🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

Computer Viruses Quiz 1 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of computer virus history, including MS-DOS viruses and ransomware. It covers types of malware, virus behavior, and security measures against data theft and hacker attacks. The questions assess knowledge of virus transmission, replication, and macro security.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Some viruses are hidden in ....., which are instructions saved in an application such as a word processing or spreadsheet program.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Macros.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Macros are small programs or scripts that can automate tasks within applications like word processors or spreadsheets. Some viruses can be hidden within these macros, allowing them to execute malicious code when the macro is run.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that viruses can only be hidden in executable files or email attachments, but they can also be embedded in macros within documents.

Explanations: Macros are often used to automate repetitive tasks in applications like Microsoft Word or Excel. However, they can also be used to hide malicious code. When a user opens a document containing a virus-infected macro, the virus can execute and spread, causing harm to the system. This makes macros a common vector for virus propagation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Macros are a common place for viruses to hide.
Option B: Incorrect. Data itself does not typically hide viruses; it is the executable code within macros that can be malicious.
Option C: Incorrect. Not all options are correct; only macros are a common place for viruses to hide.
Option D: Incorrect. This option is not correct as macros are indeed a place where viruses can hide.

2. An intentionally disruptive program that spreads from program to program or from disk to disk is known as a .....?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Virus.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other programs or disks, often causing damage or disruption.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a virus is the same as a trojan horse. While both are malicious programs, a virus specifically replicates and spreads, whereas a trojan horse disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users.

Explanations: A virus is defined as a program that can replicate itself and spread from one program to another or from one disk to another. This matches the description given in the question of an intentionally disruptive program that spreads. Therefore, the correct answer is a virus.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A trojan horse is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as a legitimate program to trick users into installing it, but it does not replicate or spread like a virus.
Option B: A virus is a malicious program that can replicate itself and spread to other programs or disks, fitting the description in the question.
Option C: A time bomb is a type of malicious software that activates at a specific time or date, but it does not necessarily spread or replicate.
Option D: A time-related bomb sequence is not a standard term in computer security and does not describe a program that spreads or replicates.

3. Computer viruses are

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Programs that hackers use to harm your computers or steal info.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Computer viruses are malicious software programs designed to harm, steal information, or disrupt the normal operation of a computer system.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that computer viruses are biological in nature, similar to human viruses, or that they can only be acquired through specific means like the internet or email.

Explanations: Computer viruses are programs created by hackers to cause harm to computer systems or steal information. They can spread through various means, including the internet, email, and physical media like USB drives. The correct answer accurately describes the nature and purpose of computer viruses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is the correct definition of a computer virus.
Option B: This is incorrect because computer viruses are not biological and do not affect humans.
Option C: This is incorrect because computer viruses can be acquired through various means, not just the internet.
Option D: This is incorrect because computer viruses can be acquired through various means, not just email.

4. It is a self-replicating program that infects computer and spreads by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Virus.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other programs or documents. It typically requires a host program to execute and propagate.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a worm is the same as a virus. While both are types of malware, a worm can spread independently without needing a host program.

Explanations: A virus is a self-replicating program that infects computer systems by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents. This matches the description given in the question. A virus requires a host program to execute and spread, distinguishing it from a worm, which can spread independently.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A keylogger is a type of malware that records keystrokes, but it does not self-replicate or spread by inserting copies of itself into other programs or documents.
Option B: A worm is a type of malware that can spread independently without needing a host program, which does not match the description given in the question.
Option C: A virus is a self-replicating program that infects computer systems by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents, which matches the description given in the question.
Option D: A cracker is a person who breaks into computer systems, not a type of malware.

Mnemonic: VIRUS: Very Infectious Replicating Unwanted Software

5. Which one is computer virus?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) RansomWare.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for the decryption key.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse RansomWare with other types of malware or to think that "KillaFella" or "TextWare" are known types of computer viruses.

Explanations: RansomWare is a well-known type of computer virus that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their release. The other options, KillaFella, HardWare, and TextWare, are not recognized types of computer viruses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: KillaFella is not a known type of computer virus.
Option B: RansomWare is a recognized type of computer virus that encrypts files and demands a ransom.
Option C: HardWare is not a type of computer virus; it refers to physical computer components.
Option D: TextWare is not a known type of computer virus.

6. Which of the following is NOT a way computer viruses are spread?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Secure networks.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Computer viruses are typically spread through unsecured channels such as emails, pop-up ads, and website links. Secure networks are designed to prevent such infections.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that viruses can spread through any network, including secure ones. However, secure networks have measures in place to prevent virus transmission.

Explanations: Secure networks are designed with various security protocols and measures to prevent the spread of computer viruses. These measures include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, which help to block unauthorized access and malicious software. Therefore, secure networks are not a typical means of virus transmission.

Option Analysis:

Option A: E-mails can be a common vector for spreading computer viruses through attachments or links.
Option B: Pop-up ads can contain malicious code that can infect a computer when clicked.
Option C: Website links can lead to malicious websites that can infect a computer with viruses.
Option D: Secure networks are designed to prevent the spread of computer viruses through various security measures.

7. Computer program which replicates and spreads itself from one computer to another

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Computer Virus.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A computer virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate and spread from one computer to another.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a firewall or secure network can prevent all types of computer viruses, but they are primarily designed to block unauthorized access rather than detect and remove viruses.

Explanations: A computer virus is a program designed to replicate and spread itself from one computer to another. This matches the description given in the question. Firewalls and secure networks are designed to prevent unauthorized access and do not replicate or spread. Alt tags are used in web design to provide alternative text for images and are not related to computer viruses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. A computer virus replicates and spreads itself from one computer to another.
Option B: Incorrect. A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Option C: Incorrect. Alt tags are used in HTML to provide alternative text for images and are not related to computer viruses.
Option D: Incorrect. A secure network is designed to protect data and prevent unauthorized access, but it does not replicate or spread like a virus.

8. Computer virus is

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) A programme.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A computer virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that is designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with normal computer operations.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a computer virus is a biological organism or some form of electromagnetic interference, which is incorrect.

Explanations: A computer virus is a programme that is designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers. It can cause damage to the system, steal data, or perform other malicious activities. The other options are incorrect because a computer virus is not a microorganism, a useful component, or electromagnetic waves.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A microorganism is a biological entity, not a computer program.
Option B: A useful computer component is not designed to cause harm or replicate itself.
Option C: Electromagnetic waves are not a form of software or program.
Option D: A programme is the correct definition of a computer virus.

9. How can a computer virus affect a computer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) It can steal personal information stored on the computer.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Computer viruses are malicious software programs designed to harm, steal, or corrupt data on a computer. One of the primary functions of certain types of viruses is to steal personal information.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that computer viruses can physically harm the user or the hardware, such as shattering the screen or making the user sick.

Explanations: Computer viruses are designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. One of their common functions is to steal personal information, such as passwords, financial data, and other sensitive information. This is achieved by the virus gaining unauthorized access to the computer's files and transmitting the data to a remote server controlled by the attacker.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Computer viruses do not have the capability to make users physically sick. They are software programs that affect the computer system, not the human body.
Option B: This is the correct answer. Computer viruses can be designed to steal personal information stored on the computer.
Option C: This is incorrect. Computer viruses are designed to harm or steal data, not to keep it secure.
Option D: Computer viruses do not have the capability to physically shatter the screen on a computer monitor. They are software-based and do not affect hardware in this manner.

10. Brain also known as the first computer virus for MS-DOS was written by two brothers belonging to which among the following countries?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Pakistan.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Brain virus, considered the first computer virus for MS-DOS, was created by two Pakistani brothers, Basit Farooq Alvi and Amjad Farooq Alvi.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the origin of the Brain virus with other countries or to assume it was created in a more technologically advanced country.

Explanations: The Brain virus was written by Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi, who were Pakistani computer programmers. They created the virus in 1986 as a means to track software piracy. The virus was designed to infect the boot sector of floppy disks, making it one of the earliest known examples of a boot sector virus. The virus was not intended to cause harm but rather to display a message with the creators' contact information.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Malaysia is incorrect as the Brain virus was not created by individuals from Malaysia.
Option B: India is incorrect as the Brain virus was not created by individuals from India.
Option C: Pakistan is correct as the Brain virus was created by Pakistani brothers Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi.
Option D: Iran is incorrect as the Brain virus was not created by individuals from Iran.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often causing damage or stealing data.

What is the Brain virus?

The Brain virus, created by Pakistani brothers in the 1980s, was one of the first known computer viruses targeting MS-DOS systems.

How do computer viruses spread?

Computer viruses can spread through various means, including email attachments, infected software, and malicious websites.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release, often used for financial gain.

How can I protect my computer from viruses?

To protect your computer from viruses, use antivirus software, keep your operating system and applications updated, and avoid opening suspicious emails or downloading unknown files.

🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books