Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers for 7 years experience

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Cyber Security Interview Questions & Answers

  1. What are the key differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?

    • Answer: Symmetric encryption uses the same key for encryption and decryption, offering speed but requiring secure key exchange. Asymmetric encryption uses a key pair (public and private), enabling secure key exchange but being slower. Symmetric algorithms like AES are faster for large data sets, while asymmetric algorithms like RSA are crucial for key exchange and digital signatures.

  2. Explain the concept of a Zero Trust security model.

    • Answer: Zero Trust assumes no implicit trust granted to any user, device, or network, regardless of location (inside or outside the network perimeter). Every access request is verified based on context (user identity, device posture, location, time, etc.) before access is granted. It relies heavily on micro-segmentation, strong authentication, and continuous monitoring.

  3. Describe your experience with penetration testing. What methodologies have you used?

    • Answer: [This answer will vary depending on the candidate's experience. A strong answer would detail specific methodologies like OWASP Testing Guide, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, PTES, or others, and describe specific penetration testing engagements, including the scope, tools used, findings, and remediation recommendations.] For example: "I have extensive experience conducting penetration tests using the OWASP Testing Guide methodology. I've performed both black-box and grey-box testing, utilizing tools like Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, and Nessus. In a recent engagement, I identified a critical SQL injection vulnerability leading to a remediation plan involving database patching and input sanitization."

  4. How do you stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities?

    • Answer: I actively follow industry news sources like KrebsOnSecurity, Threatpost, and BleepingComputer. I subscribe to security advisories from vendors like Microsoft and Cisco. I participate in online security communities, attend webinars and conferences (e.g., Black Hat, DEF CON), and regularly review vulnerability databases like the National Vulnerability Database (NVD). I also leverage threat intelligence feeds from reputable providers.

  5. Explain the difference between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

    • Answer: Vulnerability scanning is automated and identifies potential weaknesses in a system by checking against known vulnerabilities. Penetration testing, on the other hand, actively attempts to exploit vulnerabilities to assess the actual impact and effectiveness of security controls. Scanning is a preliminary step; penetration testing is a more in-depth, hands-on assessment.

  6. What is a SIEM and how does it work?

    • Answer: A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system collects and analyzes security logs from various sources (servers, network devices, applications) to detect security threats and incidents. It aggregates data, normalizes it, and uses various techniques like correlation and anomaly detection to identify suspicious activities. A SIEM can trigger alerts, generate reports, and assist in incident response.

  7. Describe your experience with incident response. Walk me through your process.

    • Answer: [This answer will be highly individualized based on experience. A strong answer will detail the steps involved in incident response following a framework like NIST's Incident Response Lifecycle – Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Post-Incident Activity. It will include specific examples from past incidents.] For Example: "My incident response process typically follows the NIST framework. I start by identifying the incident, containing its spread, eradicating the threat, recovering systems, and finally post-incident activities like root cause analysis and implementing preventative measures to avoid similar incidents. In one instance, I responded to a ransomware attack by isolating affected systems, working with law enforcement, and initiating data recovery from backups. Post-incident, we implemented multi-factor authentication and enhanced security awareness training."

  8. What are some common web application vulnerabilities?

    • Answer: Common web application vulnerabilities include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), insecure direct object references (IDOR), broken authentication, session management flaws, and insecure deserialization.

  9. Explain the concept of social engineering.

    • Answer: Social engineering is the art of manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Attackers use psychological manipulation techniques, often through phishing emails, pretexting, baiting, or quid pro quo, to gain access to systems or data.

  10. Question 11: ...

    • Answer: ...

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