IC3 - Digital Literacy Online Safety and Security Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following types of malware is specifically designed to encrypt a user's files and demand a payment for their release?
- Virus
- Worm
- Ransomware (Correct answer)
- Spyware
Correct answer: Ransomware
Ransomware is a malicious software that blocks access to a computer system or files, usually by encryption, and demands a ransom payment to the perpetrator in return for the decryption key.
Question 2: An employee is setting up a new account for a critical work system. Which of the following passwords is the MOST secure?
- M$p_4!wR*d_7k (Correct answer)
- CompanyName2026!
- Password123
- theirpet'sname
Correct answer: M$p_4!wR*d_7k
This password is the strongest because it is long (over 12 characters) and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, making it difficult to guess or crack. The other options are easily guessable, use common words, or follow predictable patterns.
Question 3: When entering sensitive information, such as a credit card number, on a website, which of the following is the most important indicator that the connection is secure?
- The website has a professional design and high-quality images.
- The URL begins with "https" and shows a padlock icon. (Correct answer)
- The website is listed at the top of a search engine result page.
- The website's privacy policy is easy to find and read.
Correct answer: The URL begins with "https" and shows a padlock icon.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) indicates that the data transmitted between your browser and the website is encrypted. The padlock icon is a visual confirmation of this secure connection, which is crucial for protecting sensitive data from being intercepted.
Question 4: What is the primary benefit of enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on an online account?
- It makes your password easier to remember.
- It automatically blocks all spam emails from reaching your inbox.
- It increases the speed of your internet connection.
- It adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
Two-factor authentication requires a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. This means that even if a malicious actor steals your password, they likely won't be able to access your account without the second factor.
Question 5: You are at a coffee shop using their public Wi-Fi network. Which of the following activities should you AVOID doing?
- Browsing general news websites.
- Accessing your online banking account. (Correct answer)
- Streaming a public video from a popular service.
- Checking the local weather forecast.
Correct answer: Accessing your online banking account.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted and not secure. Malicious actors on the same network could potentially intercept the data you send and receive (a 'Man-in-the-Middle' attack). Therefore, you should avoid transmitting any sensitive personal or financial information, like online banking credentials.
Question 6: Which of the following is considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and should be shared online with extreme caution?
- Your favorite color.
- Your public social media username.
- Your full home address. (Correct answer)
- The name of the city you live in.
Correct answer: Your full home address.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is any data that could be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity. A full home address is a key piece of PII that can be used for identity theft or to compromise physical security. While a city name or username is personal, a full home address is far more sensitive and specific.
IC3 - Digital Literacy Online Safety and Security Questions and Answers
Which of the following types of malware is specifically designed to encrypt a user's files and demand a payment for their release?