UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C accurately summarise core ideas of cryptography, encryption and decryption. They show how information is transformed and restored using algorithms and keys. Statement D is dangerously false because private keys must be kept secret; sharing them openly destroys security. Thus, the correct answer is the combination A, B and C only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists only A and B as correct, leaving out C. Statement C is also correct, since decryption reverses encryption to recover plaintext. Excluding C gives an incomplete picture of the cryptographic process.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups A, C and D as correct, thereby accepting D. Statement D contradicts the requirement to keep private keys secret and would compromise secure communication.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it recognises that protecting, encrypting and decrypting data are the three linked components specified in A, B and C. It excludes the unsafe recommendation in D.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes B, C and D only, omitting A and accepting D. This both weakens the conceptual definition and endorses insecure behaviour.

Encryption transforms plain text into cipher text using algorithms and keys, protecting the confidentiality of information during storage or transmission. Only parties possessing the correct key can reverse the process through decryption. This practice is fundamental to secure communication over public networks. Consequently, the process described is encryption.

Option A:
Option A, decryption, is the reverse operation that converts cipher text back into readable form and does not describe the initial protection step.

Option B:
Option B is correct because encryption is defined as the act of encoding information so that only authorised users can access its content, matching the description in the question.

Option C:
Option C, compression, reduces file size to save space or bandwidth but does not prevent unauthorised reading.

Option D:
Option D, authentication, confirms the identity of users but does not itself convert data into unreadable form.

Encryption algorithms transform readable plaintext into ciphertext using a secret key. Intercepted ciphertext appears as random symbols to attackers, protecting confidentiality during transmission. The intended recipient uses the appropriate key to decrypt the data back into readable form. Thus, the core purpose of encryption is to ensure that only authorised parties can interpret the transmitted information.

Option A:
Compression aims to reduce file size but does not inherently prevent others from reading the content. Compressed data can often be decompressed without needing a secret key.

Option B:
This option correctly captures the idea of confidentiality and controlled readability, which underpins secure communication protocols like HTTPS and VPNs. It reflects standard practice in protecting sensitive data on public networks.

Option C:
Deleting data from the sender’s system is a separate action and is not achieved merely by encrypting it in transit. Encryption does not erase original copies.

Option D:
Making data freely readable to everyone contradicts the aim of encryption. Security mechanisms are designed to limit, not broaden, unauthorised access.

Statements A, B, C and E summarise key principles of data protection. Personal data is identifying information, data minimisation limits collection, access controls restrict who can see records and encryption protects data in transit and at rest. Statement D is false because unrestricted sharing conflicts with privacy obligations, and F is false since notices should clearly explain uses, not hide them. Thus A, B, C and E only are correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E and does not mention how encryption supports confidentiality. A, B and C are true but do not cover all technical safeguards referenced in the question.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it leaves out B, ignoring the principle that institutions should not collect more data than necessary. A, C and E are correct, yet the combination is not exhaustive.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it includes conceptual and technical aspects of privacy protection while excluding permissive and opaque practices described in D and F. It aligns with responsible data management in education.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it introduces F, which advocates hiding information about data use. This contradicts transparency requirements, so mixing it with true statements makes the option wrong.

Encryption transforms plaintext into ciphertext using algorithms and secret keys, protecting information from unauthorised access during storage or transmission. It is fundamental to secure communication over networks. Only those with the correct key can restore the original data. Therefore, the security process described is encryption.

Option A:
Option A is correct because encryption is defined as the process of encoding data to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

Option B:
Option B, decryption, is the reverse process that converts ciphertext back to plaintext and does not match the direction described.

Option C:
Option C, compression, reduces file size but does not by itself secure data.

Option D:
Option D, routing, directs network packets to their destination and is unrelated to transforming data for secrecy.

Statements A, B, D and E describe fundamental components of a layered security strategy. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems protect network perimeters and internal traffic, two-factor authentication strengthens access control and audits reveal vulnerabilities. Statement C is false because shared administrator passwords reduce accountability and increase risk. Statement F is false since unencrypted internal traffic can be intercepted or leaked, so all true statements are A, B, D and E.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it reflects a defence-in-depth approach where prevention, monitoring and assessment work together. It correctly rejects password-sharing and the assumption that unencrypted internal networks are always safe, aligning with best practices in security management.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete because it omits E, and thus ignores the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. While A, B and D are true, they do not cover the continual improvement cycle needed to maintain security posture.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes F and omits A. Accepting F would leave internal traffic exposed, and leaving out A fails to mention basic firewall protection, so B, D, E and F do not form a complete or fully accurate set.

Option D:
Option D is incomplete because it excludes B and therefore fails to mention intrusion detection or prevention as a monitoring layer. Although A, D and E are correct, this omission means the combination does not include all true statements.

Encryption uses mathematical algorithms to transform plaintext into ciphertext that appears meaningless without the correct key. This protects the confidentiality of sensitive data as it travels over networks or resides on storage devices. Even if attackers intercept the data, they cannot easily interpret it without decryption keys. Thus, the protective process described in the stem is encryption.

Option A:
Option A, compression, reduces the size of data for efficient storage or transmission but does not intentionally hide the content from unauthorised viewers.

Option B:
Option B is correct because encryption is explicitly defined as encoding information to prevent unauthorised disclosure and is a cornerstone of contemporary ICT security practices.

Option C:
Option C, formatting, prepares storage media or arranges document appearance and does not inherently provide confidentiality.

Option D:
Option D, duplication, involves making copies of data, which can actually increase exposure rather than protect against access.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because symmetric-key encryption requires the same secret key at both ends, not different keys. A rightly states that encryption transforms plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and key, B is correct about protecting confidentiality in transit, and D reflects the use of encryption in secure web protocols such as those used for online payments. Therefore the combination that selects only C as wrong is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it treats both B and C as wrong. B accurately describes the role of encryption in protecting confidentiality during transmission, so grouping it with the false statement C misidentifies a true property as wrong. This option therefore overstates the set of wrong statements.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it isolates C, which mischaracterises symmetric-key encryption as using different keys. By recognising that A, B and D are standard descriptions of encryption and that only C is false, this option precisely matches the requirement to select the wrong statement(s).

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it considers A and C together as wrong. A is a fundamental definition of encryption, so including it among wrong statements contradicts basic ICT knowledge. Mixing one false statement with one true statement makes this combination invalid.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it treats C and D as wrong even though D correctly notes that secure web protocols rely on encryption. Since only C is wrong, adding D expands the set of wrong statements beyond what the question requires.

Encryption is a cryptographic process that transforms plaintext into ciphertext using an algorithm and key. The goal is to protect the confidentiality of information during storage or transmission. Only entities possessing the correct decryption key can restore the original content. Thus, the central purpose of encryption is controlled access, not visual enhancement or deletion.

Option A:
This option incorrectly associates encryption with improving colour resolution, which relates to multimedia quality rather than security. Encryption does not change the visual properties of images in a meaningful, viewable way. Hence, the statement misunderstands the concept.

Option B:
This option correctly notes that encryption makes data unintelligible to unauthorised observers. It ensures that intercepted messages cannot be easily understood, thereby safeguarding sensitive information. Decryption reverses the process for authorised users, fulfilling the core security objective.

Option C:
Deleting files removes them from storage, which is a data sanitisation activity. Encryption, however, preserves data while restricting its readability. Therefore, equating encryption with deletion is inaccurate.

Option D:
Aesthetic design of interfaces is a usability and design concern, not a security function. While encrypted systems may have modern interfaces, the encryption process itself does not improve visual design.

HTTPS uses TLS/SSL to encrypt the data sent between browser and server, helping protect sensitive information from eavesdropping and alteration. This is why it is essential for banking, logins and e-commerce.

Option A:
Compression may sometimes be used but is not the fundamental security feature; encryption is the key advantage.

Option B:
This option correctly states that HTTPS provides an encrypted channel, improving confidentiality and integrity of web traffic.

Option C:
Network speed is limited by bandwidth and latency; HTTPS cannot magically remove those limits.

Option D:
Backups are a separate storage/administration function; HTTPS merely secures data in transit.