CompTIA Tech+ Practice Questions: Security

23 free, exam-style CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) practice questions covering Security, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Start a timed exam below, or scroll on to read through the questions.

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Security practice questions

Answers and explanations are shown. Take the timed exam above to test yourself first.

Q1. What is the main purpose of a firewall?

  • A.Speed up internet connections
  • B.Block unauthorized network access✓ Correct
  • C.Store backup data
  • D.Manage printer queues
Explanation: A firewall prevents unauthorized access to or from a network. Learn more.

Q2. Which of the following is a strong password practice?

  • A.Using 'password123'
  • B.Reusing the same password for multiple accounts
  • C.Including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols✓ Correct
  • D.Writing passwords on sticky notes
Explanation: Strong passwords include a mix of character types for better security. Learn more.

Q3. Which protocol is used for secure web browsing?

  • A.HTTP
  • B.FTP
  • C.HTTPS✓ Correct
  • D.SMTP
Explanation: HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts web traffic. Learn more.

Q4. Which of the following is a common method of securing wireless networks?

  • A.WEP✓ Correct
  • B.HTTP
  • C.FTP
  • D.SMTP
Explanation: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is an older wireless security protocol (though WPA/WPA2 is more secure). Learn more.

Q5. What is the main risk of using public Wi-Fi?

  • A.Slower speeds
  • B.Data interception✓ Correct
  • C.Printer failures
  • D.Hardware damage
Explanation: Public Wi-Fi is often unencrypted, making data vulnerable to eavesdropping. Learn more.

Q6. What is the purpose of a VPN?

  • A.Speed up file transfers
  • B.Encrypt internet traffic✓ Correct
  • C.Defragment hard drives
  • D.Boost Wi-Fi signals
Explanation: VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt data to protect privacy over public networks. Learn more.

Q7. Which of these is a characteristic of a strong password?

  • A.Uses common dictionary words
  • B.Contains personal information
  • C.Is at least 12 characters long✓ Correct
  • D.Uses repeating patterns
Explanation: Long passwords (12+ characters) with complexity are more secure. Learn more.

Q8. What is the purpose of multi-factor authentication?

  • A.Increase internet speed
  • B.Provide multiple email accounts
  • C.Verify identity using multiple methods✓ Correct
  • D.Backup data automatically
Explanation: MFA requires two or more verification factors for better security. Learn more.

Q9. Which of these is an example of social engineering?

  • A.DDoS attack
  • B.Phishing email✓ Correct
  • C.SQL injection
  • D.Brute force attack
Explanation: Phishing manipulates people into revealing sensitive information. Learn more.

Q10. What is the primary purpose of data encryption?

  • A.Increase storage capacity
  • B.Make data unreadable to unauthorized users✓ Correct
  • C.Speed up data processing
  • D.Reduce file sizes
Explanation: Encryption scrambles data to protect confidentiality. Learn more.

Q11. Which of these is a common symptom of malware infection?

  • A.Faster computer performance
  • B.Unusual pop-up messages✓ Correct
  • C.Increased battery life
  • D.More available storage space
Explanation: Pop-ups and system slowdowns are common malware signs. Learn more.

Q12. What does 'BYOD' stand for in IT security?

  • A.Bring Your Own Device✓ Correct
  • B.Backup Your Online Data
  • C.Block Your Open Documents
  • D.Browse Your Own Directory
Explanation: BYOD refers to employees using personal devices for work. Learn more.

Q13. What is the purpose of a firewall?

  • A.Block unauthorized network access✓ Correct
  • B.Speed up internet connections
  • C.Increase wireless range
  • D.Store backup data
Explanation: Firewalls filter traffic based on security rules. Learn more.

Q14. Which of these is a type of malware?

  • A.Firewall
  • B.Router
  • C.Ransomware✓ Correct
  • D.Switch
Explanation: Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment. Learn more.

Q15. What is the purpose of an SSL certificate?

  • A.Increase website loading speed
  • B.Verify website ownership and enable encryption✓ Correct
  • C.Block spam emails
  • D.Optimize database performance
Explanation: SSL certificates authenticate websites and enable HTTPS encryption. Learn more.

Q16. Which of these is a physical security control?

  • A.Antivirus software
  • B.Firewall
  • C.Security guard✓ Correct
  • D.Encryption
Explanation: Physical controls include guards, locks, and badge readers. Learn more.

Q17. What is the principle of least privilege?

  • A.Users get maximum access by default
  • B.Users get only the access they need✓ Correct
  • C.All users have admin rights
  • D.Access rights change randomly
Explanation: Least privilege minimizes access to reduce security risks. Learn more.

Q18. Which practice helps protect an account if a password is stolen?

  • A.Multi-factor authentication✓ Correct
  • B.Using the same password everywhere
  • C.Disabling updates
  • D.Sharing login details
Explanation: Multi-factor authentication requires another proof beyond the password, reducing account takeover risk. Learn more.

Q19. Which attack tries to trick a user into giving away sensitive information?

  • A.Phishing✓ Correct
  • B.Defragmentation
  • C.Compression
  • D.Indexing
Explanation: Phishing uses deceptive messages or sites to steal credentials or other sensitive information. Learn more.

Q20. Which type of account should be used for everyday work instead of an administrator account?

  • A.Standard user✓ Correct
  • B.Root administrator
  • C.Shared guest with no password
  • D.Service account for all tasks
Explanation: Using a standard account for daily work reduces damage from mistakes or malware. Learn more.

Q21. Which software type protects against malicious programs?

  • A.Antimalware✓ Correct
  • B.Spreadsheet
  • C.Presentation software
  • D.Media player only
Explanation: Antimalware software detects, blocks, and removes malicious software. Learn more.

Q22. Which term means making data unreadable without a key?

  • A.Encryption✓ Correct
  • B.Indexing
  • C.Rendering
  • D.Cropping
Explanation: Encryption transforms data so it cannot be read without the proper key. Learn more.

Q23. Which action should be taken when an email attachment is unexpected and suspicious?

  • A.Do not open it and report it according to policy✓ Correct
  • B.Forward it to everyone
  • C.Disable antivirus
  • D.Rename it to .txt and run it
Explanation: Unexpected attachments can contain malware or phishing content and should be handled through reporting procedures. Learn more.

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