Network Security Threats and Countermeasures: Master Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Question 1

Which security protocol is designed to provide secure communication channels over the internet?

Accepted Answer

SSL/TLS

Answer

FTP

Answer

DNS

Answer

TCP/IP

Question 2

When implementing network security controls, which consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Alignment with organizational security policies

Answer

Cost-effectiveness and scalability

Answer

User-friendliness and ease of maintenance

Answer

Compliance with industry regulations

Question 3

What is the primary defense mechanism against man-in-the-middle (MTM) attacks?

Accepted Answer

Encryption

Answer

Authentication

Answer

Stateful inspection

Answer

Network address translation

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a network intrusion detection system (NIDS)?

Accepted Answer

Monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns and anomalies

Answer

Filter incoming traffic based on predefined rules

Answer

Block unauthorized access to network resources

Answer

Encrypt sensitive data

Question 5

What is the key difference between a firewall and an intrusion prevention system (IPS)?

Accepted Answer

A firewall filters incoming traffic, while an IPS actively blocks malicious traffic.

Answer

An IPS is more effective at detecting and blocking attacks, while a firewall is better at preventing unauthorized access.

Answer

Firewalls and IPSs serve the same purpose, but IPSs are generally more comprehensive.

Answer

There is no substantial difference between a firewall and an IPS.

Question 6

What are the three foundational pillars of information security known as the CIA triad?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability

Answer

Encryption, Decryption, Hashing

Answer

Authentication, Authorization, Accounting

Answer

Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management, Incident Response

Question 7

Which technique is commonly employed in denial-of-service (DoS) attacks?

Accepted Answer

Unceasing stream of requests to overwhelm the target system

Answer

Exploitation of software vulnerabilities in the target system

Answer

Impersonation of a legitimate user to gain unauthorized access

Answer

Modification of network packets to disrupt communication

Question 8

Identify the primary purpose of a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack:

Accepted Answer

Eavesdropping on communication and intercepting sensitive data

Answer

Disrupting network traffic and causing denial of service

Answer

Injecting malicious code into targeted systems and gaining control

Answer

Stealing user credentials and compromising online accounts

Question 9

Which type of malware replicates and spreads rapidly through a network?

Accepted Answer

Worm

Answer

Virus

Answer

Trojan Horse

Answer

Spyware

Question 10

Explain the purpose of a firewall in network security:

Accepted Answer

Inspecting and filtering network traffic based on defined rules

Answer

Encrypting sensitive data in transit

Answer

Detecting and responding to unauthorized access attempts

Answer

Providing a secure virtual private network (VPN) connection

Question 11

Distinguish between a network intrusion detection system (IDS) and a network intrusion prevention system (IPS):

Accepted Answer

An IDS detects intrusions while an IPS prevents them

Answer

An IPS detects intrusions while an IDS prevents them

Answer

An IDS and an IPS perform identical functions

Answer

Neither an IDS nor an IPS can prevent intrusions

Question 12

Explain the role of packet filtering in network security:

Accepted Answer

Inspecting and discarding network packets based on predetermined rules

Answer

Detecting and blocking malicious software

Answer

Encrypting sensitive data in transit

Answer

Authenticating users and controlling access to network resources

Question 13

Explain the fundamental difference between a vulnerability and a threat in network security:

Accepted Answer

A vulnerability is an exploitable weakness, while a threat is an attempt to exploit that weakness

Answer

A vulnerability is an attempt to exploit a weakness, while a threat is an exploitable weakness

Answer

A vulnerability and a threat are the same concept

Answer

Neither a vulnerability nor a threat can cause harm to a network

Question 14

In the realm of cybersecurity, which encryption algorithm reigns supreme as the industry's go-to choice for securing online communication?

Accepted Answer

AES

Answer

DES

Answer

RSA

Question 15

Which of the following is a recommended practice to reduce the risk of malware infections in a network?

Accepted Answer

Regularly updating and using antivirus software

Answer

Allowing unrestricted access to external USB devices

Answer

Disabling network firewalls to improve performance

Answer

Opening email attachments without verifying their authenticity

Question 16

Which of the following is a type of denial-of-service attack where the attacker sends numerous requests to the target system with the intention of exhausting its resources?

Accepted Answer

SYN flood

Answer

Malware

Answer

Spam

Answer

Phishing

Question 17

What is the primary purpose of a man-in-the-middle attack?

Accepted Answer

To intercept and alter communication between the victim and a legitimate server

Answer

To gain unauthorized access to a network

Answer

To install malware on the victim's device

Answer

To steal sensitive information

Question 18

Which of the following is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software?

Accepted Answer

Trojan horse

Answer

Virus

Answer

Rootkit

Answer

Worm

Question 19

What is considered the primary goal of network security countermeasures?

Accepted Answer

Preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources

Answer

Enhance network performance

Answer

Reduce network maintenance costs

Answer

Prevent all possible security threats

Question 20

Which of the following is a commonly used tool for detecting intrusions and suspicious activities on a network?

Accepted Answer

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Answer

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Answer

Firewall

Answer

Access Control List (ACL)

Question 21

How do firewalls differ from intrusion detection systems (IDSs)?

Accepted Answer

Firewalls prevent unauthorized access, while IDS monitor for and respond to security breaches

Answer

Firewalls are more effective against internal threats, while IDS are better suited for external threats

Answer

Both perform the same function

Question 22

Which of the following is the most effective way to protect against phishing attacks?

Accepted Answer

Exercise caution when interacting with suspicious emails and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments

Answer

Use a VPN to encrypt internet traffic

Answer

Install robust antivirus software

Question 23

What is the primary objective of conducting a security audit?

Accepted Answer

To identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a network security system

Answer

To improve network performance

Answer

To reduce network maintenance costs