Types of Data Threats and Malware Attacks Answers Quiz 1. What is a common tactic used by attackers to spread ransomware? A. Conducting physical thefts B. Exploiting social media platforms C. Performing denial of service attacks D. Spear phishing Answer: Spear phishing (D) Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing that attackers often use to spread ransomware. 2. Which of the following can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage for companies? A. Employee training programs B. Software updates C. Ransomware attacks D. System backups Answer: Ransomware attacks (C) Ransomware attacks severely disrupt business operations and can lead to substantial financial losses. 3. What is a data breach primarily characterized by? A. Regular software updates B. Unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information C. Accidental deletion of files D. Passing of security audits Answer: Unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information (B) Data breaches represent unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive information. 4. Which factor is NOT associated with data breaches? A. System backups B. Insider threats C. Malware D. Spear phishing Answer: System backups (A) System backups are not typically a factor associated with the occurrence of data breaches. 5. What kind of consequences can result from a data breach? A. Improved customer loyalty B. Increased employee productivity C. Reduction in legal responsibilities D. Regulatory penalties Answer: Regulatory penalties (D) Data breaches can lead to significant financial losses, legal consequences, and regulatory penalties. 6. What is a primary effect of malware infections? A. Increased system speed B. Enhanced user experience C. Data breaches and financial losses D. Improved software functionality Answer: Data breaches and financial losses (C) Malware infections can lead to serious consequences, including data breaches and financial losses. 7. Which of the following is NOT a common method used in phishing attacks? A. Using urgent tones in communications B. Spoofing legitimate entities C. User participation in software updates D. Creating fake websites Answer: User participation in software updates (C) Phishing attacks focus on deception, while user participation in software updates is unrelated to phishing methods. 8. What distinguishes spear phishing from regular phishing? A. Spear phishing targets organizations only B. Spear phishing uses generic messages C. Spear phishing focuses on specific individuals D. Spear phishing is less harmful than regular phishing Answer: Spear phishing focuses on specific individuals (C) Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing that specifically focuses on individual victims or organizations. 9. Which of the following best defines insider threats? A. Malicious actions by authorized individuals B. Accidental errors by IT professionals C. Attacks from external hackers only D. Data theft from public sources Answer: Malicious actions by authorized individuals (A) Insider threats stem from actions taken by individuals who already have authorized access to a system. 10. What is the primary characteristic of ransomware? A. It provides free access to sensitive information B. It demands payment for data access and encryption C. It primarily arises from insider threats D. It does not damage data but slows systems down Answer: It demands payment for data access and encryption (B) Ransomware encrypts data and demands payment for the keys needed to decrypt that data. 11. Which of the following actions could indicate a phishing attempt? A. A request for urgent password updates via email B. An email with the sender's verified signature C. An offer of customer support from a verified source D. Communications from a trusted company Answer: A request for urgent password updates via email (A) Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into providing their sensitive information. 12. What is a common vulnerability exploited by malware? A. High system performance B. User’s strong passwords C. Encrypted communication channels D. Obsolete software updates Answer: Obsolete software updates (D) Malware often exploits vulnerabilities present in software that has not been updated. 13. Which scenario exemplifies an insider threat? A. A hacker breaching a firewall B. A virus spreading through a corporate network C. An employee unintentionally deleting sensitive files D. A competitor accessing public records Answer: An employee unintentionally deleting sensitive files (C) Insider threats can be caused by negligent actions, such as an employee accidentally deleting important files.