Cybersecurity Quiz

In Challenge-Response authentication, the claimant:

• Proves that she knows the secret without revealing it

• Proves that she doesn't know the secret

• Reveals the secret

• Gives a challenge

Answer explanation

In Challenge-Response authentication, the claimant (the user trying to authenticate) is challenged to prove knowledge of a secret (such as a password or cryptographic key) without revealing the secret itself. This process involves the claimant using the secret to generate a valid response to a challenge issued by the verifier, thereby proving their identity without disclosing the secret.

The RSA encryption algorithm also works in reverse, that is, you can encrypt a message with the private key and decrypt it using the public key. This property is used in

• Intrusion detection systems

• Digital signatures

• Data Compression

• Certification

Answer explanation

In RSA encryption, encrypting a message with the private key and decrypting it with the public key is the basis of digital signatures. This is used to authenticate the sender's identity and ensure data integrity.

Match List (I) with List (II):

List (I)

(A) DES

(B) AES

(C) 3 DES

(D) RSA

List (II)

(1) Key size - 256

(II) Key size - 1024

(III) Key size - 56

(IV) Key size - 168

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A)-(I),(B)-(II),(C)-(IV),(D)-(III)

• (A)-(III), (B)-(I),(C)-(IV),(D)-(II)

• (A)-(III), (B)-(IV),(C)-(II),(D)-(I)

• (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III),(D)-(I)

Answer explanation

1. DES (Data Encryption Standard):
   DES is a symmetric key encryption algorithm that uses a key size of 56 bits.

2. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard):
   AES is a symmetric key encryption algorithm that can use key sizes of 128, 192, or 256 bits. For this matching, we consider the 256-bit key size

3. 3 DES (Triple DES):
   3 DES applies the DES algorithm three times with a key size of 168 bits (effectively 56 bits used across three keys).

4. RSA:
   RSA is an asymmetric key algorithm and typically uses large key sizes, commonly 1024 bits or more.

Which mode is a block cipher implementation as a self-synchronizing stream cipher?

• Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode

• Cipher Feedback (CFB) mode

• Electronic Codebook (ECB) mode

• Output Feedback (OFB) mode

Answer explanation

Cipher Feedback (CFB) mode is a block cipher mode of operation that enables a block cipher to function as a self-synchronizing stream cipher. In CFB mode, each ciphertext block is used in the encryption process of the next block, making it self-synchronizing.

Which of the following is defined as an attempt to steal, spy, damage or destroy computer systems, networks, or their associated information?

• Cyber attack

• Computer security

• Cryptography

• Digital hacking

Answer explanation

An effort to steal, spy on, damage, or destroy diverse components of cyberspace, such as computer systems, related peripherals, network systems, and information, is known as a cyber attack.

 

Which of the following is not a cybercrime?

• Denial of Service

• Man in the Middle

• Malware

• AES

Answer explanation

Denial of Service, Man in the Middle, and Malware exploit the system causing a threat to security, hence they are considered as cybercrime. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) provides security by encrypting the data.

Which of the following is a type of cyber attack?

• Phishing

• SQL Injections

• Password Attack

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Attacks are Phishing, SQL Injections, and Password Attack.

Phishing: The attacker sends a large number of fraudulent emails and gains access to the system.

SQL Injections: The attacker gains access to the protected information by adding malicious code to the SQL server.

Password Attack: Attackers gain access to the passwords unethically and gain access to the confidential data.

"Cyberspace" was coined by _________

• Richard Stallman

• William Gibson

• Andrew Tannenbaum

• Scott Fahlman

Answer explanation

William Gibson, an American-Canadian fiction pioneer, and coiner, examined the many streams of technology and invented the word “cyberspace” in 1821. The phrase refers to linked technologies that aid in information exchange, interaction with digital devices, storage and digital entertainment, computer and network security, and other information technology-related matters.

 

What is the existence of weakness in a system or network?

• Attack

• Exploit

• Vulnerability

• Threat

Answer explanation

: Vulnerability is a term that refers to a weakness in a network or system that an attacker may exploit. Exploiting a weakness in security might have unintended and undesirable consequences.

Which of the following is a Stuxnet?

• Trojan

• Antivirus

• Worm

• Virus

Answer explanation

Stuxnet is a popular and powerful worm that came into existence in mid 2010, which was very powerful as it was accountable for the cause of huge damage to Iran’s Nuclear program. It mainly targets the PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) in a system.