SWE3002 Information and System Security Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of computer security?

To optimize network speeds

To enhance software performance

To protect data and thwart hackers (correct)

To manage user access levels

Which term describes measures that protect data during its transmission?

Computer Security

Network Security (correct)

Data Encryption

Internet Security

What is a security attack?

A method of monitoring network traffic

A protocol for secure data transfer

A service for enhancing data processing

Any action that compromises information security (correct)

What is a security mechanism designed to do?

Detect, prevent, or recover from security attacks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enhances the security of data processing systems?

Security Service Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cryptographic algorithms in network security?

To deter unauthorized access through encryption Signup and view all the answers

Which encryption method utilizes a single key for both encryption and decryption?

Symmetric encryption Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of distributing secret keys in a secure manner?

Secure protocols like SSH Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of defense mentioned for network security?

Application whitelisting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of authorization in network access security?

To restrict access to only authorized users Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of asymmetric encryption?

It requires two different keys for secure communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a physical control in network security?

Smartcards for secure identification Signup and view all the answers

What security service is exemplified by a protocol like Secure Shell (SSH)?

Message encryption/decryption Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between passive and active attacks?

Passive attacks do not affect system resources, but active attacks do. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of attack is characterized by eavesdropping on communications?

Passive Attack Signup and view all the answers

What type of attack involves a malicious entity pretending to be another?

Masquerade Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an attack on data integrity?

Modification Signup and view all the answers

Denial of Service attacks primarily target which security objective?

Availability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of passive attack?

Replay Signup and view all the answers

What is a goal of security mechanisms?

To detect, prevent, or recover from security attacks Signup and view all the answers

Which security service ensures that data has not been altered?

Integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of eavesdropping in passive attacks?

Monitoring network traffic Signup and view all the answers

How are cryptographic techniques generally classified?

As underlying elements of many security mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a challenge of computer security?

Security is often an afterthought. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary security goals concerning data access?

Availability Signup and view all the answers

Which security service attempts to confirm the identity of a user or system?

Authentication Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the unauthorized alteration of a message?

Modification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview

SWE3002 focuses on Information and System Security with current editions from William Stallings as primary textbooks.
Recent publications include the sixth and seventh editions of "Cryptography & Network Security."

Key Security Concepts

Computer Security: A collection of tools designed to safeguard data and deter hackers.
Network Security: Protects data during transmission across networks.
Internet Security: Ensures data is protected over interconnected networks.

Aspects of Information Security

Security Attack: Any act compromising information security.
Security Mechanism: Designed to detect, prevent, or recover from attacks.
Security Service: Enhances security for data processing systems and information transfers.

Security Attack Classification

Passive Attacks: Eavesdropping to gain information without affecting system resources. Examples include:
- Release of message contents
- Traffic analysis
Active Attacks: Altering system resources or impacting operations, including:
- Masquerade: Pretending to be another entity.
- Replay: Capturing data for unauthorized retransmission.
- Modification of messages: Altering or delaying messages.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Disrupting normal use of communications facilities.

Types of Security Threats

Interruption: Attacks targeting availability.
Interception: Breach of confidentiality.
Modification: Integrity attacks.
Fabrication: Authenticity attacks.

Primary Security Goals

Objective is to ensure data and computing service security.

Challenges in Computer Security

Complexity in security features and potential attack vectors.
Security strategies often counter-intuitive and require constant monitoring.
Security investment benefits become apparent only after failures occur.
Strong security may hinder operational efficiency and user experience.

Security Services and Mechanisms (X.800)

Security Services:
- Confidentiality
- Authentication
- Integrity
- Non-repudiation
- Access control
- Availability
Security Mechanisms:
- Cryptographic techniques including encipherment, digital signatures, and access controls.

Models for Network Security

Requires designing algorithms for security transformations and generating secret keys.
Involves establishing protocols for encryption and user authentication.

Network Access Security Model

Authentication: Using functions to verify user identities.
Authorization: Implementing controls for legitimate access to information.

Defense Methods

Encryption: Securing sensitive data.
Software Controls: Limiting database and operating system access.
Hardware Controls: Using devices like smart cards for secure identification.
Policies: Enforcing regular password changes and security practices.
Physical Controls: Protecting physical access to systems.

Cryptographic Algorithms

Symmetric Encryption: Uses a single key for encrypting large data blocks or streams.
Asymmetric Encryption: Employs two different keys for concealing small data blocks used in digital signatures.
Data Integrity Algorithms: Safeguard blocks of data to ensure they remain unchanged.

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Description

Test your knowledge in Information and System Security based on SWE3002 course materials. This quiz covers concepts from William Stallings' textbooks on Cryptography and Network Security. Assess your understanding of cyber security principles and best practices.