Secret Message Basics
The readable original message is called this.
Plaintext.
What does the S in HTTPS stand for?
Secure
A Caesar cipher uses the same number of alphabet positions for each letter. What is that number called?
The shift.
Malicious software is known by this general term.
Malware.
A message demands money and blocks access to files. Name the best supported malware type.
Ransomware.
The scrambled result of encryption is called this.
Ciphertext
Give one example of PII that should be protected when sent online.
Examples include a full name with a home address, birth date, or an account password.
Decode KHOOR using a Caesar shift of 3. Move back 3 places.
HELLO.
It attaches to a file and spreads when the infected program runs.
Virus.
A laptop is slow. Is that enough evidence to identify a specific malware type?
No. Many causes are possible, so more evidence is needed.
Name the process that changes ciphertext back into a readable message.
Decryption
Which uses encryption for the connection, HTTP alone or HTTPS?
HTTPS.
What must sender and receiver match before using the classroom Enigma model?
The rotor choice or configuration and starting rotor settings.
It copies itself and spreads through a network without people sharing infected files.
Worm.
Someone used a stolen password. What additional clue would strongly support a keylogger diagnosis?
Finding software that records keystrokes.
A student has ciphertext and knows the cipher but cannot decode it correctly. What matching value or setting may be missing?
The appropriate key or matching settings.
Name the modern security protocol that HTTPS uses.
TLS, Transport Layer Security.
Why does the movable rotor advance as you process letters?
To change the letter mapping as the message continues.
One infected device follows an attacker. Hundreds do the same together. Name the one device and the group.
One device is a bot. The group is a botnet.
A student says a worm and a virus spread in exactly the same way. Correct the statement.
A virus attaches to files or programs. A worm can copy itself and spread through a network without file sharing.
With a Caesar shift of 3, encrypt CAT and then explain how to reverse it.
FDW. Move each ciphertext letter back 3 places to decrypt.
A download page uses HTTPS. Does that prove its game add-on is safe? Explain.
No. HTTPS encrypts the connection but does not prove the site or download is trustworthy.
The sender begins at AAA, but the receiver begins at ABA. Predict the result and explain.
The message will generally decode incorrectly because the starting mappings differ.
An investigation finds software secretly recording all typing. Name it and explain one risk.
A malicious keylogger. It can capture passwords or other private information.
Explain how encryption can help a student protect information and also help a ransomware attacker.
A student can use authorized encryption to protect information. An attacker can encrypt files and withhold access to demand payment.