Q281. Which type of malware masks itself as a legitimate program or benign file to trick users into installing it?
Science and Technology: RAS Prelims MCQs
1113 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on science and technology are on this page, in 6 chapters. They cover the basics of everyday science, computers and information technology, defence and space technology in India, genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology, science and technology policies and government programmes, and recent advances with Indian contributors and indigenisation. Each question has an answer and an explanation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 281–290 of 1113 questions
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Q282. Which of the following correctly pairs the cybersecurity concept with its definition?
Explanation
Cybersecurity involves protecting systems from various threats. Spoofing occurs when an attacker masquerades as a trusted source to gain access to data. Phishing is a similar technique using fraudulent communication. Conversely, keyloggers record keystrokes, and ransomware encrypts data for money. Understanding these distinct threats is essential for implementing effective defense strategies and maintaining the integrity of digital information and systems.
Q283. Identify the incorrect statement regarding network firewalls.
Explanation
Firewalls are essential security tools that monitor and control network traffic based on predefined rules, creating a barrier between trusted and untrusted networks. They can be implemented as hardware or software. While they significantly enhance security, it is incorrect to claim they provide a complete guarantee against hacking. Robust security requires a multi-layered approach, as no single tool is entirely infallible.
Q284. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Asymmetric encryption uses two different keys for encrypting and decrypting data.
Reason (R): The public key encrypts the data, and only the corresponding private key can decrypt it, enhancing secure data transmission.
Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Asymmetric encryption uses two different keys for encrypting and decrypting data.
Reason (R): The public key encrypts the data, and only the corresponding private key can decrypt it, enhancing secure data transmission.
Explanation
Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, uses a pair of mathematically related keys for secure communication. The public key is used to encrypt data, and only the corresponding private key can decrypt it. this method ensures that even if the public key is intercepted, the data remains secure, providing a powerful mechanism for confidentiality and authentication in digital exchanges.
Q285. What specific type of malicious software encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment for the decryption key?
Explanation
Ransomware is a particularly damaging form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Attackers typically demand payment in cryptocurrency to provide the decryption key. This type of cyberattack targets individuals and large organizations alike, highlighting the critical importance of regular data backups and robust security measures to prevent significant operational and financial.
Q286. A website becomes entirely inaccessible after being flooded with massive amounts of fraudulent traffic from multiple compromised devices. This describes which type of attack?
Explanation
A Distributed Denial of Service attack occurs when multiple compromised computer systems flood a target server or network with an overwhelming volume of traffic. This surge in requests exhausts the target’s resources, causing it to slow down or crash entirely. Such attacks are often launched using botnets and are designed to disrupt online services, making them unavailable to legitimate users.
Q287. Which of the following is not considered a biometric security measure?
Explanation
Biometric security measures utilize unique physical or behavioral characteristics of an individual for authentication, such as fingerprints, retina patterns, or facial features. These methods are highly secure as they are difficult to replicate. In contrast, complex password generation is a traditional knowledge-based security method. While important for protecting accounts, passwords rely on something a user knows rather than their inherent biological.
Q288. Match List I with List II.
| Cyber Threat | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Worm | i. Fraudulent emails seeking sensitive data |
| B. Spyware | ii. Self-replicating malware requiring no host file |
| C. Phishing | iii. Malicious code inserted into a database query |
| D. SQL Injection | iv. Software that secretly monitors user activity |
Explanation
Cyber threats take many forms, each with specific characteristics. Worms are self-replicating malware, while spyware secretly monitors user activity. Phishing uses deceptive emails to steal data, and SQL injection involves inserting malicious code into database queries. Recognizing these different attack vectors is essential for developing comprehensive cybersecurity protocols and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or malicious interference.
Q289. Given below are two statements regarding digital authentication.
Statement I: A digital signature provides authenticity and non-repudiation of an electronic document.
Statement II: Digital signatures rely on hash functions and public key cryptography.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: A digital signature provides authenticity and non-repudiation of an electronic document.
Statement II: Digital signatures rely on hash functions and public key cryptography.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Digital signatures provide a powerful way to ensure the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents. By using public-key cryptography and hash functions, they verify the identity of the sender and confirm that the document has not been altered since it was signed. This technology supports non-repudiation, meaning the signer cannot later deny having signed the document, which is vital.
Q290. Which method is most appropriate for significantly securing online accounts beyond just a strong password?
Explanation
Two-Factor Authentication significantly enhances account security by requiring two different forms of identification before granting access. Typically, this involves something the user knows, like a password, and something they have, such as a code sent to their smartphone. This multi-layered approach ensures that even if a password is stolen, the account remains protected from unauthorized access by an external attacker.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 281 | (b) Trojan Horse |
| 282 | (a) Spoofing - Masquerading as a trusted entity to intercept data |
| 283 | (c) A firewall completely guarantees that a network can never be hacked. |
| 284 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 285 | (c) Ransomware |
| 286 | (b) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) |
| 287 | (d) Complex password generation |
| 288 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 289 | (a) Both Statement I and II are correct |
| 290 | (a) Using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) |
Key facts from Science and Technology
- The RPSC paper is General Knowledge and General Science, so science questions come with a strong dose of applied and recent topics.
- Everyday science questions test the laws and terms of physics, chemistry and biology through examples.
- Defence and space questions pair a missile, satellite or mission with its year and organisation.
- Policy questions ask for the year, the body and the aim of schemes like STIP, the National Quantum Mission and BioE3.
- Health, environment and agriculture are on a separate page, with their own chapters.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology?
This page has 1113 practice MCQs on Science and Technology. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the science and technology set cover?
Six chapters: basics of everyday science; computers, information and communication technology; defence and space technology in India; genetics, biotechnology and nanotechnology; science and technology policies and government programmes; and recent advances, Indian contributors and indigenisation.
Is science and technology part of the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. The RPSC paper is called General Knowledge and General Science, and its syllabus lists science and technology topics along with environment, health, agriculture and government programmes, so questions can come from any of these areas.
How should I prepare science for RAS Prelims?
Revise the concepts by examples, then learn the missions, schemes and scientists with their year and organisation. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and keep a list of the facts you missed.