1. A program that appears useful but secretly performs harmful actions is a:
- firewall
- antivirus
- Trojan horse
- worm
Answer: C) Trojan horse
Explanation: Named after the wooden horse of Troy.
MCQs / Computer Science / Computer Security, Privacy and Ethics
Computer Security, Privacy and Ethics MCQs — Computer Science
51 multiple-choice questions on Computer Security, Privacy and Ethics from Computer Science, each with the correct answer and, where available, a teacher's explanation. Read through them to revise the chapter, then practise the same questions one by one to test yourself.
2. Verifying the identity of a user is called:
- authentication
- authorization
- encryption
- compilation
Answer: A) authentication
Explanation: Authentication answers "who are you?".
3. Which is the MOST common way malware spreads?
- Reading a printed book
- Switching off the monitor
- Using a calculator
- Infected email attachments and links
Answer: D) Infected email attachments and links
Explanation: Phishing emails are a major source.
4. Friends receiving messages you never sent may indicate:
- your printer is out of ink
- your monitor is broken
- your RAM is full
- your account or computer is infected/compromised
Answer: D) your account or computer is infected/compromised
Explanation: Malware may send spam from your account.
5. Flooding a website with traffic so real users cannot access it is a:
- backup
- phishing attack
- macro virus
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack
Answer: D) Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack
Explanation: DDoS uses many computers to flood the target.
6. A network of infected computers controlled remotely by an attacker is a:
- botnet
- LAN
- firewall
- token ring
Answer: A) botnet
Explanation: Infected machines are called zombies.
7. Fingerprint and face recognition are examples of:
- authorization only
- something you know
- biometric authentication (something you are)
- something you have
Answer: C) biometric authentication (something you are)
Explanation: Biometrics use physical features.
8. Copying someone's assignment and submitting it as your own is:
- encryption
- formatting
- plagiarism
- authentication
Answer: C) plagiarism
Explanation: It violates academic integrity.
9. Deciding what a verified user is allowed to access is called:
- authentication
- formatting
- authorization
- booting
Answer: C) authorization
Explanation: Authorization answers "what can you do?".
10. Software that displays unwanted advertisements is:
- ransomware
- adware
- a firewall
- a worm
Answer: B) adware
Explanation: Adware shows pop-up ads.
11. The harmful action that a virus performs is called its:
- kernel
- protocol
- payload
- bandwidth
Answer: C) payload
Explanation: The payload is the damage done.
12. Software that secretly collects user information is called:
- firmware
- freeware
- adware only
- spyware
Answer: D) spyware
Explanation: Spyware spies on users.
13. Fake emails or messages that trick users into revealing passwords or PINs are called:
- phishing
- debugging
- spamming only
- compiling
Answer: A) phishing
Explanation: Phishing "fishes" for personal information.
14. Reading a classmate's files on a shared computer without permission violates which area of ethics?
- Bandwidth
- Accessibility
- Green computing
- Privacy
Answer: D) Privacy
Explanation: Others' data must be respected.
15. Using a password plus an OTP is called:
- single-factor authentication
- two-factor authentication (2FA)
- phishing
- authorization
Answer: B) two-factor authentication (2FA)
Explanation: Two different factors are combined.
16. Why should software and the OS be updated regularly?
- Updates delete all files
- Updates make the screen larger
- Updates fix security vulnerabilities
- Updates disable antivirus
Answer: C) Updates fix security vulnerabilities
Explanation: Patches close holes attackers exploit.
17. Regular backups mainly protect you against:
- high electricity bills
- monitor flicker
- slow typing
- data loss, e.g. from ransomware
Answer: D) data loss, e.g. from ransomware
Explanation: You can restore files without paying ransom.
18. Malware that encrypts files and demands payment is:
- ransomware
- adware
- a keylogger only
- spyware
Answer: A) ransomware
Explanation: WannaCry is a famous example.
19. A student can view results but only the admin can change them. This is an example of:
- authorization
- authentication
- hacking
- encryption
Answer: A) authorization
Explanation: Permissions differ by role.
20. A virus that stays in RAM and infects files as they are opened is a:
- direct-action virus
- worm
- resident virus
- macro virus only
Answer: C) resident virus
Explanation: It remains active in memory.
21. Downloading cracked/pirated software is risky because it:
- is always slow
- never installs
- improves security
- often contains hidden malware
Answer: D) often contains hidden malware
Explanation: Cracks are a common malware carrier.
22. Software that filters network traffic to block unauthorised access is a:
- compiler
- spreadsheet
- firewall
- plotter
Answer: C) firewall
Explanation: Firewalls can be hardware or software.
23. Any illegal activity committed using computers or the Internet is called:
- authentication
- encryption
- netiquette
- cybercrime
Answer: D) cybercrime
Explanation: Cybercrime includes hacking, phishing, fraud etc.
24. Which password is the strongest?
- password
- ali1999
- 123456
- T7qL9!vR2@m
Answer: D) T7qL9!vR2@m
Explanation: Long, mixed characters, not guessable.
25. Protection of creative works such as software, music and books comes under:
- topology
- intellectual property rights / copyright
- netiquette only
- authentication
Answer: B) intellectual property rights / copyright
Explanation: IP laws protect creators.
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