Interview Questions and Answers for Aspiring Cyber Security Professionals in 2024

Q4. What is a VPN, and How Does it Work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is employed to establish a secure and encrypted connection. In essence:

• Data from the client is sent to a VPN point, encrypted, and transmitted over the internet to another VPN point.

• At this point, the data is decrypted and sent to the server.

• Upon receiving a response, it undergoes encryption at a VPN point, is transmitted to another VPN point, decrypted, and finally sent to the client.

The primary purpose of a VPN is to ensure the secure transfer of encrypted data.

Q5. What is Cryptography?

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques aimed at securing information and communication, primarily to safeguard data from third parties not intended to access it.

Q6. What is the Difference Between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption?

The differences between Symmetric and asymmetric encryption are as follows:

• Symmetric Encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, enabling faster encryption but making it more vulnerable.

• Asymmetric Encryption employs different keys for encryption and decryption, resulting in slower encryption due to higher computation. Examples include Diffie-Hellman and RSA.

Q7. What is the Difference Between IDS and IPS?

The differences between IDS and IPS are as follows:

• IDS (Intrusion Detection System) detects intrusions, leaving the prevention to administrators.

• IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) not only detects intrusions but also takes proactive measures to prevent them.

Q8. Explain the CIA Triad.

The CIA triad consists of Confidentiality (ensuring data is only accessible to authorized personnel), Integrity (preventing unauthorized data modification), and Availability (ensuring data is accessible when needed).

Q9. How is Encryption Different from Hashing?

Encryption is reversible, allowing the conversion of encrypted data back to its original form through decryption. Hashing, however, is irreversible, making it impossible to revert hashed data to its original state.

Q10. What is a Firewall and Why is it Used?

A Firewall is a network security system positioned at system/network boundaries to monitor and control network traffic, safeguarding against viruses, worms, and unauthorized access.

Q11. What is the Difference Between VA (Vulnerability Assessment) and PT (Penetration Testing)?

The difference between VA (Vulnerability Assessment) and PT (Penetration Testing) is: 

• Vulnerability Assessment identifies flaws in a target, with known weaknesses prioritized for fixing.

• Penetration Testing finds vulnerabilities on a target where all conceivable security measures are in place, testing for potential system/network breaches.

Q12. What is a Three-way Handshake?

A three-way handshake in a TCP/IP network is a method to establish a connection between a host and a client through a series of SYN, SYN-ACK, and ACK packets.

Q13. What are the Response Codes That Can be Received from a Web Application?

• 1xx – Informational responses
• 2xx – Success
• 3xx – Redirection
• 4xx – Client-side error
• 5xx – Server-side error

Q14. What is Traceroute? Why is it Used?

A traceroute is a tool revealing the path of a packet, listing the points (mainly routers) it passes through. It is used to identify connection issues and locate points of failure.

Q15. What is the Difference Between HIDS and NIDS?

• HIDS (Host IDS) monitors a specific host/device for suspicious activities.
• NIDS (Network IDS) monitors network traffic across all devices on the network.

Q16. What are the Steps to Set Up a Firewall?

Steps to set up a firewall include modifying default passwords, disabling remote administration, configuring port forwarding, addressing DHCP conflicts, enabling logging, and ensuring alignment with security policies.

Q17. Explain SSL Encryption

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology which establishes encrypted connections between web servers and browsers to protect data during online transactions.

Q18. What Steps Will You Take to Secure a Server?

Secure a server by ensuring strong passwords, creating new users for system management, removing remote access from default accounts, configuring firewall rules for remote access, and adhering to security policies.

Q19. Explain Data Leakage

Data Leakage involves the intentional or unintentional transmission of data from within an organization to an external, unauthorized destination. It can be prevented using Data Leakage Prevention (DLP) tools.

Q20. What are Some Common Cyber Attacks?

Common cyberattacks include Malware, Phishing, Password Attacks, DDoS, Man-in-the-Middle, Drive-By Downloads, Malvertising, and Rogue Software.

Q21. Explain the Concept of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a cryptographic system facilitating secure communication over an insecure network. It utilizes a pair of keys, public and private, for encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and public key validation. Certificate Authorities (CAs) are employed to authenticate public keys, ensuring their legitimacy.

Q22. Are the Key Elements of a Strong Security Policy?

A robust security policy incorporates access control, encryption, regular updates, user training, incident response plans, and adherence to relevant regulations.

Q23. How Does a Rootkit Work and How Would You Detect It?

A rootkit is malicious software providing unauthorized access to a computer or network. Detection involves using specialized anti-rootkit tools and monitoring for anomalous system behavior.

Q24. Explain Cross-Site Scripting and SQL Injection.

Cross-site scripting (XSS) involves injecting malicious scripts into web applications, compromising user data. SQL Injection exploits SQL query vulnerabilities to manipulate databases. Both are forms of web application vulnerabilities.

Q25. What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability?

A Zero-Day Vulnerability is a security flaw undisclosed to the vendor, lacking a solution. Malicious actors can exploit it before a remedy is created.

Q26. Discuss the ISO 27001/27002 Standards.

ISO 27001 is a framework for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), while ISO 27002 provides guidelines for implementing security controls and practices within an organization.

Q27. How Do Threat Detection Systems Work?

Threat detection systems monitor network traffic and system logs to identify suspicious activities or potential security threats using predefined rules and machine learning algorithms.

Q28. Explain the Principles of Ethical Hacking.

Ethical hacking involves testing systems for vulnerabilities to enhance security. Principles include obtaining proper authorization, maintaining confidentiality, and responsibly disclosing findings.

Q29. What are the Different Types of Network Security?

Network security includes perimeter security, firewall protection, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, and network segmentation to safeguard data and resources.

Q30. Discuss the Concept of Risk Assessment in Cybersecurity.

Risk assessment in cybersecurity involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential threats and vulnerabilities to make informed decisions on security measures.

Q31. What is Incident Response, and How is it Managed?

Incident response involves a systematic strategy for handling and mitigating security incidents, encompassing phases such as preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and knowledge acquisition.

Q32. Explain the Principle of Least Privilege.

The Least Privilege principle restricts user and process access to the minimum required for their tasks, reducing the potential for unauthorized actions.

Q33. How Does Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Work?

SL ensures secure data transmission between web browsers and servers using encryption, authentication, and data integrity checks.

Q34. What is Network Sniffing?

Network sniffing is intercepting and analyzing network traffic to gather information, potentially for malicious purposes, or for monitoring.

Q35. Discuss the Importance of Disaster Recovery Planning in Cybersecurity.

Disaster recovery planning involves proactive preparation and responsive actions to safeguard against data loss or system failures, ensuring uninterrupted business operations.