Question 1

To obtain a patent or to determine if a patent exists in an area a company seeks to exploit requires a search by the U.S. Patent Office; these can last longer than 25 months.

Accepted Answer

It is true that conducting a patent search by the U.S. Patent Office can last longer than 25 months. This is because of the backlog of patent applications and the thoroughness required in examining prior art and determining the novelty and non-obviousness of a claimed invention.

Question 2

Just over 300,000 crimes were reported to the Internet Crime Computer Center in 2010 and this represents the majority of computer-related crimes.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect because the number of crimes reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2010 does not necessarily represent the majority of computer-related crimes, as many go unreported or are handled by other agencies.

Question 3

The public is not able to gain online access to information about registered sex offenders online because of various privacy laws.

Accepted Answer

The public is actually able to gain online access to information about registered sex offenders through various sex offender registries, such as the National Sex Offender Public Website. However, some information may be restricted or redacted due to privacy laws.

Question 4

The Department of Homeland Security Department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate serves as a focal point for threat assessment, warning, investigation, and response to cyberterrorism attacks against the country's critical infrastructure.

Accepted Answer

The statement is correct. The Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security serves as a focal point for cyberterrorism threat assessment, warning, investigation, and response against critical infrastructure of the country.

Question 5

Patent laws protect processes, machines, and compositions of matter.

Accepted Answer

Patent laws do protect processes, machines, and compositions of matter, along with newer inventions like software and biotech inventions.

Question 6

Personal computers, mapping and analysis software, crime-related data, powerful analysis techniques, and geographic information systems have helped law enforcement to better understand and even diminish crime.

Accepted Answer

The use of technology such as personal computers, mapping and analysis software, crime-related data, powerful analysis techniques, and geographic information systems have aided law enforcement in enhancing their knowledge of crime and even reducing it.

Question 7

The combining of duties is a key concept of good internal controls.

Accepted Answer

Combining duties, such as having the same person responsible for both recording and controlling or handling assets, weakens internal controls by increasing the risk of errors or fraud. Good internal controls typically involve segregation of duties to reduce these risks.

Question 8

Few small and medium sized organizations are willing to outsource their network security operations.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not necessarily true. Some small and medium sized organizations do outsource their network security operations to third-party providers. It ultimately depends on the organization's budget and resources, as well as their level of expertise in network security.

Question 9

It is estimated that the global software piracy rate was about 42% and amounted to about $95 billion in lost sales.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is estimated that the global software...

Question 10

Incidents of child identity theft are reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

Accepted Answer

Incidents of child identity theft are indeed reported to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC offers resources to help parents and legal guardians protect their child's identity and report any suspected cases of identity theft.

Question 11

Tracking software sends messages via a wireless network to the specified e-mail address, pinpointing its location and including a picture of the thief (for those computers with an integrated Web cam).

Accepted Answer

This statement describes the functionality of a tracking software accurately.

Question 12

A virus can send copies of itself via a network.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A virus can send copies of itself...

Question 13

Smartphones such as the iPhone and Google's Android phone that can run applications are impervious to malware.

Accepted Answer

Smartphones are not impervious to malware. While iOS and Android operating systems have security measures in place to protect against malware, they are not completely immune. It is still important for users to practice safe browsing habits and to download apps only from trusted sources.

Question 14

The FBI's Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide encourages agents to consider dumpster diving as a technique to gain information.

Accepted Answer

The FBI's Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide does indeed encourage agents to consider dumpster diving as a technique to gain information, along with other less intrusive methods of information gathering.

Question 15

A number of federal laws prohibit individuals from engaging in online gambling.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A number of federal laws prohibit individuals...

Question 16

Many computer crimes go unreported because companies do not want bad publicity or don't think that law enforcement can help.

Accepted Answer

Many companies fear the negative publicity associated with being a victim of cybercrime and may choose not to report the incident. Additionally, some companies may not think law enforcement has the resources or expertise to effectively investigate and prosecute cybercrime.

Question 17

A computer hacker is someone who intimidates or coerces a government or organization to advance his or her political or social objectives by launching computer-based attacks against, computers, networks, and the information stored on them.

Accepted Answer

This definition is inaccurate and misrepresents what a computer hacker is. A hacker is someone who uses their technical knowledge and creativity to solve problems, improve systems, or explore new possibilities. Some hackers may use their skills for malicious purposes, but this is not the defining characteristic of being a hacker.

Question 18

Role-based system access means that only people who fill or used to fill a certain role can access a specific system.

Accepted Answer

Role-based system access means that access to a system is granted based on the current role a person holds, not past roles.

Question 19

A script bunny is a young, female computer hacker.

Accepted Answer

There is no such term as "script bunny" in the context of computer hacking. It is a made-up term with no technical meaning.

Question 20

Phishing has become such a serious problem that several companies have formed the Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance group to provide improved e-mail security and protection from phishing.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) group was formed to improve email security and protect against phishing.

Quiz 14: The Personal and Social Impact of Computers