Are you looking for the most asked Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers? You’ve not only found the right page but also chosen the fastest-growing sector as a career.
In today’s digital age, Cyber Security Professionals are in high demand as organizations strive to safeguard their sensitive information. Landing a job in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of Cyber Security requires a strong understanding of this field. To help you prepare, this guide not only covers Most Asked Cyber Security Questions in Interview, will also help you to in-depth understanding of this field.
While preparing this Most Asked Cyber Security Interview Question and Answer, we discuss the Theoretical Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers and include Scenario-bases Cyber Security Questions and Answers which gives you added mileage to crack the Cyber Security Interview.
Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers
Preparing for a Cyber Security Interview means understanding key concepts, tools, and best practices. To excel, start by reviewing the essentials of Cyber Security, which include encryption, firewalls, and threat detection. Learn how common cyber threats occur and how to address them. Hands-on experience with various tools such as IDS, VPN, and endpoint security software is also important and gives you an edge.
Lastly, don’t forget to stay updated on industry trends, the latest cybersecurity news, important events, incidents, attacks, security breaches, zero-day vulnerabilities, and certifications to showcase your commitment to the field. Now let’s start with the Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers:
What is the difference between Cyber Security and Information Security?
Cyber Security and Information Security are often confused, but they serve different purposes. The difference between Cyber Security and Information Security is:
Cyber Security focuses on protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats like hacking, malware, and phishing, dealing specifically with cyberspace.
Information Security, on the other hand, is broader, protecting all forms of information, digital, physical, or verbal, against unauthorized access, regardless of its medium.
In short, Cyber Security is a subset of Information Security, dedicated to securing digital environments.
Do you think Cyber Security and Information Security are important and Why?
Yes, Cyber Security and Information Security are extremely important in today’s world. Cyber Security focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from online threats like hackers and malware. Meanwhile, Information Security safeguards all types of information, whether digital, physical, or even spoken, from being misused or accessed without permission.
These areas matter because cyberattacks and data leaks are becoming more common, putting personal and business information at risk. Without proper security, companies can face financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal trouble.
By investing in strong cybersecurity and information security practices, businesses and individuals can protect sensitive data, build trust, and prevent costly breaches.
What is CIA Triad? Explain with an example.
The CIA Triad is a fundamental concept in cybersecurity and information security that ensures data protection. It stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, which are the three core principles used to safeguard information.
Confidentiality means keeping data private and accessible only to authorized individuals. For example, encryption protects sensitive information like passwords from being viewed by unauthorized users.
Integrity ensures that data remains accurate and unaltered. For instance, using hash functions can verify that a financial transaction hasn’t been tampered with during processing.
Availability guarantees that information is accessible when needed. A good example is having backup systems to ensure a website stays online even during a server failure.
By following the CIA Triad, organizations can secure data, maintain trust, and ensure reliable access to critical resources.
Difference between Threat, Vulnerability and Risk?
Understanding the difference between Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk is essential in Cyber Security.
A Threat is anything that can potentially harm your system, data, or network. For example, hackers, malware, or natural disasters are threats because they can cause damage.
A Vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in your system that threats can exploit. For instance, outdated software or weak passwords are vulnerabilities.
A Risk is the likelihood of a threat exploiting a vulnerability and the potential impact it can cause. For example, if you use weak passwords, the risk of a cyberattack increases.
In simple terms, threats are the dangers, vulnerabilities are the weaknesses, and risk is the possible outcome due to the combination of the two. Addressing vulnerabilities reduces risks and helps protect against threats.
Define the terms: Threat Actor, Threat Vector and Payload.
Here’s a simple explanation of Threat Actor, Threat Vector, and Payload in Cyber Security:
A Threat Actor is an individual, group, or entity that carries out cyberattacks or malicious activities. For example, hackers, insider threats, or even nation-states can be threat actors aiming to steal data or disrupt systems.
A Threat Vector is the method or pathway that a threat actor uses to launch an attack. Examples include phishing emails, malicious websites, or unsecured networks. It’s how the attack reaches its target.
A Payload is the malicious code or software delivered through the threat vector. It’s what executes the actual harm, such as ransomware encrypting files or spyware stealing sensitive information.
In summary, a threat actor uses a threat vector to deliver a payload, causing damage to systems or data. Understanding these terms helps improve defenses against cyberattacks.
What are the common Cyber Threats?
Common Cyber Threats target individuals, businesses, and organizations, aiming to steal data, disrupt systems, or cause harm. Here are the most common types of Cyber Threats:
Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals use fake emails or websites to trick people into revealing sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details.
Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses, ransomware, Trojan Horse, or spyware, is designed to damage systems, encrypt data, or steal information.
Ransomware: A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to restore access is known as a Ransomware.
Social Engineering: Hackers manipulate people into giving up confidential information, often through deception or emotional tactics.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: These attacks overwhelm a network or server with traffic, making it inaccessible to users.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Hackers intercept communication between two parties to steal data or inject malicious code.
Zero-Day Exploits: Threat actors exploit unknown software vulnerabilities before they are patched by developers.
Insider Threats: Employees or contractors misuse their access to compromise systems or leak sensitive information.
To protect against these threats, always use updated software, strong passwords, and reliable security tools. Being aware of these risks is the first step toward staying secure online.
What is the primary difference between a Virus and a Worm?
The primary difference between a virus and a worm lies in how they spread and operate.
A Virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a file or program. It requires human action, like opening an infected file or running a program, to activate and spread. For example, a virus might infect a document and spread only when the document is shared.
In contrast, a Worm is self-replicating malware that spreads automatically without user interaction. It exploits vulnerabilities in networks or software to move from one system to another. For instance, a worm can spread across a network, infecting multiple devices quickly.
In summary, viruses need human action to spread, while worms can spread autonomously. Both are harmful, but worms often cause damage faster due to their self-propagating nature.
What does Trojan Horse Virus do?
A Trojan Horse virus is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program to deceive users into downloading and installing it. Unlike viruses or worms, a Trojan does not replicate itself but can cause significant damage once activated.
Once installed, a Trojan Horse virus can steal personal information, grant hackers remote access to your system, or create backdoors for other types of malware to enter. For example, it might pretend to be a helpful app, but once opened, it can give cybercriminals control over your device.
To protect against Trojan Horse viruses, always download software from trusted sources, avoid suspicious links, and use updated security software.
What are common types of Scripting Attacks?
Scripting attacks involve malicious code embedded in websites or applications to exploit vulnerabilities. Here are some common types of Scripting Attacks:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): It is a security vulnerability where attackers inject malicious scripts into websites. These scripts run in users’ browsers, potentially stealing sensitive data like passwords or session cookies. XSS attacks happen when websites fail to properly validate user input.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): This attack tricks a user’s browser into making unauthorized requests on a website, often leading to actions like changing account settings or transferring funds.
JavaScript Injection: Attackers insert harmful JavaScript code into a webpage, which can manipulate data or gain unauthorized access to a user’s session.
SQL Injection: Although not strictly scripting, SQL Injection is a type of attack where hackers insert malicious SQL code into input fields, allowing them to access or manipulate a website’s database. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, or data loss.
Command Injection: This occurs when attackers inject system commands into a vulnerable application, gaining control over the server or executing unauthorized commands.
To protect against scripting attacks, always sanitize user input, implement security headers, and keep software updated. These measures help block malicious scripts from executing and reduce the risk of exploitation.
How to Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attacks?
To prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, follow these essential practices:
Sanitize User Inputs: Always validate and sanitize all user inputs to remove any malicious code before processing or displaying them on the website.
Use Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement CSP to restrict what resources can be loaded by the browser, minimizing the risk of malicious scripts running.
Encode Output: Ensure that dynamic content is properly encoded before being rendered in the browser, which helps prevent scripts from executing.
Employ HttpOnly and Secure Cookies: These cookies can prevent attackers from accessing session data via JavaScript.
Implement Proper Access Controls: Limit user permissions to reduce the potential impact of an XSS attack.
By adopting these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of XSS attacks and protect users from malicious activities.
How to Prevent SQL Injection Attacks?
To prevent SQL Injection attacks, follow these best practices:
Use Prepared Statements: Always use parameterized queries to ensure user inputs are treated as data, not executable code, preventing attackers from manipulating SQL queries.
Validate and Sanitize Input: Validate user input to ensure it meets expected formats and sanitize it to remove any malicious characters or code.
Use Stored Procedures: Stored procedures help separate SQL logic from user input, reducing the risk of SQL injection.
Implement Least Privilege: Limit database user privileges, ensuring that only necessary actions can be performed by each user.
Regularly Update Software: Keep your database and web application frameworks updated with the latest security patches to close known vulnerabilities.
By adopting these measures, you can protect your website or application from SQL injection attacks and safeguard sensitive data.
Explain Phishing with an Example.
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal details, by pretending to be a trustworthy entity. Typically, this is done through fraudulent emails, websites, or messages.
For example, an attacker might send an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate bank, asking the recipient to click a link to verify their account. The link leads to a fake website that looks identical to the bank’s real site. Once the user enters their login information, the attacker can steal it for malicious use.
To protect against phishing, always check email sender addresses, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and verify website URLs before entering personal information. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) also adds an extra layer of security.
How can you protect yourself from Phishing?
Here’s how you can protect yourself from Phishing attacks:
- Verify Email Senders: Always check the sender’s email address to ensure it’s legitimate.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Never click on links in unsolicited emails; visit the website directly instead.
- Look for Red Flags: Watch for urgent requests, spelling mistakes, or generic greetings in emails.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your browser and security software to stay protected.
- Double-Check Requests: Contact organizations directly through trusted channels if you receive unexpected requests for sensitive information.
By following these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.
What is Lateral Movement?
Lateral Movement refers to the technique used by attackers to move within a network after gaining initial access to a system. Once they compromise one device or user account, they try to expand their access by exploiting vulnerabilities in other systems or accounts. This movement allows attackers to escalate privileges and gather valuable information, often leading to deeper network compromises.
For example, an attacker might start with a low-level user account and then use tools or credentials to access other devices on the same network, eventually reaching more sensitive data or critical systems.
To prevent lateral movement, organizations should implement strong access controls, segment networks, and regularly monitor and audit user activities for suspicious behavior.
What is Persistence in Cybersecurity?
Persistence in cyber Security refers to the ability of attackers to maintain access to a compromised system or network over an extended period, even after attempts to remove them. Attackers often install backdoors, rootkits, or other forms of malware that allow them to regain control, even if the initial breach is detected and patched.
For example, after a hacker gains access to a network, they may create a hidden user account or exploit vulnerabilities in software to ensure they can return later.
To prevent persistence, organizations should regularly update software, conduct thorough security monitoring, and implement strong access controls to quickly detect and remove any unauthorized access points.
What is Advanced Persistent Threat?
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is a long-term, targeted cyberattack where hackers gain unauthorized access to a network and remain undetected for an extended period. Unlike typical attacks, APTs are highly organized, sophisticated, and often aimed at stealing sensitive information or causing lasting damage.
For example, a hacker might infiltrate a government agency’s network, silently extracting valuable data over months or even years without triggering alarms.
To defend against APTs, organizations must implement multi-layered security measures, conduct regular monitoring for suspicious activity, and keep software up to date. A proactive security approach is key to identifying and mitigating these persistent threats.
What is Advanced Targeted Attack?
An Advanced Targeted Attack (ATA) is a sophisticated cyberattack aimed at a specific target, such as an individual or organization. These attacks are carefully planned, using tailored techniques to bypass security defenses. Typically, attackers focus on valuable assets like sensitive data or intellectual property.
To protect against ATAs, organizations should use strong security measures, monitor for unusual activity, and educate employees about potential threats.
What is Firewall?
A Firewall is a network security system designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing traffic between different networks. It acts as a barrier, blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communication. Firewalls use predefined security rules to filter traffic, ensuring that only trusted data passes through.
There are two main types of firewalls: hardware firewalls, which are physical devices, and software firewalls, which are programs running on a computer. Both protect against cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
What is the purpose of a VPN?
The purpose of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is to create a secure and private connection over the internet, protecting your data from hackers and unauthorized access. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain confidential, even on public Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content by masking your IP address and making it appear as though you are browsing from a different location. This enhances both your privacy and security while browsing online.
How do you explain to a non-technical person about the concept of Secure Password?
To explain the concept of a secure password to a non-technical person, you could say:
A secure password is a strong key that protects your online accounts, much like a lock that keeps your house safe. To create a secure password, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using obvious information, like your name or birthdate, as these can be easily guessed. The longer and more random your password is, the harder it is for someone to break into your account.
It’s also important to use different passwords for each account. If one gets compromised, the others stay safe.
How can Identity Theft be prevented?
To prevent Identity Theft, use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
Be cautious when sharing personal information online and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
Regularly monitor your bank statements and account activity for unusual transactions.
Keep your devices and software updated to protect against cyber threats.
By following these steps, you can safeguard your personal data and reduce the risk of identity theft.
What is Multi-factor Authentication?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. Instead of relying only on a password, MFA requires users to verify their identity using at least two different authentication factors. These factors typically include something you know (password or PIN), something you have (smartphone, security token), and something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition).
MFA helps prevent unauthorized access, even if hackers steal your password. It is widely used in banking, email, and social media accounts to enhance security. Enabling MFA significantly reduces the risk of cyberattacks and protects your sensitive information.
Would you recommend using 2FA even if someone has a complex password?
Yes, I would strongly recommend using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) even if someone has a complex password. While strong passwords are crucial for security, they can still be stolen through phishing attacks, keyloggers, or data breaches.
2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, such as a one-time code, fingerprint, or authentication app. This ensures that even if an attacker gains access to the password, they cannot log in without the second factor.
Since cyber threats continue to evolve, enabling 2FA is one of the most effective ways to enhance security and protect sensitive accounts from unauthorized access.
What are Cipher Text, Plain Text and Clear Text?
Plaintext, Ciphertext, and Cleartext are terms used in encryption and data security.
Plaintext refers to readable data that has not been encrypted. It can be a password, message, or any information that is easily understood by humans or computers.
Ciphertext is encrypted data that looks unreadable. It is created when plaintext goes through an encryption process, making it secure and inaccessible without a decryption key.
Cleartext is similar to plaintext but refers to any unprotected data transmitted or stored without encryption, making it vulnerable to cyber threats.
Using encryption helps convert plaintext into ciphertext, ensuring data security and preventing unauthorized access.
What is the latest version of SSL?
This is a very tricky question asked in Cyber Security Interviews. You should provide a concise and well-structured response. Here’s an ideal answer:
The latest version of SSL has been replaced by TLS (Transport Layer Security), with TLS 1.3 being the most recent and secure version. It was released by the IETF in August 2018 and introduced significant improvements over previous versions, such as faster handshake processes and the removal of outdated cryptographic algorithms.
While many people still refer to SSL, modern secure communications use TLS. Organizations should upgrade to TLS 1.3 to enhance security, improve performance, and protect against vulnerabilities found in older versions like SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1.
This answer shows technical knowledge, highlights key improvements, and demonstrates awareness of security best practices, making it a strong response in an interview.
How does SSL Encryption work?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption protects data by creating a secure connection between a user’s browser and a website. It ensures that sensitive information, like passwords and credit card details, remains private and encrypted during transmission.
When a user visits an SSL-enabled website, the browser and the web server go through an SSL handshake to establish a secure session. The server provides an SSL certificate, which contains a public key. The browser verifies the certificate’s authenticity, and if valid, both parties generate a session key for encrypting data.
This encryption process converts plaintext into ciphertext, making it unreadable to attackers. Only the intended recipient with the correct decryption key can access the original data. This ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and authentication, protecting users from cyber threats like data breaches and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Explain Social Engineering.
Social engineering is a cyberattack strategy where attackers manipulate people into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Instead of hacking systems directly, attackers exploit human psychology through deception, urgency, or trust.
Common tactics include phishing emails, phone scams, baiting, and impersonation. For example, an attacker might pose as a bank representative and trick a victim into sharing their login credentials. Once the attacker gains access, they can steal sensitive data, install malware, or commit fraud.
To prevent social engineering attacks, always verify requests, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share sensitive information with unverified sources. Awareness and caution are the best defences against these threats.
What is Eavesdropping?
Eavesdropping is a cyberattack where an attacker secretly listens to or intercepts private communications, such as phone calls, or people talking face to face, emails, video conferences or data transfers. This attack can happen over unsecured networks, like public Wi-Fi, where hackers can capture sensitive information without the victim knowing.
There are two types of eavesdropping: Passive eavesdropping, where attackers secretly monitor data, and Active eavesdropping, where they alter or inject malicious content into the communication.
To prevent eavesdropping, always use encrypted connections like TLS/SSL for websites and VPNs for secure browsing. Avoid sharing sensitive information over public networks, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security.
What is Shoulder Surfing?
Shoulder surfing is a type of social engineering attack where an attacker spies on someone’s screen or keyboard to steal sensitive information, like passwords, PINs, or credit card details. This usually happens in public places, such as cafes, ATMs, or offices, where people unknowingly expose their data.
Attackers may watch from a close distance or use cameras, binoculars, or smartphone recordings to capture information. Once they obtain the details, they can misuse them for identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access.
To prevent shoulder surfing, always shield your screen or keypad, enable screen privacy filters, and be aware of your surroundings, especially when entering sensitive information in public.
Have you heard of Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on a user’s device to track browsing activity and improve the user experience. They help websites remember login details, preferences, and shopping cart items.
There are different types of cookies. Session cookies are temporary and disappear when the browser closes, while persistent cookies remain stored for future visits. However, some cookies, like third-party tracking cookies, raise privacy concerns because they monitor user behaviour across multiple websites.
To enhance security and privacy, users can clear cookies regularly, block third-party cookies, or use private browsing modes. Understanding cookies is essential for managing online privacy and ensuring secure web interactions.
Explain Symmetric Encryption and Asymmetric Encryption.
In symmetric encryption, the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. It is fast and efficient, making it ideal for encrypting large amounts of data. However, the challenge is securely sharing the key. Examples include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard).
In contrast, asymmetric encryption uses two keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. This method enhances security, as the private key is never shared. It is commonly used for digital signatures, SSL/TLS encryption, and secure email communication. Examples include RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography).
Both encryption methods play a vital role in cybersecurity. Symmetric encryption is preferred for speed, while asymmetric encryption is used for secure communication and authentication.
What is the use of Honeypot and Honeynet?
A honeypot is a decoy system designed to attract cyber attackers and study their techniques. It looks like a real system but contains fake data and vulnerabilities to lure hackers. Security teams use honeypots to detect threats, analyze attack patterns, and improve defense strategies.
A honeynet is a network of multiple honeypots that simulates a real environment. It provides deeper insights into cyber threats by tracking how attackers move across systems. Honeynets are useful for advanced threat detection, malware research, and identifying new attack methods.
Both honeypots and honeynets play a crucial role in cybersecurity research and proactive defense. They help organizations understand attacker behavior, strengthen security measures, and protect real systems from breaches.
What does Non-repudiation mean?
Non-repudiation is a security principle that ensures a user cannot deny performing an action, such as sending an email, making a transaction, or signing a document. It provides proof of authenticity, integrity, and origin, preventing disputes.
In cybersecurity, non-repudiation is achieved through digital signatures, encryption, and logging mechanisms. For example, when a user signs a document with a digital signature, the encryption ensures that only their private key could have generated it, making it legally binding and verifiable.
Non-repudiation is crucial in online banking, legal contracts, and secure communications, ensuring accountability and trust in digital interactions.
What is Digital Signature?
A digital signature is a cryptographic technique used to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital messages, documents, or transactions. It ensures that the sender is genuine and the content has not been altered.
Digital signatures work using asymmetric encryption, where a sender signs a document with their private key, and the recipient verifies it using the public key. This process ensures non-repudiation, meaning the sender cannot deny signing it.
Digital signatures are widely used in online banking, legal agreements, emails, and secure communications. They enhance security, prevent forgery, and build trust in digital transactions.
What are the Password attacks you know about?
Password attacks are techniques used by cybercriminals to steal or crack passwords and gain unauthorized access to systems. Some common types include:
Brute Force Attack – Hackers try all possible password combinations until they find the correct one.
Dictionary Attack – Attackers use a list of common passwords or words to guess the correct one.
Credential Stuffing – Cybercriminals use stolen username-password pairs from data breaches to access multiple accounts.
Phishing Attack – Attackers trick users into revealing their passwords through fake emails or websites.
Keylogging – Malicious software records everything a user types, including passwords.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack – Hackers intercept login credentials during online communication.
Password Spraying – Attackers try a few commonly used passwords on many accounts to avoid detection.
Rainbow Table Attack – Hackers use precomputed hash values to reverse weakly hashed passwords.
To protect against these attacks, users should create strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
What is BotNet?
A botnet is a network of compromised computers, known as bots or zombies, that are remotely controlled by a hacker, called a botmaster. These infected devices operate without the owner’s knowledge and are often used for malicious activities.
Botnets are commonly used for DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks, spamming, data theft, and spreading malware. Hackers infect devices through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or software vulnerabilities. Once controlled, these bots work together to execute large-scale cyberattacks.
To prevent botnet infections, users should keep software updated, avoid suspicious links, use strong security software, and enable firewalls. Cybersecurity experts actively track and dismantle botnets to reduce their impact.
How does a DDoS attack work?
A DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack is a cyberattack that overwhelms a server, network, or website with excessive traffic, making it slow or completely inaccessible to users.
First, Hackers compromise devices to create a botnet.
Then, The hackers issue commands to the botnet to send fake traffic to the target.
End result, The target is overwhelmed with traffic and becomes inaccessible.
There are different types of DDoS attacks:
Volumetric Attacks flood the target with excessive data, consuming bandwidth.
Protocol Attacks exploit weaknesses in network protocols to disrupt services.
Application Layer Attacks target specific applications, like web servers, to exhaust resources.
DDoS attacks can disrupt businesses, cause financial losses, and damage reputations. Organizations protect against them using firewalls, traffic filtering, load balancing, and DDoS mitigation services.
What is Data Loss Prevention?
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a security strategy that helps organizations prevent sensitive data from being lost, leaked, or accessed by unauthorized users. It ensures that confidential information, such as financial records, intellectual property, and personal data, remains protected.
DLP works by monitoring, detecting, and controlling data movement across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. It uses encryption, access controls, and policy enforcement to prevent data breaches.
There are three main types of DLP solutions:
Network DLP – Monitors and protects data in transit.
Endpoint DLP – Secures data stored on devices like laptops and USBs.
Cloud DLP – Protects data stored and shared in cloud applications.
Organizations use DLP to comply with data protection laws, prevent insider threats, and reduce cybersecurity risks. Implementing strong DLP policies, employee training, and security tools helps safeguard critical information.
What is a block cipher?
What is the difference between 3 Way Handshake and 4 Way Handshake?
How does Hashing differ from Encryption?
What is the purpose of adding Salt to Hashing?
Explain what is System Hardening.
What is Public Key Infrastructure?
What is the difference between Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing?
Explain Data Leakage.
What is Cryptography?
What hardware component is used to generate, store, and manage cryptographic keys?
What are the key Safeguards in Cybersecurity to secure any organization?
Explain Cognitive Cyber Security.
Explain the concept of “least privilege” in access control.
Diffie-Hellman and RSA are examples of what key encryption technology?
Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers: Scenario-Based, Real-World, and Best Practices
Akash is concerned that the password for one of his organization’s services is weak. He wants to strengthen it by making it more resistant to brute-force attacks, making it harder to test potential keys. What is this technique called?
The technique is called Key Stretching.
Key stretching strengthens weak passwords by making them harder to crack through brute-force attacks. It works by repeatedly applying a hash or block cipher to the original password. Algorithms like PBKDF2, bcrypt, or Argon2 are commonly used for this, slowing down the process of testing passwords and making it more difficult and time-consuming for attackers to break the password.
Sam is worried that an unexpected problem might cause his scheduled maintenance to take longer than planned. Which element of the CIA triad is he concerned about?
Sam’s longer outage window will affect the availability of her applications and services.
Rohit is concerned that vehicles might accidentally or purposefully damage his organization’s backup generator, which is located outside near a parking lot. What can he install to protect the generator from vehicle impacts?
Bollards are strong posts made of concrete or steel, or sometimes even planters, used to protect buildings and other structures. They are designed to stop vehicles from hitting or damaging what they are protecting.
Sam wants to find out if a certificate has been revoked. What method/protocol can he use to validate the current status of the certificate?
OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol) is used to check if a certificate is valid and if it appears on a list of revoked certificates (CRL).
Jay has set up a system that looks like a vulnerable target to attackers. The system is designed to collect data from attacks for later review. What kind of tool has Jay set up?
Jay has set up a honeypot, a system designed to attract and gather information about attacks.
A company’s employees recently received an email that appeared to be from the HR department, asking them to verify their login credentials for the company’s internal portal. Many employees clicked on the link, entered their credentials, and are now reporting unusual activity in their accounts. What is the most likely type of attack that occurred, and what is the best way to mitigate this risk moving forward?
This is the Typical scenario of Phishing Attack. To mitigate this, the company should implement email filtering, conduct regular security awareness training, and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect employee accounts.
A system administrator at a company has authorized access to critical internal systems and has legitimate administrative credentials. However, the administrator is now suspected of exfiltrating sensitive customer data for personal gain. What type of threat is this, and what measures can be taken to reduce the risk of insider threats in the future?
This is called Insider Threat. Mitigating actions include implementing strict access controls, performing regular audits and monitoring user activity, and using the principle of least privilege to limit access to sensitive data.
A software vendor releases an update to address a newly discovered vulnerability in their web application. A hacker exploits this vulnerability in a company’s application before the patch is applied, leading to a data breach. What type of vulnerability is being exploited in this scenario, and how can organizations mitigate such attacks?
Zero-Day Vulnerability. To mitigate this risk, organizations should have an effective patch management strategy, utilize intrusion detection systems (IDS), and apply application white-listing to prevent unauthorized software from executing.
A company’s website becomes unavailable after it is targeted by an overwhelming amount of traffic from multiple sources. The website is hosted on a cloud platform, and no mitigation strategy seems to be in place. What type of attack is being launched against the company, and what steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of future such attacks?
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack. To mitigate the impact, the company can use cloud-based DDoS protection services, implement rate-limiting, and configure firewalls to filter out malicious traffic.
A user connects to a public Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop to access sensitive company resources. Unbeknownst to the user, an attacker intercepts the communication and captures login credentials during the session. What type of attack is this, and what can be done to secure sensitive communications in public networks?
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack. To prevent this, users should use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when accessing public networks, enable HTTPS, and use mutual authentication mechanisms for critical communication.
A company’s IT team has segmented its network to separate sensitive financial systems from the rest of the corporate network. However, an employee from the marketing department was able to access the financial systems using a company-issued laptop. What type of security measure is missing or misconfigured, and how can the company ensure proper isolation of sensitive systems?
Access Control. The company should implement proper network segmentation using VLANs and enforce role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive systems.
A company is migrating its applications and data to a cloud service provider. During the process, the security administrator is concerned about unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the cloud. What security measures should be implemented to protect data in a cloud environment?
The company should use encryption for data at rest and in transit, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts, and ensure secure APIs and Identity and Access Management (IAM) are properly configured.
An organization’s servers have been compromised multiple times due to attackers modifying the boot process to install malicious software. What security feature can be implemented to ensure the integrity of the boot process and prevent unauthorized changes?
Secure Boot. Secure Boot ensures that only trusted software signed by the manufacturer or administrator can run during the boot process.
The organization’s data center is located in a shared office building. Recently, an unauthorized individual was found trying to access the server room, posing a serious risk to the physical security of the servers. What physical security controls should the organization implement to protect its servers?
The organization should use biometric access controls, smart card-based entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and security guards to prevent unauthorized physical access to the server room.
Employees in an organization are experiencing unauthorized access to the corporate wireless network. Upon investigation, it is discovered that the wireless network is using outdated WEP encryption. What improvements can be made to secure the wireless network against unauthorized access?
The organization should upgrade to WPA3 encryption, use strong passwords, enable 802.1X authentication, and implement network monitoring tools to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts.
The IT department notices unusual network traffic from an internal system communicating with an unknown external IP address. The security team suspects it may be part of a botnet. What should the incident response team do first to address the situation?
The first step is to identify and isolate the compromised system to prevent further communication with the botnet while investigating the root cause.
A security administrator reviews logs from the company’s SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system. They notice repeated failed login attempts from a single external IP address targeting a user account. What type of attack is this, and what should the administrator do to mitigate it?
This is likely a brute-force attack. The administrator should implement account lockout policies, IP blocking, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA).
An employee reports that their workstation is running slower than usual, and pop-ups appear frequently. The security team suspects the system is infected with malware. What should the security team do to contain the malware before starting the remediation process?
The team should disconnect the workstation from the network, disable any removable media ports, and quarantine the system to prevent the malware from spreading.
An organization experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts critical business data. The IT team needs to restore operations without paying the ransom. What is the most effective way to recover the encrypted data and ensure minimal downtime?
The IT team should restore the data from a recent backup that has been tested and stored securely offline or in a separate network segment.
A routine audit reveals that a non-administrative user has gained access to administrative privileges on several servers without proper authorization. What steps should the security operations team take to address this issue?
The team should revoke unauthorized privileges, perform a forensic investigation to determine how the escalation occurred, and review and enforce least privilege access policies.
A company’s security policy mandates that all employees complete annual cybersecurity awareness training. However, an internal audit reveals that 30% of employees have not completed the training. What steps should the security manager take to ensure compliance with the training policy?
The manager should send reminders to employees, set a deadline for completion, involve department heads in enforcing compliance, and consider linking training completion to performance reviews.
A retail company is planning to launch an online store but is concerned about the potential risks of handling customer payment data. What should the organization do to identify and manage risks associated with the new online store?
The organization should conduct a risk assessment, identify vulnerabilities and threats, implement PCI DSS compliance, and use encryption and secure payment gateways to mitigate risks.
An organization is working with a third-party vendor to manage its cloud infrastructure. During a security review, it’s discovered that the vendor does not have an incident response plan in place. How should the security manager address this finding with the vendor?
Answer: The manager should require the vendor to create and implement an incident response plan, update the service-level agreement (SLA) to include security requirements, and conduct periodic security reviews of the vendor.
The security team has implemented a new phishing email detection program. Six months later, the management asked for evidence to show the program’s impact on improving security. What metrics should the security team use to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program?
The team should provide metrics such as the reduction in successful phishing attempts, the increase in reported phishing emails, and the time taken to detect and respond to phishing incidents.
Wrapping Up: Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers | The Ultimate Guide
Wrapping Up As we’ve explored, this ‘Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers’ guide covers almost everything that is most asked by an interviewer during a Cyber Security Interview.
Key Takeaways to sum up this ‘Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers’ guide is, make sure you familiar with the basic terminologies like, Advanced Persistent Threat, Lateral Movement, Threat Actor, Payload etc. Know about various types of Cyber attacks, like DDoS, MitM etc. Well aware of scripting attacks, Security Devices and safeguards etc. By mastering these concepts, you will be well-prepared to answer cybersecurity interview questions confidently.
Final Thoughts We hope this Ultimate guide on ‘Cyber Security Interview Questions and Answers’ has given you valuable insights. Do you find this Ultimate Cyber Security Interview Guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below!