Welcome to our Cybersecurity Awareness Month quiz!
In an age where our digital footprints are larger than ever, understanding the importance of cybersecurity is vital. This quiz is designed for companies and their teams to enhance their digital safety knowledge, adopt new practices, and remain vigilant against evolving digital threats.
Are you ready to test your cybersecurity knowledge and learn some essential facts along the way? Let's go!
1. When was Cybersecurity Awareness Month first celebrated?
Correct answer: October 2004
Cybersecurity Awareness Month was first celebrated in October 2004. Two decades ago, the President and the Congress of the US declared October the official Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
The idea behind it is to dedicate a month to raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity, educate individuals and organizations about online threats and best practices, and promote a safer digital environment.
Over the years, this initiative helped individuals become more vigilant about online security, encouraged organizations to invest in cybersecurity measures, and fostered collaboration among governments, businesses, and the public in addressing cyber threats.
2. What’s the name of the first cyber attack?
Correct answer: Morris Worm
In November 1988, a graduate student named Robert Tappan Morris created the Morris Worm, one of the first computer worms.
Originally intended to measure the size of the internet, a coding error caused it to replicate uncontrollably, infecting thousands of computers.
This incident exposed vulnerabilities in early internet systems, led to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) creation, and underscored the need for improved cybersecurity practices in the digital world.
3. When was the first antivirus software created?
Correct answer: 1980s
The first antivirus software, known as "Elk Cloner," was created in 1982 by a high school student named Rich Skrenta.
Unlike modern antivirus tools, Elk Cloner was designed to protect Apple II computers from a playful prank: it spread by attaching itself to floppy disks and displayed a humorous poem upon activation.
While it was more of a benign experiment than a comprehensive antivirus solution, Elk Cloner marked the early beginnings of efforts to protect computers from malicious software.
4. What is the most common cyber threat?
Correct answer: Human error
Human error is the most common and pervasive cybersecurity threat. It occurs when individuals inadvertently make mistakes that compromise the security of digital systems and data. These errors can range from clicking on malicious links in phishing emails to unintentionally sharing sensitive information on public forums.
Human error is responsible for 85% of data breaches and security incidents, often leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences for individuals and organizations.
Mitigating this threat requires a combination of user education, training, and implementing safeguards such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and robust data protection policies based on the Zero Trust model.
5. How much did a ransomware attack cost for businesses on average in 2023?
Correct answer: $4.54 million
According to the IBM Data Breach Report of 2023, the average cost of a ransomware attack was $4.54 million. It's challenging to pinpoint it precisely due to the many factors involved. However, it is commonly estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
These costs encompass the ransom payment (if made) and expenses related to data recovery, cybersecurity improvements, legal assistance, regulatory fines, and the significant operational disruptions that often follow such an attack.
Ransomware is one of the most malicious types of cyber attack, as the true cost can also be considerably higher when considering the long-term reputational damage and loss of customer trust.
6. Does company size matter for a malicious actor wanting to attack?
Correct answer: No, small, medium, and large companies are attacked equally often.
The size of a company doesn't necessarily deter malicious actors from targeting it. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses are often targeted because they may have weaker cybersecurity defenses compared to larger enterprises.
Additionally, attackers might exploit smaller organizations as stepping stones to reach more substantial targets in supply chain attacks. Ultimately, cybercriminals consider factors such as vulnerabilities, potential rewards, and ease of access more than company size when deciding whom to target.
7. Top 3 industries that are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks?
Correct answer: Finance, Healthcare, Education
The finance industry is highly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to the vast amounts of valuable financial data it handles. Cybercriminals target banks, payment processors, and stock exchanges to steal funds and sensitive information.
In healthcare, the sensitivity of patient data and the increasing use of interconnected medical devices make it a prime target. Breaches can lead to identity theft, medical fraud, and even endanger patients’ lives.
The education sector faces threats as it increasingly relies on online learning platforms and stores student information. Cyberattacks in this industry can result in data breaches, educational disruptions, and the theft of personal information. Proactive cybersecurity measures are crucial for safeguarding the vulnerable education sector.
8. What does a strong password look like?
Correct answer: m#P52s@ap$V.
Strong passwords should mix upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Each account should have its distinct, strong password to prevent a breach in one account from compromising others.
Change your passwords periodically, especially for sensitive accounts. This minimizes the risk in case a password is ever compromised.
Best cybersecurity strategies strongly recommend considering a password manager. It can generate and store complex passwords for you, making it easier to manage multiple secure logins without remembering them all. To make it even more resilient for breaches, combine passwords with MFA use.
9. What do you do if you receive an email from an unknown sender?
Correct answer: Don’t open it. If you did, don’t click on anything.
Phishing is leading the Top cyber incidents list of 2022. Phishing usually starts from an email. So, learning to recognize one is extremely important.
Here’s what to do if the email seems suspicious. First, avoid clicking on any links or downloadable attachments – they could be malicious. Then, take a close look at the sender's email address. If it looks suspicious or doesn't match the supposed sender, be cautious. Finally, always check for strange language, misspellings, or urgent requests. These can be signs of phishing attempts.
If the email claims to be from a company or organization, verify it independently by contacting the sender directly via alternative channels. Don't use contact information from the suspicious email.
Mark the email as spam or junk to help train your email provider's filters. If you're unsure, it's safest to delete the email. You can report it to your email provider or IT manager if it seems like a phishing attempt.
10. What does the acronym VPN stand for?
Correct answer: Virtual Private Network
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is like your digital secret tunnel to the internet. It keeps your online activities private and secure.
It does two cool things. First, it hides your online footprints from the snoopy eyes of malicious actors and advertisers. Second, it makes you look like you're browsing from a different place, which is awesome for unlocking content or staying safe on public Wi-Fi.
Think of a VPN as your digital disguise. When you connect to one, it encrypts your data and sends it through a secure server in another location, masking your true identity and protecting your data from prying eyes like an online invisibility cloak.
Well done!
Congratulations on completing our Cybersecurity Awareness Month quiz! Your dedication to improving your digital safety knowledge is commendable. Remember, the world of cybersecurity is ever-evolving, and staying one step ahead of digital threats is an ongoing journey.
We encourage you to keep learning, stay vigilant, and explore additional resources to deepen your understanding of cybersecurity. Share what you've learned with your colleagues, friends, and family to help create a safer digital environment for all.
By working together and remaining proactive, we can strengthen our collective defenses against cyber threats and continue to adapt to the continuously shifting digital landscape. Thank you for taking the quiz and being a cybersecurity champion!
