Computer Science
Networks and the internet — Paper 1
- 1.
In a star network topology, how are devices connected? A Each device connects to a central switch or hub B Devices connect in a single loop C All devices share one single cable D Every device connects directly to every other device
[1 mark] · no calculator - 2.
Which protocol is primarily responsible for ensuring data packets are transmitted reliably and reassembled in the correct order across a network? A HTTP B TCP C HTML D DNS
[1 mark] · no calculator - 3.
Explain the purpose of DNS (Domain Name System) when a user types a website address into a browser.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 4.
A website displays a padlock icon and uses 'https://' in its address. What does this indicate? A The site is free of malware B Data sent between the browser and server is encrypted C The site loads faster than others D The site does not use cookies
[1 mark] · no calculator - 5.
Explain the difference between a computer virus and a worm, in terms of how each spreads.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 6.
Explain what a phishing attack is, and state one way a user can protect themselves against it.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 7.
Explain why a company should encrypt sensitive customer data before transmitting it over the internet.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 8.
A student copies text from a website directly into their coursework without acknowledging the source. Analyse two ethical issues raised by this action.
[4 marks] · no calculator - 9.
Distinguish between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN).
[2 marks] · no calculator - 10.
Distinguish between a client-server network and a peer-to-peer network.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 11.
Explain the purpose of an IP address on a network.
[1 mark] · no calculator - 12.
Distinguish between an IP address and a MAC address.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 13.
Explain the function of a router in a home network.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 14.
Explain how a firewall helps protect a network from unauthorised access.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 15.
Explain why an employee working from home might use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect to their company's systems.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 16.
Explain what happens during a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 17.
Explain what is meant by a brute force attack on a password, and state one way a system can defend against it.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 18.
Explain the difference between spyware and the other types of malware you have studied, in terms of its main purpose.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 19.
Explain one advantage of using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scan, instead of a traditional password.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 20.
Explain how two-factor authentication improves account security compared with using a password alone.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 21.
Explain what cookies are, and give one reason a website might use them.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 22.
Explain what is meant by bandwidth, and how it affects a user's experience when streaming video online.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 23.
Explain the purpose of a digital certificate issued by a trusted certificate authority when you connect to a secure website.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 24.
Explain what is meant by social engineering in a cybersecurity context, using an example other than a phishing email.
[2 marks] · no calculator