Security, privacy and data integrity: past paper questions
Real questions on security, privacy and data integrity
The newest 20 of 84 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9618/11 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[2]
Viruses and pharming are examples of malware. Explain what is meant by a virus and pharming. Virus Pharming
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q1[2]
Draw one line from each verification method to indicate whether it is used during data transfer or data entry. Verification Method Use Parity byte check Checksum Data transfer Visual check Data entry Parity block check
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q5e[3]
Complete the table by identifying one threat to computer and data security posed by networks and the internet. Describe the threat and give a method of prevention. Threat Description Prevention
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q8a(i)[2]
Give two benefits of storing data using cloud computing.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q8a(ii)[2]
Give two drawbacks of using cloud computing.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q10c[1]
A user downloads the computer program from the internet. State what should be included as part of the download to make sure the program is authentic.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q7c[3]
Identify and describe one method of data verification that can be used when transferring data from the digital video camera to the server. Method Description
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q7d[4]
Describe two reasons why the server that stores the videos uses magnetic hard disks instead of solid state (flash) memory.
See it on the paper → - 9618/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[2]
An incorrect attempt was made to enter 41623. The first two digits were entered incorrectly; the last three digits were entered correctly. When this number was tested, the check digit was found to be correct and the input was accepted. Identify an example of the incorrect attempt to enter 41623 and explain why this num...
See it on the paper → - 9618/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[7]
A module Generate() will take an integer value representing an original number and return an integer value representing a new number which includes the check digit. The original number is always at least three digits in length. Write pseudocode for the module Generate() Assume that the parameter is valid.
See it on the paper → - 9618/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[3]
Two new information items are to be stored for each member. Both new items are encrypted; they can each contain any character (including '\') and can be of any length up to a maximum of 99 characters. For example: Information item Example data member 1 ID "AB1234" member 1 name "Freddie Jones" member 1 email address "F...
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[1]
Asymmetric encryption is a type of cryptography. Identify one other type of cryptography.
See it on the paper → - 9618/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[4]
An organisation holds two asymmetric encryption keys, which they intend to use to receive secure transmissions. Explain how the organisation makes use of the two keys to receive a secure transmission.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[3]
The banker needs to transfer confidential data across the internet. Identify and describe one method of restricting the risks posed by an unauthorised person intercepting the data whilst it is being transferred across the internet. Method Description
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7b[5]
Explain how a digital signature can make sure the data has not been changed during transmission. (b) The banker receives confidential data across the internet. The data includes a digital signature.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · May/June 2025 · Q7c[3]
The data that is transferred can also be verified using a checksum. Explain how data can be verified using a checksum.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(i)[4]
Identify two methods the DBMS can use to protect the data in the table USER from unauthorised access. Explain how each method protects the data. Method Method Explanation Explanation
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · May/June 2025 · Q5c(ii)[2]
The DBMS also supports data integrity. Give two ways that a DBMS can support data integrity.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3b[4]
The programmer needs to keep the program files secure on their computer and during electronic data transmission over the internet. The files are protected by a password. Complete the table by identifying one other method of keeping the files secure during electronic data transmission and one other method of keeping the...
See it on the paper → - 9618/31 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[2]
State two functions of SSL/TLS.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates were able to state that the requirement for an internet connection was a drawback of storing files on a public cloud. Candidates found it more challenging to give a second drawback. Many of the responses applied equally to a LAN or a private cloud. There seemed to be a general misconception that because the files were on a public cloud, they were accessible to anyone.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/11 Q2(c) (Cambridge)
This question was answered well. Most candidates were able to correctly state what was meant by privacy of data.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/12 Q5(a) (Cambridge)
This question was answered less well. Some candidates gave methods of ensuring the integrity of the data rather than stating what was meant by integrity of data.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/12 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
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