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Computer Viruses Quiz 2 (10 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of computer viruses, including their history from ARPANET to modern malware like the Melissa virus. It covers types of malicious software, activation mechanisms, and prevention strategies such as anti-virus software. Concepts tested include self-replicating programs, logic bombs, and email propagation.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. What is the most common way computer viruses are spread?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) By people clicking on an infected file.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Computer viruses are often spread when users inadvertently open or execute infected files.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that viruses are primarily spread through network worms or random botnet attacks, which are less common methods compared to user interaction with infected files.

Explanations: Computer viruses are commonly spread when users click on infected files, such as email attachments, downloaded files, or links that lead to malicious websites. This method relies on human interaction and is the most prevalent way viruses propagate.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. This is the most common way viruses spread, as it relies on user interaction with infected files.
Option B: Incorrect. While pop-up ads can be a vector for viruses, they are not the most common method.
Option C: Incorrect. Network worms can spread viruses, but they are less common than user interaction with infected files.
Option D: Incorrect. Random botnet attacks are not a primary method for spreading viruses.

Mnemonic: Click, Contaminate, Click

2. When a logic bomb is activated by a time-related event, it is known as a:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Time bomb.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A logic bomb is a piece of code that is activated by a specific event or condition. When this event is time-related, the logic bomb is referred to as a time bomb.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that a time bomb is a type of virus or trojan horse, but it is actually a specific type of logic bomb.

Explanations: A logic bomb is a malicious code that is designed to execute under certain conditions. When the condition is a specific time or date, the logic bomb is called a time bomb. This term is used to describe the activation mechanism rather than the type of malware itself.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is not a standard term used in the context of computer viruses or logic bombs.
Option B: A virus is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, but it is not specifically related to time-based activation.
Option C: A time bomb is the correct term for a logic bomb that is activated by a time-related event.
Option D: A trojan horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program, but it is not specifically related to time-based activation.

3. Viruses are called that because

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) They can copy themselves and spread.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Computer viruses are called viruses because they have the ability to replicate themselves and spread to other computers, similar to biological viruses.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the term "virus" is used simply because they are called viruses, without understanding the underlying behavior that defines them.

Explanations: Computer viruses are named as such because they exhibit behavior similar to biological viruses. They can replicate themselves and spread from one computer to another, often without the user's knowledge or consent. This self-replicating and spreading capability is a defining characteristic of computer viruses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it does not explain why they are called viruses. It merely restates the fact that they are viruses.
Option B: This option is correct because it accurately describes the behavior that defines computer viruses.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it includes option A, which is not a valid explanation.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it does not provide any explanation for why they are called viruses.

4. The First Computer Virus Invented in the early 1970's

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

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Creeper is considered the first computer virus, invented in the early 1970s.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Creeper with later viruses like Elk Cloner, which was created in 1982.

Explanations: Creeper was an experimental self-replicating program that spread via ARPANET, the precursor to the internet. It was created by Bob Thomas at BBN Technologies in 1971. The program was designed to move from one computer to another, displaying the message "I'm the creeper, catch me if you can!" on the screen. This makes it the first known computer virus, predating other well-known viruses like Elk Cloner.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Creeper is the first known computer virus, created in 1971.
Option B: Incorrect. Elk Cloner was created in 1982, making it one of the first personal computer viruses but not the first overall.
Option C: Incorrect. Reveton is a ransomware virus that appeared much later, around 2012.
Option D: Incorrect. Dexter is a virus that appeared in the 1990s, long after Creeper.

5. The term ..... describes a potentially damaging computer program that affects, or infects, a computer negatively by altering the way the computer works without the user's knowledge or permission.

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

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A virus is a type of malicious software that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often causing damage or altering the way a computer operates without the user's knowledge or permission.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that all malicious software is a virus. However, there are other types of malicious software, such as spyware and malware, which have different characteristics and behaviors.

Explanations: A virus is a program that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often causing damage or altering the way a computer operates without the user's knowledge or permission. This matches the description given in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It does not describe a program that infects a computer.
Option B: An agent typically refers to a software program that performs tasks on behalf of a user or another program. It does not describe a malicious program that infects a computer.
Option C: A virus is a malicious program that can replicate itself and spread to other computers, often causing damage or altering the way a computer operates without the user's knowledge or permission. This matches the description given in the question.
Option D: Spyware is a type of malicious software that is installed on a computer to collect information about users without their knowledge. While it is malicious, it does not necessarily replicate or spread like a virus.

6. Which of the following can help protect your computer from viruses?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Never downloading attachments sent from unknown email addresses.

Exam Relevance: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Computer viruses can often be spread through email attachments. Downloading attachments from unknown sources can expose your computer to malicious software.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that simply avoiding pop-up windows or not turning off your computer can prevent virus infections. However, these actions do not directly protect against virus transmission through email attachments.

Explanations: Email attachments from unknown sources can contain viruses or malware. By not downloading such attachments, you reduce the risk of introducing harmful software to your computer. This is a fundamental practice in protecting against computer viruses.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Not turning off your computer does not prevent virus infections. Viruses can still infect your system while it is on.
Option B: Closing pop-up windows is important for security, but it does not directly prevent virus infections from email attachments.
Option C: This is the correct answer because downloading attachments from unknown sources can introduce viruses to your computer.
Option D: Using your computer when you are sick does not affect the risk of virus infections. Computer viruses are not related to human health.

7. Why is it important to have antivirus software installed on your computer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) To stop hackers from harming your computer.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Antivirus software is designed to protect computers from malicious software, including viruses, worms, and trojans, which can be used by hackers to harm or control a computer.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that antivirus software primarily protects against physical theft or plagiarism, rather than digital threats.

Explanations: Antivirus software is crucial for protecting computers from various types of malware, which can be used by hackers to steal data, damage files, or take control of the system. By detecting and removing these threats, antivirus software helps prevent hackers from harming the computer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Antivirus software does not track finances.
Option B: Antivirus software does not prevent plagiarism.
Option C: Antivirus software does not prevent physical theft of the device.
Option D: Antivirus software is designed to stop hackers from harming the computer.

8. Downloading files from the Internet can ..... your computer with a virus.

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

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CCNA Security

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Computer viruses are often spread through the downloading of files from the Internet. The term "infect" is commonly used to describe how a virus affects a computer system.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that "contaminate" or "dirty" are more appropriate terms for describing how a virus affects a computer. However, "infect" is the most accurate and commonly used term in the context of computer viruses.

Explanations: The term "infect" is used because computer viruses, like biological viruses, can spread and cause harm to a computer system. When a user downloads a file containing a virus, the virus can spread to other files and programs on the computer, leading to potential damage or security breaches. Therefore, "infect" is the most appropriate term to describe this process.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Infect" is the most accurate term to describe how a virus affects a computer system.
Option B: Incorrect. "Contaminate" is not as precise in the context of computer viruses.
Option C: Incorrect. "Dirty" is not a technical term used in the context of computer viruses.
Option D: Incorrect. One of the provided options is correct.

9. In 1999, the Melissa virus was a widely publicized:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) E-mail Virus.

Exam Relevance: CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Melissa virus is a well-known computer virus that spread through e-mail attachments.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Melissa virus is only a macro virus, but it primarily spread through e-mail.

Explanations: The Melissa virus was a macro virus that spread via e-mail attachments. When a user opened the infected attachment, the virus would send copies of itself to the first 50 contacts in the user's address book. This method of propagation through e-mail made it a significant e-mail virus.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Melissa virus spread through e-mail attachments, making it an e-mail virus.
Option B: While the Melissa virus was a macro virus, this option does not fully capture its primary method of propagation.
Option C: A Trojan Horse is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software, which is not the case for the Melissa virus.
Option D: A Time Bomb is a type of malware that activates at a specific time or date, which is not the primary characteristic of the Melissa virus.

Mnemonic: E-mail, Macro, Spread

10. How can I prevent/limit the effects of a virus?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) All of the above are correct.

Exam Relevance: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Computer viruses can cause significant damage to systems and data. Preventing or limiting their effects involves multiple strategies, including installing and regularly updating anti-virus software, and avoiding suspicious downloads and links.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that installing anti-virus software alone is sufficient to protect against all types of viruses. Regular updates and cautious behavior are also crucial.

Explanations: Installing anti-virus software (Option A) is essential for detecting and removing viruses. Regularly updating the anti-virus software (Option B) ensures that it can identify and protect against the latest threats. Avoiding downloads and links from unknown or suspicious sources (Option C) reduces the risk of inadvertently introducing viruses into the system. Therefore, all of these measures are necessary to prevent or limit the effects of viruses, making Option D the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Installing anti-virus software is a fundamental step in protecting against viruses.
Option B: Regular updates to anti-virus software are necessary to stay protected against new and evolving threats.
Option C: Avoiding suspicious downloads and links is crucial to prevent the introduction of viruses into the system.
Option D: All of the above measures are correct and necessary to prevent or limit the effects of viruses.

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 disrupting normal operations.

How do computer viruses typically spread?

Computer viruses can spread through various means, including email attachments, file downloads, and infected files. They often require some form of user interaction to activate and spread.

What is the purpose of antivirus software?

Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, including viruses, from a computer system to protect it from damage and unauthorized access.

What is a macro virus?

A macro virus is a type of computer virus that is embedded in a document or spreadsheet and uses the built-in macro programming language to spread and cause damage.

What is the Creeper virus?

The Creeper virus is considered one of the first computer viruses, which was discovered in the early 1970s on the ARPANET. It was a self-replicating program that moved from one computer to another.

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