In the PTE exam, the Summarize Written Text task is a crucial part of the Speaking & Writing section. As data security becomes increasingly important, topics related to Cybersecurity Measures In Financial Institutions are increasingly common in real test scenarios. In this post, we provide detailed PTE Summarize Written Text sample questions and model answers, optimized for those seeking high scores in PTE exams.
Summarize Written Text Sample Based on Cybersecurity in Financial Institutions
Question 1
Financial institutions are critical infrastructures that face heightened risks of cyber-attacks. With the rise of digital banking services, institutions must continually develop robust cybersecurity measures. These measures include encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication processes, and vulnerability assessments. Encryption helps protect sensitive data from being compromised during transmission, while multi-factor authentication ensures that only authorized users can access systems. Regular security audits and vulnerability testing help identify and rectify potential weak points in systems proactively. Establishing a security culture, offering consistent staff training, and having appropriate response plans further reinforce the cybersecurity framework, making it challenging for cybercriminals to infiltrate these infrastructures.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Suggested Model Answers:
Band 90:
Financial institutions implement various cybersecurity measures such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular vulnerability assessments to protect against cyber threats and ensure system security.
Evaluation:
- Content: Detailed and fully addresses all key points.
- Form: Meets the required word count and is a single, compound sentence, which is ideal for PTE.
- Grammar: Appropriately uses compound sentence structures with no errors.
- Vocabulary: Contains varied language, including terms like “encryption” and “vulnerability assessments”.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 80:
Financial institutions face cyber threats and use multiple cybersecurity techniques like encryption and authentication to secure their systems.
Evaluation:
- Content: Captures key ideas but omits the aspect of cyber audits.
- Form: Correctly summarizes in one sentence.
- Grammar: Solid grammar without flaws.
- Vocabulary: Good, but slightly less varied than Band 90.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 70:
Cybersecurity in banks involves encryption, authentication, and protecting data from threats.
Evaluation:
- Content: Quite general; misses details like vulnerability testing and security culture.
- Form: Adequately structured.
- Grammar: Simple, but correct.
- Vocabulary: Fairly basic compared to higher bands.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 60:
Banks use cybersecurity methods like encryption and processes to stay secure.
Evaluation:
- Content: Overly simplified and misses critical details.
- Form: Meets criteria but is too brief and lacks complexity.
- Grammar: Basic, no complex structures.
- Vocabulary: Simplistic.
- Spelling: No errors, but lacks technical terms.
Question 2
The rapid digitalization of financial services brings with it a new range of cybersecurity challenges. As the financial industry increasingly adopts online and mobile banking platforms, it becomes a prime target for cybercriminals. It is estimated that the majority of successful criminal attempts are through phishing, malware, or ransomware attacks. To mitigate the damage from these potential threats, banks are required to adopt a layered security approach. This involves utilizing firewalls, encryption, and regular monitoring of network traffic as a defense mechanism. Additionally, user education is pivotal in preventing attacks like phishing, where end-users are often tricked into providing sensitive information.
Summarize the text in one sentence.
Suggested Model Answers:
Band 90:
The digital transformation of financial services has exposed institutions to cyber threats like phishing and ransomware, prompting them to implement firewalls, encryption, and continuous monitoring, along with increased user education to mitigate risks.
Evaluation:
- Content: Includes all critical points such as the types of threats and the layered approach to security.
- Form: Flows well with a complex sentence structure.
- Grammar: Excellent use of conjunctions and clauses.
- Vocabulary: Extensive, using terms like “ransomware,” “phishing,” and “layered security.”
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 80:
To counter increasing cyber threats from phishing and ransomware, financial institutions use firewalls, encryption, monitoring systems, and user education.
Evaluation:
- Content: Thorough, though lacks specific details like “digital transformation.”
- Form: Fulfills the criteria of a single sentence.
- Grammar: Correct usage but less complex than Band 90.
- Vocabulary: Varied, but shorter.
- Spelling: No mistakes.
Band 70:
Financial services face cyber risks, and they use encryption, firewalls, and monitoring to protect them from attacks like phishing.
Evaluation:
- Content: Conveys the core message but is missing depth and user education.
- Form: Meets task requirements.
- Grammar: Basic structure, no errors.
- Vocabulary: Adequately varied, but lacks sophistication.
- Spelling: Correct.
Band 60:
Banks use firewalls and encryption to prevent cyber attacks.
Evaluation:
- Content: Too basic, omitting important details about specific threats and user education.
- Form: Short and underspecified.
- Grammar: Simple, no advanced structures.
- Vocabulary: Very basic.
- Spelling: Accurate but lacks technical language.
Vocabulary and Grammar
-
Vulnerability (ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti) – The quality of being easily hurt or attacked.
Example: Addressing system vulnerabilities is vital in preventing cyber-attacks. -
Encryption (ɪnˈkrɪpʃən) – A method of converting information into a secure format.
Example: Encryption ensures that sensitive data is not readable by unauthorized parties. -
Authentication (ɔːˌθɛntɪˈkeɪʃən) – The process of proving one’s identity to gain access to systems.
Example: Multi-factor authentication increases the security of online transactions. -
Phishing (ˈfɪʃɪŋ) – Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
Example: Many users fall victim to phishing scams, mistaking them for legitimate requests. -
Ransomware (ˈrænsəmˌwɛr) – A type of malicious software used to block access to a system until a ransom is paid.
Example: Ransomware attacks have caused significant financial losses in various sectors. -
Firewall (ˈfaɪərˌwɔːl) – Software or hardware designed to block unauthorized access to systems.
Example: Firewalls play a crucial role in protecting networks from external cyber threats. -
Cybersecurity (ˌsaɪbəˈsɪkjʊərɪti) – The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
Example: Adequate cybersecurity measures must be in place to safeguard customer data. -
Malware (ˈmælˌwɛər) – Any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or network.
Example: Financial institutions face an increasing number of malware attacks every year. -
Digitalization (ˌdɪdʒɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən) – The use of digital technologies to change business models or processes.
Example: The digitalization of banks has brought both opportunities and cybersecurity risks. -
Monitoring (ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ) – The process of continuously observing or testing the performance of a system.
Example: Continuous monitoring is essential to quickly detect and prevent cyber-attacks.
Conclusion
The topic of cybersecurity measures in financial institutions is increasingly relevant in today’s PTE Summarize Written Text tasks. By practicing with sample questions like those provided and focusing on key details, candidates can better prepare for the exam. Strengthen your preparation by reviewing related topics such as Cybersecurity threats in financial services and Cybersecurity in digital banking. Remember, consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering this task!
