions regardless of their role b) Providing users with the minimum access rights needed for their tasks c) Allowing users to share their credentials with colleagues for convenience d) Implementing complex password requirements for all users
Explanation: Limiting user access to only the resources and data they need for their job duties minimizes the potential damage in case of compromised accounts. So the answer is (b).
4. What is a common technique used in phishing attacks?
a) Exploiting software vulnerabilities b) Sending emails disguised as legitimate sources c) Infecting devices with malware through downloads d) Launching brute-force attacks against passwords
Explanation: Phishing emails often try to deceive recipients into clicking malicious links or opening attachments, potentially compromising their accounts or devices. So the answer is (b).
5. What is the role of security awareness training in cybersecurity?
a) To automate routine security tasks b) To educate users about cyber threats and safe practices c) To monitor network activity for suspicious behavior d) To recover data after a security incident
Explanation: User awareness training empowers employees to identify and avoid cyber threats, playing a crucial role in preventative security measures. So the answer is (b).
6. What is the benefit of using secure boot on a device?
a) To encrypt user data stored on the device b) To prevent unauthorized software from loading during startup c) To automatically update security software d) To monitor network traffic for suspicious activity
Explanation: Secure boot verifies the authenticity of software before loading it during startup, reducing the risk of bootkits or malware compromising the system. So the answer is (b).
7. What is the meaning of "deny all" in firewall rules?
a) All traffic is allowed by default, and specific rules block certain traffic. b) All traffic is blocked by default, and specific rules allow certain traffic. c) Only specific types of traffic are allowed, and all others are blocked. d) All network activity is logged and monitored.
Explanation: "Deny all" as a default policy in firewall rules implies that all traffic except explicitly allowed through specific rules is blocked, enhancing security by default. So the answer is (b).
8. What is a common challenge faced in incident response when dealing with cyberattacks?
a) Identifying the root cause of the attack b) Containing the attack and preventing further damage c) Recovering lost data and restoring systems d) Communicating the incident to stakeholders effectively
Explanation: Identifying the source and attack vectors can be complex, requiring investigation and analysis of diverse security data. So the answer is (a).
9. What is the benefit of using a password manager?
a) To automatically log in to websites and applications b) To generate and store strong, unique passwords for different accounts c) To encrypt files and folders on your device d) To monitor online activity for suspicious behavior
Explanation: Password managers help create and manage strong, unique passwords for various accounts, improving password hygiene and reducing the risk of breaches due to reused credentials. So the answer is (b).
10. Which of the following is NOT a key principle of secure software development?
a) Implementing input validation and sanitization b) Regularly testing and patching vulnerabilities c) Using open-source code without proper review d) Secure coding practices and secure by design approach
Explanation: Relying on unreviewed open-source code introduces potential security risks. Secure coding practices and incorporating security throughout the development process are crucial principles. So the answer is (c).
11. Which of the following is NOT a primary type of cyberattack?
a) Phishing b) Malware c) Denial-of-service (DoS) d) Social engineering
Explanation: While all the listed options are common cyberattacks, social engineering focuses on manipulating people rather than directly targeting systems. So the answer is (d).
12. What is the main purpose of using strong passwords?
a) To personalize your online experience b) To comply with company regulations c) To prevent unauthorized access to accounts d) To facilitate password recovery
Explanation: Strong passwords with complexity and regular updates significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. So the answer is (c).
13. What is the role of firewalls in cybersecurity?
a) To encrypt network traffic b) To monitor network activity c) To control incoming and outgoing network traffic d) All of the above
Explanation: Firewalls act as barriers, analyzing and filtering network traffic based on established rules to prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity. So the answer is (d).
14. What is the principle behind the "defense in depth" security approach?
a) Implementing a single strong security measure b) Layering multiple security controls for comprehensive protection c) Focusing on reactive measures after security breaches d) Relying solely on user awareness training
Explanation: Defense in depth involves combining multiple security controls like firewalls, intrusion detection, encryption, and user training to create a layered defense against various threats. So the answer is (b).
15. What is the difference between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing?
a) Vulnerability scanning identifies potential weaknesses, while penetration testing exploits them. b) Vulnerability scanning is automated, while penetration testing is manual. c) Vulnerability scanning focuses on software, while penetration testing covers all systems. d) All of the above.
Explanation: While both identify vulnerabilities, penetration testing actively attempts to exploit them like a real attacker, providing a more in-depth evaluation of security posture. So the answer is (a).
16. What is the purpose of using multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
a) To simplify the login process b) To add an extra layer of security beyond passwords c) To track user activity for compliance purposes d) To recover forgotten passwords
Explanation: MFA requires multiple verification factors, like a password and a code from an app, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if attackers obtain passwords. So the answer is (b).
17. What is the best practice for patching software vulnerabilities?|
a) Patching only critical vulnerabilities when convenient b) Delaying patches to assess compatibility and impact c) Applying all patches as soon as they become available d) Relying on antivirus software to address vulnerabilities
Explanation: Promptly applying patches minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities. So the answer is (c).
18. What is the main function of an intrusion detection system (IDS)?
a) To prevent unauthorized access attempts b) To encrypt network traffic c) To monitor network activity and detect suspicious behavior d) To recover data from cyberattacks
Explanation: IDS monitors network traffic and analyzes activities for signs of intrusions or malicious behavior, raising alerts for further investigation and response. So the answer is (c).
19. What is the importance of creating backups of your data?
a) To comply with data privacy regulations b) To recover data from accidental deletion or hardware failures c) To improve system performance d) To track user activity for security purposes
Explanation: Regular backups create copies of your data, allowing recovery in case of cyberattacks, ransomware, or accidental data loss. So the answer is (b).
20. What is the best approach to managing security risks in a constantly evolving threat landscape?
a) Implementing static security measures and hoping for the best b) Staying informed about new threats and updating security strategies accordingly c) Hiring expensive security experts to handle all security needs d) Ignoring security risks until they directly impact your organization
Explanation: Proactive and continuous improvement based on the evolving threat landscape is crucial for effective security management. So the answer is (b).
21. Question: Which of the following is an example of a violation of the confidentiality principle in the CIA triad?
A. A hacker deletes a company's customer database. B. An employee accidentally sends an email with sensitive information to the wrong recipient. C. A power outage prevents employees from accessing the company's network. D. A virus infects a company's computer system and corrupts data.
Answer: B. An employee accidentally sends an email with sensitive information to the wrong recipient.
Explanation: Confidentiality is concerned with protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure. In this scenario, the employee's actions resulted in the disclosure of sensitive information to an unauthorized recipient, which is a violation of the confidentiality principle.
22. Question: Which of the following is an example of a violation of the integrity principle in the CIA triad?
A. A hacker steals a company's financial data. B. An employee intentionally modifies a customer's order to give them a discount. C. A natural disaster causes a company's data center to flood. D. A company's website is defaced by a hacker.
Answer: B. An employee intentionally modifies a customer's order to give them a discount.
Explanation: Integrity is concerned with protecting information from unauthorized modification or destruction. In this scenario, the employee's actions resulted in the modification of a customer's order without authorization, which is a violation of the integrity principle.
23. Question: Which of the following is an example of a violation of the availability principle in the CIA triad?
A. A hacker steals a company's intellectual property. B. A software update causes a company's servers to crash. C. An employee accidentally deletes a customer's account. D. A virus infects a company's computer system and spreads to other systems.
Answer: B. A software update causes a company's servers to crash.
Explanation: Availability is concerned with ensuring that information and systems are accessible and available to authorized users when they need them. In this scenario, the software update resulted in the company's servers crashing, which prevented employees from accessing the network and customers from accessing the company's website, which is a violation of the availability principle.