35. Cybersecurity Threats and Password Vulnerabilities Human factors

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Questions and Answers

What is a common method used to crack passwords?

Heat map analysis

Phishing

Using stolen or weak passwords via social engineering (correct)

Malware attacks

What is the primary cause of data breaches according to the IBM cyber security intelligence index?

Outdated software

Human error (correct)

Weak passwords

Lack of encryption

What is the purpose of a heat map in the context of password analysis?

To track phishing attacks

To identify strong passwords

To visualize the frequency of PIN numbers (correct)

To detect malware

Which type of social engineering targets high-profile individuals, such as politicians?

Whaling Signup and view all the answers

Why are 4-digit PIN numbers considered weak?

They are limited to a small number of combinations Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to improve security among individuals?

Engaging with positivity and education Signup and view all the answers

According to the IBM cyber security intelligence index, ______________ of breaches are caused by human error.

95% Signup and view all the answers

Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing are forms of ______________________.

social engineering Signup and view all the answers

____________________ pins starting with 19 or ending with 19 are most common.

Pins Signup and view all the answers

Security is a ______________________ not a product.

process Signup and view all the answers

Defaulted admin passwords is an example of ______________________.

WEAK LINKS Signup and view all the answers

Leaders should act accordingly and then workers will also follow, is an example of ______________________.

Social Proof Signup and view all the answers

Pin Analysis reveals that pins are repeated meaning more than one person will have the same ______.

pin Signup and view all the answers

Yellow and white equals ______ frequency in a heat map.

high Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] are common pins, such as XY XY.

Memorable Signup and view all the answers

Symmetric numbers and repeated numbers are common in ______.

pins Signup and view all the answers

Designers attacks such as Meltdown or Spectre of CPU ______.

chips Signup and view all the answers

Engage with ______ - tell them how dangerous it is and not fear it.

Positivity Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of individuals with the type of social engineering they are targeted by:

Politicians = Whaling General users = Phishing High-profile individuals = Vishing CEO = Smishing Signup and view all the answers

Match the following security vulnerabilities with the type of actor responsible:

Default admin passwords = Maintainers Malware in products = Distributors CPU chip attacks = Designers Buffer overflow attacks = Developers Signup and view all the answers

Match the following security concepts with their descriptions:

Social Proof = Following the actions of leaders Engage with Positivity = Using fear to promote security Human Error = Causing security breaches Heat Maps = Visualizing password frequency Signup and view all the answers

Match the following PIN types with their characteristics:

Symmetric numbers = Repeating patterns in PINs Pins starting with 19 or ending with 19 = Most common PINs Repeated numbers = Common in PIN analysis Memorable pins = Common in PIN analysis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following security weaknesses with their causes:

Data breaches = Human error Weak passwords = Lack of encryption software Default admin passwords = Missing path management Malware = Unsecured products Signup and view all the answers

Match the following colors on a heat map with their corresponding frequency:

Yellow and white = High frequency Red and black = Low frequency Blue = Medium frequency Green = No frequency Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Password Security Risks

Writing passwords on paper increases vulnerability to unauthorized access.
Lack of encryption leads to data breaches, exposing sensitive information.
Trusting web browser warnings about digital certificates is crucial; failure to do so may result in compromised security.

Password cracking often occurs via social engineering, utilizing stolen or weak passwords.
Common methods include phishing, smishing (SMS phishing), vishing (voice phishing), and whaling (targeted phishing).
PIN analysis reveals that repeated 4-digit pins are vulnerable due to limited combinations.

Heat Map Analysis

Heat maps indicate pin usage frequencies: yellow and white represent high frequency, while red and black indicate low frequency.
Common memorable pins often include patterns like "XY XY," with many beginning or ending with "19."
Repeated and symmetric numbers are prevalent in chosen PINs, raising security concerns.

Human Error in Cybersecurity

IBM's cyber security intelligence index reports that 95% of breaches are attributed to human error.
Phishing continues to be a rising concern, emphasizing the need for better security understanding.
Security should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time product.

Weak Links in Security

Various stakeholders contribute to security vulnerabilities, including:
- Designers behind attacks like Meltdown and Spectre.
- Developers responsible for vulnerabilities like Heartbleed.
- Distributors and deployers may introduce malware in products.
- Default admin passwords often remain unchanged, posing risks.
- Improper path management by maintainers leads to additional vulnerabilities.
- Policymakers may not enforce regular and mandatory password changes.

Strengthening Security Awareness

Implementing social proof can enhance security behavior; individuals often mimic the actions of others.
Leaders' behavior significantly influences workers’ attitudes towards security.
Engaging with positivity and emphasizing the dangers of poor security practices helps raise awareness without inducing fear.

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Test your knowledge of cybersecurity threats, including password vulnerabilities, social engineering tactics, and certificate warnings. Learn how to protect yourself from data breaches and password cracking.

35. Cybersecurity Threats and Password Vulnerabilities Human factors - Human = weakest link

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