Introduction to Information Security Module 1

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Questions and Answers

Which component of an information system is primarily responsible for executing applications and storing data?

Hardware (correct)

Procedures

Software

Networks

What is a primary challenge associated with securing the software component of an information system?

Lack of user access controls

Inaccessibility of data

Errors in software programming (correct)

Physical damage to hardware

Which of the following is considered a traditional tool of physical security for protecting hardware?

Firewalls

Locks and keys (correct)

Software encryption

Digital user access controls

How does the information technology industry often treat information security during software development?

As an afterthought Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the critical components that enables information to be processed and stored within an information system?

People Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is most commonly used to enforce copyright laws?

Unique software registration codes Signup and view all the answers

What result can a breach of physical security lead to within an information system?

Loss of information Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a form of availability disruption?

Degradation of service Signup and view all the answers

Which component of an information system includes applications and operating systems?

Software Signup and view all the answers

What risk does an organization face when relying on a web hosting provider?

Potential loss of Internet service Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can lead to deviations in quality of service for an organization?

Severe weather events Signup and view all the answers

What often limits the security measures taken during the development of software in an information system?

Project management constraints Signup and view all the answers

What are service level agreements (SLAs) most often linked with?

Web hosting services Signup and view all the answers

What might result from a service provider failing to meet SLA terms?

Accrual of fines for client losses Signup and view all the answers

Which of these can cause interruptions to an organization's information systems?

Dependent service vendors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a situation of degraded service?

Power outages causing partial operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the champion in an information security project team?

To promote the project and ensure its support at the highest levels Signup and view all the answers

Which role in the information security project team is responsible for understanding organizational culture and policies?

Security policy developers Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following is primarily responsible for administering systems that house information?

Systems administrators Signup and view all the answers

What is the main responsibility of data owners in an organization?

To classify data and manage its use Signup and view all the answers

Which role directly works with data owners to manage information and systems?

Data custodians Signup and view all the answers

End users in the project team serve what important function?

Focus on realistic controls to safeguard business activities Signup and view all the answers

What skills are essential for a team leader in an information security project?

Project management and information security technical requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of risk assessment specialists?

They understand financial risk assessment techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of forces of nature?

They usually occur with little warning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a measure organizations should implement to manage threats from forces of nature?

Disaster recovery plans Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to events that may include natural disasters as well as civil disorder?

Force majeure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can help reduce the likelihood of human error in organizations?

Verifying critical commands Signup and view all the answers

In what way can employees pose a threat to information security?

They can unintentionally make mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What is information extortion?

Demanding compensation for stolen data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios could be considered an example of human error or failure?

A user forgetting to save their work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant danger posed by human errors in an organization?

They can cause extensive damage to data security. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes pharming from phishing attacks?

Pharming modifies user traffic without their knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary danger of unauthorized packet sniffers?

They are challenging to detect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of VirtualBox Guest Additions?

To optimize the guest operating system performance Signup and view all the answers

How does a man-in-the-middle attack work?

The attacker monitors and alters data packets on the network. Signup and view all the answers

What typically triggers a phishing attack?

Clicking on links or buttons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to import an .ova file in VirtualBox?

Browse to the file you'd like to import Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental function of a packet sniffer?

To analyze and display data traversing a network. Signup and view all the answers

After selecting the .ova file for import, what does VirtualBox do next?

It reads the information contained in the file Signup and view all the answers

What should a user do if a Windows guest does not automatically start the Guest Additions installer?

Manually start the installer from the CD image Signup and view all the answers

What technique does spoofing employ in unauthorized access?

Using a forged or modified source IP address. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNS cache poisoning in pharming attacks?

To corrupt legitimate DNS data tables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes successful organizations' approach to security?

They have multiple layers of security measures in place Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the risks associated with clear text data transmissions on local networks?

They expose sensitive information to unauthorized users. Signup and view all the answers

Information security is defined as what?

A well-informed sense of assurance regarding information risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a layer of security in an organization?

Environmental security Signup and view all the answers

How are information security and social science related?

Information security includes many aspects of social science Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 1 Goals

Students must be able to identify key terms in information security
Identify the components of an information system
Describe information security as an art or science
Describe the need for information security in an organization
Identify different threats and attacks on information systems

Focal Points

The module provides a foundation for understanding information security, defining key terms, concepts, and the origins of the field
Security, as an art, lacks hard and fast rules for implementing security mechanisms
Security, as a science, acknowledges that specific scientific conditions cause most actions in computer systems. Security, as a social science, examines how individuals interact with systems.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Introduction to Information Assurance and Security (p. 4)
Lesson 2: Need for Security (p. 17)
Lesson 3: Threats and Attacks (p. 20)
Lesson 4: Virtual Laboratory Environment (p. 36)

Understanding Information Assurance and Information Security

Cyberattacks and data loss pose constant threats to digital information
Information assurance and information security are common methods to prevent cyberattacks
Information is any representation of knowledge in various forms, as defined by NIST

Information Assurance

Information assurance protects and defends information and systems by ensuring availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation.
Measures include protection, detection, and reaction capabilities
The five pillars of information assurance apply depending on the sensitivity of information systems

Understanding Components of an Information System

Information systems (IS) comprise software, hardware, data, people, procedures and networks for accessing information
The six critical components enable input, processing, output, and storage of information.

Components of an information system

People resources
Data and knowledge bases
Data resources
Software resources
Hardware resources
Network resources

Computer Security vs Information Security

Computer security focuses on securing the physical location of computer systems, while information security focuses on protecting and preserving information from loss within an organization.
Physical, personal, operations, communication and information security are multiple layers required for securing organizational assets
Organizational security is a combination of protecting people, data, procedures and networks.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is the ability to protect cyberspace against attacks and unauthorized use.
Cybersecurity involves a range of technologies focused on preventing attacks and defending against unauthorized use of computer systems.
Cyber-security is used in private and governmental sectors.

Business Needs First

Data security is frequently used as a substitute for information security, focusing on protecting data and information regardless of state (at rest, in processing or in transit).
Information security functions include: protecting an organization's ability to function, protecting the data and information an organization collects, enabling safe operation of applications running on IT systems, and safeguarding the organization's technology assets
Protecting the functionality, data, security in operations and assets are four areas where information security needs to manage risks

Threats and Attacks

Cybercrime involves criminal activity targeting computer systems, networks, or devices for malicious purposes like profit generation.
Cybercriminals or hackers often perform cybercrimes to generate profit.
Cybercriminals utilize techniques like social engineering, hacking, rogue employee activities, phishing, spear phishing and ransom attacks to compromise systems.

Types of Cyber Criminals

Social Engineer- tricks unsuspecting employees to compromise data
Hacker- hacks computers without clear criminal reason
Rogue Employee- disgruntled employees, posing an insider threat to data security
Spear Phisher- pretends to be a legitimate email sender to compromise data
Ransom Artist- exerts pressure on the victim to pay a sum of money to regain access to their data

Introduction to Virtual Laboratory Environment

VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool used in home and enterprise systems.
Supported operating systems include Windows, Linux, macOS, and others
VirtualBox supports virtual network connections including NAT, bridged, host-only, internal and generic networking

Key Terms

Security Triangle
Information System (IS).
Computer Security.
Information security
Threat
Vulnerability
Hacker
Cracker
Phreaker
Malware
Virus
Worm
Trojan Horse
Back Door
Bot
Denial-of-service (DoS)
Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS)
Mail Bomb
Spam
Packet Sniffer
Man-in-the-middle
Pharming
Spoofing
Theft

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational elements of information security, including key terms, information system components, and the need for security in organizations. Students will explore various threats and attacks, as well as understand the artistic and scientific aspects of security. Prepare to test your knowledge on these essential concepts.