15 UPSC Prelims-style questions based on the topic of AI in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity, along with detailed explanations:
Section A: AI & Cybersecurity Basics
Q1. Which of the following best describes the role of AI in cybersecurity?
(a) Only used for automating social media posts
(b) Detecting vulnerabilities and predicting cyber threats
(c) Replacing all human cybersecurity experts
(d) Solely focused on hardware maintenance
Answer: (b)
Explanation: AI helps in real-time threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and predictive analysis by analyzing patterns from past attacks. It does not replace humans but augments their capabilities.
Q2. What is a "Zero-Day Exploit"?
(a) A cyberattack that occurs at midnight
(b) A vulnerability unknown to the software vendor, exploited before a patch is released
(c) A hacking competition held annually
(d) A type of antivirus software
Answer: (b)
Explanation: A Zero-Day Exploit targets undisclosed software flaws, giving developers zero days to fix them before attackers strike.
Q3. Which AI technology is commonly used for simulating cyberattacks to test system security?
(a) Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
(b) Penetration Testing AI
(c) Blockchain
(d) Quantum Computing
Answer: (b)
Explanation: AI-driven penetration testing automates simulated attacks to identify system weaknesses.
Section B: India’s Cybersecurity Landscape
Q4. As per recent data, how many malware attacks did India face between 2023-24?
(a) 100 million
(b) 360 million
(c) 500 million
(d) 1 billion
Answer: (b)
Explanation: India reported over 360 million malware attacks in this period, averaging 702 attacks per minute.
Q5. Which Indian agency is responsible for issuing cybersecurity alerts?
(a) NITI Aayog
(b) CERT-In
(c) TRAI
(d) ISRO
Answer: (b)
Explanation: CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team) is India’s nodal agency for cybersecurity threats.
Q6. The 'Cyber Swachhta Kendra' initiative is associated with:
(a) Malware analysis and clean-up
(b) Digital literacy campaigns
(c) 5G network rollout
(d) Satellite cybersecurity
Answer: (a)
Explanation: It provides malware detection tools and promotes cyber hygiene under MeitY.
Section C: Ethical Hacking & AI
Q7. Ethical Hackers are also known as:
(a) Black-Hat Hackers
(b) White-Hat Hackers
(c) Grey-Hat Hackers
(d) Red-Hat Hackers
Answer: (b)
Explanation: White-Hat Hackers legally test systems for vulnerabilities to improve security.
Q8. How is AI democratizing ethical hacking education?
(a) By replacing all traditional courses
(b) By making learning free, accessible, and personalized
(c) By encouraging illegal hacking
(d) By reducing job opportunities
Answer: (b)
Explanation: AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini provide free, 24/7, multilingual learning resources.
Q9. Which certification is globally recognized for Ethical Hackers?
(a) CCNA
(b) CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
(c) CFA
(d) FRM
Answer: (b)
Explanation: CEH is a flagship certification by EC-Council for ethical hacking professionals.
Section D: Cyber Threats & Terminology
Q10. Phishing attacks primarily target:
(a) Hardware systems
(b) Human psychology to steal sensitive data
(c) Cloud storage only
(d) Satellite networks
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Phishing uses deceptive emails/websites to trick users into revealing passwords or financial details.
Q11. Which of the following is NOT a cyber threat?
(a) Ransomware
(b) SQL Injection
(c) Firewall
(d) Spoofing
Answer: (c)
Explanation: A firewall is a security tool, not a threat.
Q12. The Dark Net can be accessed using:
(a) Regular browsers like Chrome
(b) Special software like Tor
(c) Mobile apps only
(d) Government-approved portals
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Dark Net requires Tor or I2P to access hidden websites.
Section E: Policies & Initiatives
Q13. The National Cyber Security Policy was launched in:
(a) 2013
(b) 2018
(c) 2020
(d) 2005
Answer: (a)
Explanation: India’s National Cyber Security Policy was introduced in 2013.
Q14. I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) operates under:
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Ministry of IT
(d) Ministry of Finance
Answer: (b)
Explanation: I4C works under the MHA to combat cybercrime.
Q15. What is the estimated global cost of cyberattacks by 2025?
(a) $1 trillion
(b) $5.5 trillion
(c) $10.29 trillion
(d) $500 billion
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Cyberattacks may cause $10.29 trillion in damages annually by 2025 (as per Cybersecurity Ventures).
Why These Questions Matter for UPSC?
GS-III (Internal Security): Cyber threats, AI in defense.
GS-III (Science & Tech): AI applications, ethical hacking.
Current Affairs: Recent cyberattacks, policies like CERT-In directives.
Tip: Revise terms like Zero-Day Exploit, CERT-In, Dark Net—frequently asked in UPSC!
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