1.
Which of the following is the most commonly used (and therefore the weakest) password?
Correct Answer
A. 123456
Explanation
The password "123456" is considered the most commonly used and weakest password because it consists of a simple numerical sequence that is very easy to guess or crack. It lacks complexity and does not include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, making it highly vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access.
2.
Ideally, what characters should you use in a password to
make it strong?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
To make a password strong, it is ideal to use a combination of letters, numbers, mixed case characters (both upper and lower case), and special characters. Using only letters and numbers can be easily guessed or cracked by hackers. Including mixed case characters increases the complexity of the password, making it harder to guess. Special characters add an extra layer of security, further strengthening the password. Therefore, using all of the mentioned options in a password will make it strong and more difficult to breach.
3.
How long should a strong password be?
Correct Answer
C. As long as possible
Explanation
A strong password should be as long as possible because the longer a password is, the harder it is to crack. Short passwords are easier for hackers to guess or use brute force methods to break into an account. Therefore, using a longer password with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters increases the security of the account.
4.
Strong passwords can be difficult to remember. What can you do to avoid forgetting them?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the above options can be effective in avoiding the problem of forgetting strong passwords. Using mnemonics helps create memorable associations, making it easier to recall passwords. Developing a password strategy involves creating a systematic approach for generating and managing passwords, which can help in remembering them. Password management software with encryption provides a secure way to store and retrieve passwords, eliminating the need to remember them all. By combining these approaches, individuals can ensure the security of their passwords while minimizing the risk of forgetting them.
5.
I have a really strong password, so I should be able to use
it for years. True or False?
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. Even if you have a really strong password, it is not recommended to use it for an extended period, like years. Passwords should be changed regularly, ideally every few months, to minimize the risk of your accounts being compromised. Over time, even strong passwords can be vulnerable to various threats, such as data breaches, hacking attempts, and increasing computational power that can make it easier for attackers to crack passwords. Regularly updating your passwords helps ensure your accounts remain secure, even if one of your passwords is accidentally exposed or compromised.
6.
When it’s time to change your password, what’s the best way
to choose a new one?
Correct Answer
D. Choose something you can remember, but modify it with a complex pattern that only you know.
Explanation
Use a password strategy to create a memorable, unique password.
7.
'Remember me' functions in Web browsers or other applications are unsafe and should be avoided. True or False?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given statement is true. 'Remember me' functions in web browsers or other applications can be unsafe because they store user credentials (such as usernames and passwords) persistently, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access. If a device or account with 'remember me' enabled is stolen or accessed by someone else, it can lead to unauthorized access to personal information or accounts. It is generally recommended to avoid using 'remember me' functions and instead manually enter login credentials each time to ensure better security.
8.
'Password Reminder' functions in applications are unsafe and should be avoided. True or False?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
"Password reminder" functions can be a security risk, as they often rely on information that could be easily obtained or guessed by attackers. For example, security questions like "What is your mother's maiden name?" might have answers that are publicly available or discoverable. It's generally recommended to use more secure methods of account recovery, such as two-factor authentication or email-based recovery, instead of relying solely on easily guessable information.
9.
How long would it take an attacker to crack a 10 character password?
Correct Answer
D. It depends!
Explanation
The time it would take an attacker to crack a 10 character password depends on various factors such as the complexity of the password, the computing power available to the attacker, and the methods used for cracking. If the password is simple and easily guessable, it could be cracked quickly. However, if the password is complex and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, it would take significantly longer to crack, potentially weeks or even months. Therefore, the answer "It depends!" is appropriate as it considers the variability of factors involved in password cracking.
10.
Now that you are an expert, choose the strongest password from this list:
Correct Answer
C. ThEM(12)nkEy~Eats@BAnEnahs
Explanation
The password "thEM(12)nkEy~Eats@BAnEnahs" is the strongest because it includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It also has a good length and does not contain any common words or phrases that could be easily guessed.