Top 20 Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers in 2023

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Top 20 Cyber Security Interview Questions and
Answers in 2023
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Here are 20 commonly asked cybersecurity interview
questions along with their answers What is the
difference between authentication and
authorization?  Authentication is the process of
verifying the identity of a user, system, or
device, while authorization is the process of
granting or denying access to specific resources
or actions based on the authenticated users
privileges. What is a firewall, and how does it
work?  A firewall is a network security device
that monitors and filters network traffic based
on predefined security rules. It acts as a
barrier between internal and external networks,
allowing or blocking traffic based on the
configured rules. What are the common types of
malware, and how do they work?  Common types of
malware include viruses, worms, Trojans,
ransomware, and spyware. Malware typically
infiltrates systems through various means and
executes malicious actions, such as stealing
data, corrupting files, or gaining unauthorized
access.
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What is encryption, and why is it important in
cybersecurity?  Encryption is the process of
converting data into a form that can only be read
by authorized parties. It ensures that sensitive
information remains secure during storage,
transmission, and processing, preventing
unauthorized access or tampering. Explain the
concept of defense in depth.  Defense in depth
is a cybersecurity strategy that employs multiple
layers of defense mechanisms to protect systems
and data. It involves implementing various
security controls at different levels, such as
network, host, application, and data, to create
overlapping layers of protection. What is a DDoS
attack, and how does it work?  A DDoS
(Distributed Denial of Service) attack involves
overwhelming a target system or network with a
flood of illegitimate requests, rendering it
inaccessible to legitimate users. Attackers use
multiple compromised devices or botnets to
generate the massive traffic required to cause
the disruption.
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What is a vulnerability assessment?  A
vulnerability assessment is the process of
identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses
and vulnerabilities in a system or network. It
helps organizations understand their security
posture, prioritize vulnerabilities, and
implement appropriate countermeasures. What is
the difference between symmetric and asymmetric
encryption?  Symmetric encryption uses a single
shared key to both encrypt and decrypt data,
while asymmetric encryption (also known as
public-key encryption) uses a pair of keys a
public key for encryption and a private key for
decryption. What is penetration
testing?  Penetration testing, or pen testing, is
a security assessment technique that involves
simulating real-world attacks on a system or
network to identify vulnerabilities and exploit
them. It helps organizations identify weaknesses
before malicious attackers can exploit them.
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How does a virtual private network (VPN) enhance
security?  A VPN creates a secure encrypted
tunnel between a users device and a remote
network, ensuring confidentiality and integrity
of data transmitted over public networks. It
protects sensitive information from eavesdropping
and can also provide anonymity by masking the
users IP address. What is social engineering,
and how can it be prevented?  Social engineering
is a technique that manipulates individuals to
gain unauthorized access or obtain sensitive
information. It can be prevented through employee
education, strong access controls, multi-factor
authentication, and strict adherence to security
policies. What is the principle of least
privilege (PoLP)?  The principle of least
privilege states that users or processes should
have only the minimum level of access necessary
to perform their tasks. By limiting privileges,
organizations can reduce the potential impact of
a compromise or misuse of user accounts.
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How does a hash function work, and what is it
used for?  A hash function is a mathematical
algorithm that converts input data into a
fixed-size output (hash value). It is commonly
used to verify data integrity, create digital
signatures, and store passwords securely, as the
output is unique to the input and difficult to
reverse-engineer. What is SSL encryption? SSL
(Secure Sockets Layer) encryption is a protocol
that provides a secure and encrypted connection
between a web browser and a server. It ensures
that data transmitted between the two remains
private and protected from unauthorized access or
tampering. SSL is commonly used for secure online
transactions, such as credit card payments and
sensitive data transfers. What steps will you
take to secure a server?  To secure a server, I
would take the following steps Implement strong
access controls by using strong passwords,
enforcing multi-factor authentication, and
limiting user privileges. Regularly update and
patch the servers operating system and software
to address known vulnerabilities. Configure a
firewall, intrusion detection system, and
antivirus software to monitor and protect against
unauthorized access and malware threats
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What is the difference between HIDS and
NIDS?  HIDS (Host-based Intrusion Detection
System) and NIDS (Network-based Intrusion
Detection System) are two types of intrusion
detection systems with different
focuses HIDS HIDS operates on individual hosts
(servers, workstations) and monitors activities
occurring on the host itself. It examines system
logs, file integrity, and system calls to detect
signs of unauthorized access or malicious
activity specific to that particular host. HIDS
is useful for detecting attacks that may bypass
network-based monitoring. NIDS NIDS, on the
other hand, monitors network traffic at various
points within the network infrastructure. It
analyzes network packets, looking for patterns
and signatures of known attacks or anomalies.
NIDS is effective in detecting network-based
attacks, such as port scanning, network
reconnaissance, or unauthorized access
attempts. In summary, HIDS focuses on monitoring
activities at the host level, while NIDS focuses
on analyzing network traffic for potential
security breaches. Both HIDS and NIDS play
complementary roles in a comprehensive intrusion
detection strategy. What is a VPN? A VPN
(Virtual Private Network) is a technology that
creates a secure and encrypted connection over a
public network, such as the internet. It allows
users to access resources and services securely
as if they were directly connected to a private
network. VPNs are commonly used to enhance
privacy, protect sensitive data, and enable
remote access to private networks.
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What do you understand by risk, vulnerability,
and threat in a network?  Risk in a network
refers to the potential for negative impacts or
harm that may arise from threats exploiting
vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are weaknesses
or flaws in a networks systems, processes, or
configurations that can be exploited by threats.
Threats are potential events, incidents, or
actions that could cause harm to a network by
taking advantage of vulnerabilities. How do you
prevent identity theft?  To prevent identity
theft, it is essential to Safeguard personal
information by avoiding sharing sensitive details
on unsecured platforms or with unknown
individuals. Use strong and unique passwords for
online accounts and enable multi-factor
authentication whenever possible. Regularly
monitor financial statements and credit reports
for any suspicious activity or unauthorized
transactions. Be cautious of phishing attempts
and avoid clicking on suspicious links or
providing personal information in response to
unsolicited requests.
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Who are White Hat, Grey Hat, and Black Hat
Hackers?  White hat, grey hat, and black hat
hackers are terms used to describe individuals
based on their intentions and ethical
considerations in the field of hacking White Hat
Hackers White hat hackers, also known as ethical
hackers or security professionals, use their
skills to identify vulnerabilities and security
weaknesses in systems or networks. They work with
organizations to improve security measures and
protect against cyber threats. Their actions are
legal and authorized, aiming to
enhance cybersecurity. Grey Hat Hackers Grey hat
hackers operate in a morally ambiguous area
between white hat and black hat hackers. They may
uncover vulnerabilities without authorization but
do not have malicious intent. While they may not
have explicit permission to access systems, they
often disclose vulnerabilities to the affected
parties to prompt them to take corrective
actions. Black Hat Hackers Black hat hackers are
individuals who engage in hacking activities with
malicious intent. They exploit vulnerabilities,
steal sensitive data, disrupt systems, or engage
in other illegal activities for personal gain,
harm, or sabotage. Their actions are unauthorized
and violate laws and ethical guidelines. It is
important to note that black hat hacking is
illegal and can result in severe legal
consequences, while white hat hacking is done
within legal frameworks and with proper
authorization.