Cybersecurity Fundamentals Quiz

Cybersecurity Analogy

• Cybersecurity resembles securing a house from intruders
• Create a robust framework by locking digital doors, installing alarm systems, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring availability

Equifax Data Breach

• Occurred between mid-May and July 2017
• Affected approximately 147 million individuals
• Compromised sensitive data: Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses, driver's license numbers, and credit card information
• Caused by exploiting a vulnerability in Apache Struts web application framework

Safe Internet Practices

• Check Links: Hover over links to confirm the URL matches the official organization's website before clicking
• Contact Directly: Utilize official contact information from a website to verify if suspicious messages are authentic
• Use Security Software: Keep antivirus and anti-phishing software updated to identify and block malicious attempts

Securing Emails and Messages

• Pros
  • Encryption: Only the intended recipient can read the message
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra security layer by requiring multiple forms of verification
  • Secure email services: Often provide end-to-end encryption ensuring data privacy
  • Strong passwords: Help prevent unauthorized access
  • Regular software updates: Protect against known vulnerabilities
  • Phishing awareness: Helps recognize and avoid malicious emails
  • Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Secures email communication over public networks
• Cons
  • Encryption: Can be complex to set up and use, requiring technical knowledge
  • MFA: Can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when losing access to one of the authentication methods
  • Secure email services: May have limited features compared to popular email providers
  • Strong passwords: Managing multiple passwords without a password manager can be difficult
  • Regular software updates: Users may neglect to update software regularly, leaving them exposed to threats
  • Phishing awareness: Sophisticated phishing attacks can still trick users
  • Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Can slow down internet connections and may require a subscription fee

Securing Personal Devices and Networks

• Software Updates: Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware to patch vulnerabilities
• Antivirus Tools: Maintain an up-to-date antivirus database to identify and neutralize various malware types: viruses, ransomware, and spyware
• Multi-Layered Security: Employ a multi-layered approach that includes user education, secure password practices, and network security measures

Securing Personal Data on Social Media

• Adjust Privacy Settings: Configure settings to control who can see your information and what data is collected
• Recognize Secure Connections: Look for indicators like a padlock icon and URLs beginning with "https://" to confirm website security
• Manage Personal Information: Regularly review and update personal data to ensure accuracy

Implementing Cybersecurity Best Practices

• Verify Sender: Hover over email addresses to ensure they match the official domain
• Use Strong Passwords: Implement a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, and use a unique passphrase for the master password
• Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update applications to protect against new threats

Test your knowledge on cybersecurity concepts and best practices. This quiz covers topics like the Equifax data breach, safe internet practices, and securing communications. Perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of digital security.