O-LevelComputer ScienceThe Internet and its uses2210/11 · May/June 2025 · Q910 Marks

Each employee in a finance company has a computer and an electronic account.

(a)Each computer has an operating system. One function of the operating system is to manage memory. Describe the role of the operating system in managing memory.[3]
(b)(i)The finance company is concerned that a hacker may perform a brute-force attack to gain access to an employee's account. Describe how the hacker would perform the brute-force attack.[2]
(b)(ii)Give three cyber security solutions that could be used to help prevent a brute-force attack from being successful. 1 2 3[3]
(c)(i)The company uses a digital currency to purchase a new car. State what is meant by a digital currency.[1]
(c)(ii)The digital currency uses a process that involves a digital ledger. The ledger has time stamped transactions that cannot be altered. Give the name of this process.[1]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[3] Any three from: Examples: • To make sure memory is used efficiently • Allocates/deallocates memory to processes • Checks that the processes being actioned have enough memory available • Moves data to and from memory/between memory and storage • Makes sure that two processes do not try and access the same memory location • Creates a memory partition • Creates virtual memory • Transmits pages between RAM and VM
[2] Any two from: • Try to find out/guess a password • ... by repeatedly entering different combinations/passwords • Could use software to do it automatically
[3] Any three from: • Strong passwords // passwords that are long and have a combination of letters, numbers and symbols • Two-step verification // two-factor authentication • Biometric password • Limiting the number of login attempts
[1] A currency that only exists electronically/virtually
[1] Blockchain

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