Module 3: Protecting Your Data and Privacy

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of using a firewall on your computing devices?

To protect your device from unauthorized access (correct)

To enhance the speed of internet browsing

To manage your operating system updates

To provide unauthorized access to hackers

Why is it important to keep your antivirus software updated?

To ensure it runs faster

To improve user interface features

To protect against new malware threats (correct)

To help with data backup processes

What type of software should you avoid downloading to protect your devices?

Software from trusted websites

Hacker tools (correct)

Antivirus programs

Popular applications

Which of the following describes spyware?

Software that monitors online activities and collects personal information Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested way to safeguard your online privacy?

Frequently changing your passwords Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential risk of not using antivirus software?

Unauthorized access to personal data Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken to manage operating system vulnerabilities?

Regularly update your operating system and software Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method that hackers use to access devices?

Utilizing operating system vulnerabilities Signup and view all the answers

What level of security settings should be set on your computer and browser to help protect your data?

Medium level or higher Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer?

Password protecting all computing devices Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if any of your devices is compromised?

Change all passwords associated with cloud services Signup and view all the answers

What encryption feature should be enabled on your wireless router to enhance security?

WPA2 encryption Signup and view all the answers

What vulnerability was discovered in the WPA2 protocol in 2017?

Key reinstallation attacks (KRACKs) Signup and view all the answers

To mitigate the impact of the WPA2 vulnerability, what is a recommended action?

Update all wireless capable devices promptly Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice when accessing a wireless network?

Using a wired connection when possible Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be encrypted when stored on devices?

Only necessary sensitive or confidential data Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice when using public Wi-Fi?

Avoid checking personal information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using an encrypted VPN service?

It prevents eavesdropping by encrypting data Signup and view all the answers

Why might a passphrase be more effective than a traditional password?

It provides greater resistance to brute-force attacks Signup and view all the answers

According to NIST standards, what is the minimum character length for passwords?

Eight characters Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when creating a strong password?

Including easily guessed phrases like 'password' Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a guideline for forming a good passphrase?

Change it every month for security Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a good passphrase?

It contains at least one capital letter Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of password security is emphasized by NIST standards?

User responsibility for password complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the data use policy outlined by the service provider?

To describe how the provider collects, uses, and shares data Signup and view all the answers

What can users control through privacy settings?

Who sees their information and who can access their account data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of two-factor authentication?

Using facial recognition in addition to a password Signup and view all the answers

What does Open Authorization (OAuth) help users achieve?

Accessing third-party services without a password Signup and view all the answers

Before signing up for an online service, which factor should be considered the least important?

The visual appeal of the website Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required for two-factor authentication?

A password and a secondary verification method Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to your information after you close your account with a service provider?

The provider retains it for legal purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which biometric methods can be used in two-factor authentication?

Facial and voice recognition Signup and view all the answers

Which method can be used to log into the eLearning portal if you forget your login details?

Using credentials from a social media account Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of private browsing mode?

To disable cookies and delete browsing history Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take to minimize online privacy issues when using a web browser?

Enable in-private browsing mode Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended tip for protecting your devices?

Use public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of WPA2 encryption for wireless communication?

To protect against data interception Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to prevent intruders from entering your home wireless network?

Use encryption on your router Signup and view all the answers

How do companies continue to track users online, even with private browsing enabled?

By fingerprinting users' online behavior Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cookies when private browsing mode is enabled?

Cookies are disabled for the browsing session Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Protecting Your Devices and Network

Activate a firewall (software or hardware) to safeguard against unauthorized access; it must be regularly updated.
Employ antivirus and antispyware software to prevent malicious software (viruses and spyware) from compromising device security.
Regularly manage operating system and browser settings; keep them updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
Utilize password protection on all devices, ensuring sensitive data is encrypted to deter unauthorized access.
Store minimal sensitive information on mobile devices to limit exposure in case of theft or loss.

Wireless Network Security at Home

Change the default SSID and password of your wireless router to enhance security against potential intruders.
Enable WPA2 encryption on your wireless router to secure wireless communications, although recent vulnerabilities (like KRACK attacks) may still pose risks.
Keep all wireless devices updated immediately when security updates are released to minimize vulnerabilities.
Opt for a wired connection for devices with a Network Interface Card (NIC) when possible for enhanced security.
Use trusted VPN services to secure connections on wireless networks, adding a layer of protection against eavesdropping.

Public Wi-Fi Risks

Avoid accessing personal information or sending sensitive data over public Wi-Fi due to inherent risks.
Ensure that file and media sharing settings are disabled and that user authentication with encryption is required on your device.
Utilize encrypted VPN services to secure data transmissions while using public networks; even intercepted data remains undeciphered due to encryption.

Strong Passwords

Consider using passphrases instead of traditional passwords for better memorability and security; aim for longer structures that are less susceptible to attacks.
Follow current guidelines by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), advocating for passwords between 8 to 64 characters and discouraging easily guessed combinations.

Who Owns Your Data?

Prior to signing up for online services, read the Terms of Service to understand your rights, including access to data, usage restrictions, and actions upon account closure.
Clarity on how your data will be used by service providers is crucial for informed consent.

Safeguarding Your Online Privacy

Use two-factor authentication for added security; it requires a second piece of information, enhancing identity verification.
Open Authorization (OAuth) allows access to third-party applications without sharing passwords, simplifying login processes via existing credentials from trusted sites.

Email and Web Browser Privacy

Activate private browsing modes in browsers (e.g., InPrivate in Internet Explorer, Incognito in Chrome) to minimize tracking by disabling cookies and clearing browsing history.
Understand that even private browsing does not guarantee complete anonymity, as companies may still track user behavior through other means.

Discover Your Own Risky Online Behavior

Regular self-assessment of online habits is essential to identify and correct risky behaviors that could compromise data security.

Summary of Key Concepts

It's vital to secure devices by turning on firewalls, installing protective software, and maintaining updated systems.
Secure home networks by changing default settings and utilizing appropriate encryption.
Public Wi-Fi should be navigated cautiously, with proactive measures in place to protect personal data.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of safeguarding your data and privacy in online environments. It includes topics like protecting your devices, maintaining data security, and understanding data ownership. Test your knowledge on best practices for secure online behavior and data protection techniques.