Top 50 Cybersecurity Interview Questions

The field of cybersecurity has become increasingly important in recent years, as cyber threats continue to grow in both frequency and complexity. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed, and cybersecurity jobs are highly valued. This demand has resulted in higher salaries, signing bonuses, and other perks for Cyber Security professionals. As a result, you can profit from this industry development by becoming a Cyber Security expert. To prepare for the interview, go over these top 50 Cyber Security interview questions and answers.

1. What sparked your interest in cybersecurity?

There are many things that can spark an interest in cybersecurity. For some, it may be a fascination with the technical aspects of computer systems and how they can be manipulated. For others, it may be a desire to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber attacks. It could also be a combination of both.

Some people may have had personal experiences with cyber attacks or data breaches, which motivated them to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Others may have a background in computer science, networking, or information technology and become interested in cybersecurity as a natural extension of their skills.

Whatever the reason, the field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and professionals in this field must be willing to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and technologies to effectively protect against cyber attacks.

2. What exactly is a traceroute in Cyber Security? Mention how it can be used.

Traceroute is a network troubleshooting programme. It aids in the tracking of a packet’s journey over an IP network. It displays all of the routers it pings between the source and the destination, along with their IP addresses.

Uses:

• It displays the amount of time the packet spends on each hop during transmission.
• The traceroute will determine the site of failure when a packet is lost during transmission.

3. What are the most common types of cyber attacks you have encountered and how did you respond to them?

Some of the most common types of cyber attacks and how they are typically dealt with:

• Phishing attacks – These attacks involve tricking users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details. They can be mitigated by using email filters and conducting regular training and awareness campaigns for employees.
• Malware attacks – Malware can take many forms, including viruses, trojans, and ransomware. The best defense against malware is to use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software, along with regularly backing up data to prevent data loss.
• Denial of service attacks – These attacks overwhelm a system with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. Mitigation involves using firewalls, load balancers, and other security measures to limit the impact of such attacks.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks – These attacks intercept communications between two parties, allowing an attacker to eavesdrop on sensitive information. Encryption and secure communication protocols can help to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
• SQL injection attacks – These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to gain access to sensitive data. Mitigation involves securing web applications with firewalls and using secure coding practices to prevent vulnerabilities.
• Password attacks – These attacks involve guessing or cracking passwords to gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts. Mitigation involves using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and limiting access to sensitive information.

4. What is your experience with network security?

Network security involves protecting computer networks from unauthorized access, data theft, and other security threats. It encompasses a range of technologies and processes, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and security protocols.

A network security strategy typically involves the implementation of multiple layers of security measures to create a defense-in-depth approach. This can include:

1. Network segmentation – dividing the network into smaller segments to limit the impact of a security breach.
2. Access control – controlling who has access to the network, including user authentication and authorization, and limiting access to sensitive data.
3. Encryption – using encryption to protect data transmitted over the network.
4. Monitoring and logging – logging and monitoring network activity to detect and respond to potential threats.
5. Incident response – having procedures in place to respond to security incidents, including incident investigation and remediation.

Effective network security requires a combination of technical solutions and ongoing monitoring and management. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and technologies to ensure that network security measures remain effective over time.

5. What is the meaning of a response code? Make a list of them.

When a client sends a request to a server, the HTTP response codes represent the server’s response. It indicates whether or not an HTTP request has been completed.

1xx: Informational

The request is received, and the process is continuing. Some example codes are:

• 100 (continue)
• 101 (switching protocol)
• 102 (processing)
• 103 (early hints)

2xx: Success 

The action is received, understood, and accepted successfully. A few example codes for this are:

• 200 (OK)
• 202 (accepted)
• 205 (reset content)
• 208 (already reported)

3xx: Redirection 

To complete the request, further action is required to take place. Example codes:

• 300 (multiple choice)
• 302 (found)
• 308 (permanent redirect)

4xx: Client Error 

The request has incorrect syntax, or it is not fulfilled. Here are the example codes for this:

• 400 (bad request)
• 403 (forbidden)
• 404 (not found)

5xx: Server Error 

The server fails to complete a valid request. Example codes for this are:

• 500 (internal server error)
• 502 (bad gateway)
• 511 (network authentication required)

6. What does the CIA triumvirate entail?

It is a model for ensuring IT security. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all hallmarks of the CIA.

• Confidentiality: To prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information.
• Integrity: To preserve data from unauthorised deletion or change.
• Availability: To ensure that the data is available whenever it is needed.

7. How do you keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and news?

Some ways in which professionals in the field of cybersecurity stay informed about the latest trends and news:

• Reading cybersecurity blogs and websites – There are many cybersecurity blogs and websites that provide up-to-date information on the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
• Attending industry conferences and events – Cybersecurity professionals can attend conferences and events to learn about the latest research and developments in the field.
• Participating in cybersecurity forums and communities – There are many online forums and communities where cybersecurity professionals can discuss the latest trends and news with their peers.
• Following cybersecurity thought leaders on social media – Cybersecurity professionals can follow thought leaders and experts in the field on social media platforms to stay informed about the latest trends and news.
• Subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters and mailing lists – There are many cybersecurity newsletters and mailing lists that provide regular updates on the latest threats and developments in the field.
• Engaging in ongoing education and training – Cybersecurity professionals can take courses, attend workshops, and pursue certifications to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

8. What is the definition of data leakage?

The unlawful sending of data from an organisation to an external recipient is known as data leakage. Electronic, physical, web, email, mobile data, and storage devices such as USB keys, laptops, and optical discs are all possible modes of transmission.

• Data leakage can take a variety of forms.
  • Accidental data leakage occurs when an authorized entity delivers data to an unauthorized entity.
  • Insiders who are malicious: An authorized entity sends data to an unauthorized entity on purpose.
  • Hackers employ hacking tools to infiltrate the system via electronic communication.

9. Explain the concept of port scanning.

A port scan can assist you figure out which ports on a network are open, listening, or closed. This is used by administrators to test network security and the firewall strength of the system. It is a common reconnaissance tool for hackers to locate the weak point in a system in order to break in.

The following are some of the most prevalent basic port scanning techniques:

• UDP
• Ping scan
• TCP connect
• TCP half-open
• Stealth scanning

10. Explain what a brute force attack is and how to avoid it.

A brute force attack is a hack in which the attacker uses trial and error to guess the target password. It’s usually done with the help of automated software that logs you in using your credentials.

Here are some strategies for avoiding a brute-force attack:

• Create a long password.
• Create a password with a high level of difficulty.
• Set a limit for failed login attempts.

11. What is the difference between hashing and encryption, and how do you explain it?

Hashing	Encryption
A one-way function where you cannot decrypt the original message	Encrypted data can be decrypted to the original text with a proper key
verify data	transmit data securely
Used to send files, passwords, etc. and to search	transfer sensitive business information

12. Mention how to install a firewall.

The steps to set up a firewall are as follows:

• Username/password: Change a firewall device’s default password.
• Remote Administration: Make sure the Remote Administration option is turned off at all times.
• Configure appropriate ports for the web server, FTP, and other programmes to work properly.
• To avoid conflicts, turn down the DHCP server while installing a firewall.
• Logging: To view firewall troubleshoots and logs, enable logging.
• Policies: Use the firewall to set up strong security policies.

13. What is the difference between encryption and hashing?

To turn readable data into an unreadable format, both encryption and hashing are utilised. The distinction is that encrypted data can be decrypted and converted back to original data, whereas hashed data cannot be converted back to original data.

14. How do you ensure the security of cloud-based systems?

• Use strong authentication and access control mechanisms: Cloud-based systems should use strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication and strong passwords. Access to sensitive data should be limited to authorized users only.
• Encrypt data at rest and in transit: All data should be encrypted both at rest and in transit, to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
• Implement security policies and procedures: Organizations should have security policies and procedures in place, covering areas such as data classification, access control, incident response, and data backup and recovery.
• Conduct regular security assessments: Regular security assessments, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, should be conducted to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Monitor and audit cloud-based systems: Organizations should monitor and audit cloud-based systems to detect any unauthorized access or suspicious activity.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations: Organizations should ensure that they are compliant with relevant regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, depending on the type of data they store in the cloud.
• Select a secure cloud provider: Organizations should select a cloud provider that meets their security requirements and has a strong track record of security and reliability.

15. Share the steps of for setting up an SSL encryption.

• A browser establishes a connection with an SSL-protected web server.
• In exchange for its own private key, the browser asks for the server’s public key.
• If it is, the browser requests that an encrypted connection be established with the webserver.
• The acknowledgment is sent by the webserver to begin an SSL encrypted connection.
• SSL connection between the browser and the web server commences.

16. How will you secure a server?

A secure server encrypts and decrypts data to protect it from unauthorised access using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol.

The four steps to securing a server are as follows:

• Create a password for the root and administrator users.
• Create new administrators for the system.
• Administrator/default root accounts should not have remote access.
• Set up remote access firewall rules

17. How do you approach incident response and management?

Effective incident response and management involves a well-defined process and a quick response to minimize damage and prevent future incidents. Here are some key steps involved in the incident response and management process:

• Preparation: Organizations should develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of a security incident. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.
• Identification: The first step in incident response is to identify that an incident has occurred. This can involve monitoring systems for suspicious activity, analyzing system logs, or receiving reports from users.
• Containment: Once an incident has been identified, the next step is to contain it to prevent further damage or data loss. This can involve isolating affected systems or shutting down services if necessary.
• Investigation: After the incident has been contained, a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the cause and extent of the incident.
• Mitigation: Once the investigation is complete, steps should be taken to mitigate the effects of the incident and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This can involve patching vulnerabilities, improving access controls, or implementing new security measures.
• Recovery: Finally, the organization should implement a recovery plan to restore systems and services to their pre-incident state.

Effective incident response and management requires a team of professionals with a range of skills and expertise, including technical, legal, and communication skills. The incident response team should be well-trained and regularly drill on different scenarios to ensure a timely and effective response in case of a security incident.

18. What is the distinction between the HIDS and the NIDS?

Both HIDS (Host IDS) and NIDS (Network IDS) are Intrusion Detection Systems that have the same goal of detecting intrusions. The only distinction is that HIDS is configured on a specific host or device. It keeps track of a device’s traffic as well as questionable system activity. NIDS, on the other hand, is a networked system. It keeps track of all network devices’ traffic.

19. How does a virtual private network (VPN) work?

• When you connect to a VPN, your device directs your Internet connection to the VPN’s private server rather than to your ISP (ISP).
• Your data is encrypted and transferred through another point on the Internet during this transmission.
• The data is decrypted once it reaches the server.
• The server’s response is encrypted before it reaches the VPN, where it will be decoded by another VPN point.
• Finally, the decoded information reaches you.

20. In a network, what do you mean by risk, vulnerability, and threat?

• By exploiting a vulnerability, a threat might cause potential harm to an organization’s assets. It could be deliberate or unintentional.
• Vulnerability: A vulnerability is a hole or a gap in a security system that a hostile hacker can exploit.
• Risk: A risk happens when the threat exploits a vulnerability. It results in loss, destruction, or damage to the asset.

21. How do you identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in a system?

Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in a system is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Here are some steps that organizations can take to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities:

• Conduct a vulnerability assessment: A vulnerability assessment involves scanning the system to identify potential vulnerabilities. This can be done using automated tools or through manual testing.
• Prioritize vulnerabilities: Once vulnerabilities have been identified, they should be prioritized based on their severity and potential impact on the system.
• Develop a mitigation plan: A mitigation plan should be developed for each identified vulnerability, outlining the steps needed to remediate the issue.
• Implement security controls: Implementing security controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and access controls can help to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
• Keep software up-to-date: Keeping software up-to-date is critical in preventing vulnerabilities, as software vendors regularly release patches and updates to address security issues.
• Conduct regular penetration testing: Regular penetration testing can help to identify vulnerabilities that may have been missed in previous assessments and ensure that security controls are functioning as intended.
• Educate users: Educating users about security best practices such as strong passwords, social engineering, and phishing can help to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

22. How do you prevent identity theft?

You can take the following steps to prevent identity theft:

• Keep your personal information safe.
• Confidential information should not be shared online.
• Maintain the security of your Social Security number.
• Use strong passwords that you update on a regular basis.
• Don’t give out your bank account details on shady websites.
• Advanced firewall and spyware tools will keep your machine safe.
• Update your browsers, operating system, and software.

23. What are the differences between White Hat, Grey Hat, and Black Hat hackers?

• Black Hat Hackers
  • A Black Hat Hacker is someone who exploits their hacking talents to gain access to confidential information without permission. The individual utilises the data to carry out nefarious acts such as the injection of malware, viruses, and worms.

• White Hat Hackers
  • A White Hat Hacker utilises his or her hacking talents to get access to a system with the approval of the companies involved. Ethical hackers are specialists who specialise in ethical hacking. They hack the system to find vulnerabilities and fix them before a hacker exploits them.

• Grey Hat Hackers
  • A Grey Hat Hacker possesses both the traits of a Black Hat and a White Hat Hacker. The system is being abused without malice, but because they lack the necessary licence to surf the system, it could become a threat at any point.

24. What is your experience with penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a method of evaluating the security of a system by simulating an attack from an external or internal threat actor. The goal of a penetration test is to identify vulnerabilities in the system that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal data, or disrupt services. Penetration testing can be conducted using a range of techniques, including network scanning, social engineering, and vulnerability exploitation.

Penetration testing is important in cybersecurity because it helps organizations to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real-world attackers. By conducting regular penetration testing, organizations can gain a better understanding of their overall security posture and identify areas where improvements are needed. Penetration testing can also help organizations to comply with industry regulations and standards that require regular security assessments.

25. What are the options for resetting a BIOS configuration that is password-protected?

• Because the BIOS is hardware, encrypting it with a password secures the operating system. The BIOS password can be reset in one of three ways:
• For 15–30 minutes, unplug the PC and remove the CMOS battery from the cabinet. Then you can replace it.
• Third-party applications such as CmosPwd and Kiosk can be used.
• The debug tool can be used to run the commands below from the MS-DOS prompt. You must have access to the operating system in order for this method to work.

26. Describe the MITM (Man-in-the-middle) assault. How to avoid it?

The hacker eavesdrops on the communication between two parties in a Man-in-the-Middle attack. The person then poses as someone else and makes the data transmission appear normal to the other parties. The goal is to manipulate data, steal personal information, or get login credentials in order to sabotage communication.

There are a few things you can do to avoid an MITM attack:

• Authentication with a public key pair
• A VPN is a virtual private network.
• Login credentials for the router that are strong
• Install firewalls and well-built Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).
• Access points with strong WEP/WPA encryption

27. Explain the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault. How to avoid it?

The target website, system, or network is flooded with traffic that exceeds the server’s capacity in a distributed denial-of-service attack. The goal is to prevent the server/website from being accessed by the intended users. DDoS can occur in one of two ways:

Flooding assaults: Flooding attacks are the most popular sort of DDoS attack. Flooding assaults bring the system to a halt when the server becomes overwhelmed with traffic it can’t handle. With the use of automated software, the attacker sends packets in a constant stream.

28. How do you ensure compliance with security regulations and standards?

Ensuring compliance with security regulations and standards is a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Here are some steps that organizations can take to ensure compliance:

• Understand the regulations and standards: Organizations must understand the specific security regulations and standards that apply to their industry and the type of data they handle.
• Develop policies and procedures: Policies and procedures should be developed to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. This may include establishing access controls, performing regular risk assessments, and conducting security awareness training.
• Implement security controls: Security controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and access controls should be implemented to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Conduct regular audits: Regular audits should be conducted to ensure that policies, procedures, and security controls are being followed and to identify areas where improvements are needed.
• Maintain documentation: Documentation should be maintained to demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards. This may include policies and procedures, audit reports, and security assessments.
• Stay up-to-date with changes: Regulations and standards are constantly evolving, and organizations must stay up-to-date with changes to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Engage with third-party auditors: Organizations may engage with third-party auditors to provide an independent assessment of their compliance with regulations and standards.

29. How do you handle security breaches and communicate with stakeholders during and after an incident?

Handling security breaches is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, and effective communication with stakeholders during and after an incident is key. Here are some steps that organizations can take to handle security breaches and communicate with stakeholders:

• Activate the incident response team: When a security breach is detected, the incident response team should be activated immediately. The team should be composed of individuals from different areas of the organization, including IT, legal, and public relations.
• Contain the breach: The incident response team should work to contain the breach as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. This may involve disconnecting affected systems from the network, changing passwords, or taking other actions to stop the attack.
• Assess the damage: The incident response team should assess the extent of the damage caused by the breach, including what data was compromised and how many systems were affected.
• Notify stakeholders: Once the extent of the breach has been determined, stakeholders should be notified. This includes customers, employees, and partners who may have been affected by the breach.
• Provide regular updates: Throughout the incident response process, stakeholders should be provided with regular updates on the status of the breach and any actions being taken to address it.
• Conduct a post-incident review: After the breach has been contained, a post-incident review should be conducted to identify what went wrong and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Implement remediation measures: Based on the findings of the post-incident review, remediation measures should be implemented to improve the organization’s cybersecurity posture and prevent future breaches.

30. What is your experience with security assessment and risk management?

A security assessment is a process of evaluating the security posture of a system, network, or organization. This involves identifying potential vulnerabilities, threats, and risks that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the system. Security assessments can be performed using various methods such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and risk assessments.

Risk management, on the other hand, is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to minimize the impact of adverse events. It involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, assessing the likelihood and impact of these risks, and implementing measures to reduce or control the risks.

Effective risk management involves identifying and assessing risks, prioritizing them based on their likelihood and potential impact, and implementing appropriate controls to mitigate or manage the risks. It is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and improvement.

Overall, security assessment and risk management are critical components of maintaining a secure and resilient system or organization.

31. What protocols are included in the TCP/IP Internet layer?

Application Layer	NFS, NIS, SNMP, telnet, ftp, rlogin, rsh, rcp, RIP, RDISC, DNS, LDAP, and others
Transport Layer	TCP, SCTP, UDP, etc.
Internet	IPv4, ARP, ICMP, IPv6, etc.
Data Link Layer	IEEE 802.2, PPP, etc.
Physical Layer	Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), FDDI, Token Ring, RS-232, and others

32. What exactly is a botnet?

A botnet, also known as a robot network, is a type of malware that infects networks of computers and places them under the control of a single attacker known as a “botherder.” A bot is a self-contain machine that is manage by bot herders. The attacker serves as a command center for the bots, allowing them to carry out simultaneous and coordinated criminal operations.

Because a bot herder may control millions of bots at once, the botnet is a large-scale attack. The attacker can send updates to all botnets, causing them to change their behaviour in real time.

33. Explain the term salted hashes.

When two users share the same password, the password hashes are generated in the same way. An attacker can quickly crack the password using a dictionary or brute-force assault in this situation. To prevent this, a salted hash is used.

By prepending or attaching a random text (salt) to the password before hashing, a salted hash is used to randomise hashes. As a result, two completely different hashes are created, which can be used to protect the database users’ passwords from the attacker.’

34. Explain the differences between SSL and TLS.

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) uses encryption methods to scramble any sensitive data transferred between a client and a server during transmission. By keeping the Internet connection safe, this helps prevent hackers from reading any data, such as credit card numbers and personal and other financial information.
• TLS stands for Transport Layer Security (TLS). TLS is the SSL’s successor. It is an upgraded version protocol that protects data transit in the same way that SSL does. TLS and SSL, on the other hand, are frequently used in tandem to improve security.

35. What is two-factor authentication in cyber security, and how can it be used on public websites?

To validate a user, two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a password and a unique form of identification, such as a login token sent via text message (SMS) or a mobile application. When the user inputs his or her password, the security code is requested in order to log in to the website. If the code does not match, the user will be denied access to the website.

Google Authenticator, YubiKey, Microsoft Authenticator, and other 2FA devices are examples.

36. How do you ensure the security of mobile devices in an organization?

Ensuring the security of mobile devices in an organization involves several measures to protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities. Here are some of the steps that can be taken:

• Implement strong access controls: Mobile devices should be secured with strong passwords or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use encryption: Mobile devices should use encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. This includes using encrypted storage and ensuring that all network connections are encrypted.
• Install security software: Install mobile security software on all devices to help protect against malware, viruses, and other threats.
• Enforce mobile device policies: Establish clear policies and guidelines for the use of mobile devices in the organization. This includes specifying what types of apps are allowed and what types of data can be accessed or stored on the devices.
• Keep devices up to date: Keep all mobile devices up to date with the latest operating system updates and security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
• Use remote wiping and tracking: Enable remote wiping and tracking of lost or stolen mobile devices to prevent unauthorized access to data.
• Train employees: Train employees on how to use mobile devices securely and what to do in the event of a security incident.

37. Explain what is phishing in cyber security. What can be done to avoid it?

In phishing, an attacker impersonates a trustworthy entity (a legitimate person or corporation) in order to steal sensitive information from the victim. It is accomplished through any type of user contact, such as requesting that the victim click on a malicious link and download a dangerous file in order to obtain personal information such as credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, and network credentials.

Some of the strategies to avoid phishing are as follows:

• Firstly, Set up firewalls.
• Secondly, Passwords should be changed often.
• Next, Unknown sources should not be clicked on or downloaded from.
• Last but not least, Anti-phishing software is available for free.

38. Explain how SQL injection works. How we can avoid it?

SQL injection is a type of injection attack in which an attacker injects malicious SQL commands into a web application’s database server, such as MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle. The goal is to acquire illegal access to sensitive data such as customer information, personal information, and intellectual property information, among other things. The attacker can create, alter, and delete records in the database in this attack, resulting in an organization’s data integrity being compromised.
SQL injection can be avoided in the following ways:

• Access to the database should be limited to read-only.
• Limit special characters in data to keep it clean.
• Verify user inputs.
• Prepare statements ahead of time.

39. What are some common security measures you recommend to protect against phishing attacks?

Phishing attacks are a common type of cyber attack that attempt to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that can compromise security. Here are some common security measures that can help protect against phishing attacks:

• Educate employees: Provide regular training and education to employees to help them identify phishing attacks and avoid falling victim to them.
• Use spam filters: Use spam filters to block known phishing emails and other malicious emails from reaching employees’ inboxes.
• Verify links and attachments: Encourage employees to verify links and attachments before clicking on them or downloading them. They can hover over links to see the URL and check if it matches the expected destination.
• Implement multi-factor authentication: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to user accounts, which can prevent attackers from gaining access to sensitive information even if they manage to obtain user credentials.
• Implementing DMARC and SPF: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) can help prevent spoofed emails from reaching employees’ inboxes.
• Keep software up to date: Keep all software and applications up to date with the latest security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
• Use security software: Use security software such as anti-virus and anti-malware programs to help detect and prevent phishing attacks.

40. How can CSRF attacks be avoided?

Cross-site Request Forgery (CSRF) occurs when an attacker deceives a victim into doing actions on their behalf.

The following methods can be used to prevent CSRF attacks:

• Using the most up-to-date antivirus software to help block dangerous scripts.
• Do not visit other websites or open emails while authenticating to your banking site or making any financial transactions on any other website, as this aids in the execution of dangerous scripts when authenticated to a financial site.
• For financial transactions, never save your login/password in your browser.
• Scripting should be disable in your browser.

41. What is port scanning and how does it work?

A port scanner is a program that scans a host network for open ports and services. It is mostly used by security managers to exploit flaws, but it is also used by hackers to target victims.

The following are some of the most widely use port scanning techniques in cyber security:

• Ping scan
• TCP connect
• TCP half-open
• Stealth scanning – NULL, FIN, X-MAS
• UDP

42. What exactly is the purpose of DNS monitoring?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a service that converts human-readable domain names into computer-readable IP addresses. It allows websites to be host under a simple-to-remember domain name.
DNS monitoring is the process of checking DNS records to ensure that traffic is appropriately route to your website, electronic communications, services, and other destinations.

43. What is system hardening in cyber security and how does it work?

In general, system hardening refers to a set of tools and procedures for managing vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems, applications, firmware, and other components.
The goal of system hardening is to lower security risks by lowering potential attacks and compressing the attack surface of the system.

The many types of system hardening are as follows:

• Firstly, Database hardening
• Operating system hardening
• Application hardening
• Server hardening
• Network hardening

44. What is your experience with secure coding practices?

Secure coding practices are a set of guidelines and techniques that are designed to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and security flaws in software. Some common secure coding practices include:

• Input validation: Validate all user input to prevent malicious input from being processed by the application.
• Secure authentication: Implement secure authentication mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the application.
• Proper error handling: Implement proper error handling to prevent information leakage and to prevent attackers from using error messages to gain information about the application.
• Secure communication: Implement secure communication channels to protect sensitive data during transmission.
• Secure storage: Implement secure storage mechanisms to protect sensitive data at rest.
• Principle of Least Privilege: Limit access and permissions to only what is necessary for each user or system component to perform its intended function.
• Secure coding frameworks and libraries: Use secure coding frameworks and libraries to help ensure that code is developed securely.

45. What’s the difference between RSA and Diffie Hellman?

• Diffie-Helman: It’s a key exchange protocol in which two parties exchange a shared key that may be used to encrypt and decrypt messages sent between them.
• RSA is an asymmetric key encryption algorithm that uses two distinct keys. The public key can be distributed to anyone and decrypted using a private key.

46. What is Forward Secrecy and how does it work?

Forward secrecy is a property of certain key agreement protocols that ensures that the session keys will not be compromised if the server’s private key is compromised. Perfect forward secrecy is another name for it (PFS). The “Diffie–Hellman key exchange” algorithm is used to accomplish this.

47. What is the definition of active reconnaissance?

Active reconnaissance is a type of computer attack in which an intruder interacts with the target system in order to gather information about vulnerabilities.
Port scanning is commonly use by attackers to detect vulnerable ports, after which they exploit the vulnerabilities of services linked with open ports.

48. How do you approach security training and awareness for employees in an organization?

Approaching security training and awareness for employees in an organization requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the specific needs and risks of the organization. Here are some steps that can be taken to develop an effective security training and awareness program:

• Identify security risks: Identify the specific security risks that employees are likely to encounter in their daily work. This includes risks related to data security, physical security, and other areas.
• Develop a training plan: Develop a training plan that covers the specific security risks identified in step one. The training plan should be tailored to the needs of the organization and should include both general security awareness training as well as job-specific training.
• Use real-world examples: Use real-world examples to illustrate the potential consequences of security breaches and to help employees understand the importance of security practices.
• Use a variety of training methods: Use a variety of training methods, including classroom training, online training, and hands-on exercises, to engage employees and reinforce key security concepts.
• Provide regular training: Provide regular training to employees to ensure that they stay up to date with the latest security risks and best practices.
• Encourage reporting: Encourage employees to report security incidents and suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
• Reward good behavior: Reward employees who demonstrate good security practices, such as reporting incidents or identifying security risks.

49. Explain the Chain of Custody in cyber security.

The chance of data being supplied as it was initially acquire and not being modify before being admitted into evidence is referred to as chain of custody.
In legal words, it’s a chronological documentation/paper trail that documents the right sequence of electronic or physical evidence custody, control, analysis, and disposition.

50. What’s the difference between information assurance and information protection?

• Information security: It uses encryption, security software, and other methods to keep data safe from unauthorised access.
• Information Assurance ensures the data’s integrity by maintaining its availability, authentication, and secrecy, among other things.

Conclusion for Cyber Security Interview Questions

Answers to the most frequently requested Cyber Security interview questions can be found on this site. The answers presented here are intended to assist you in gaining a basic understanding of Cyber Security. Through scenario-based questions, you’ve also learned how to put the concepts into practise in the actual world. I hope this information will assist you in passing your next Cybersecurity interview.