Top Cyber Security Interview Questions

Cyber Security is a fast-growing and in-demand field with a lot of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in this area. With the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks, businesses and organizations of all sizes are looking for skilled professionals who can help them protect their networks, systems, and data.

We’ve gathered a list of top Cyber Security interview questions and answers to assist you ace the interview.

Ques 1 : What is Cryptography ?

Answer : 

Cryptography is the science and practice of securing communication and data storage in the presence of adversaries or potential attackers. It involves techniques for encoding and decoding messages or data in a way that makes it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the key or the secret method to reverse the encoding.

Cryptography can be used to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for information. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including secure communication protocols, digital signatures, password protection, and secure storage of sensitive data.

Cryptography relies on mathematical algorithms and protocols that ensure that messages and data are secure and can only be read or modified by those who are authorized to do so. Some of the most commonly used cryptographic techniques include symmetric-key cryptography, public-key cryptography, hash functions, and digital signatures.

In summary, cryptography is a vital tool for ensuring the security and privacy of information in today’s digital world, and it is used in countless applications to protect sensitive data and communications from unauthorized access or interception

Ques 2 : What is the difference between Symmetric and Asymmetric encryption?

Answer :

The main difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption lies in the way they use keys for encryption and decryption:

1. Symmetric Encryption: Symmetric encryption uses a single key to both encrypt and decrypt the data. This means that the same secret key is used to both encrypt and decrypt the message. The key is known only to the sender and receiver of the message. Examples of symmetric encryption algorithms include Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES), and Triple DES (3DES).
2. Asymmetric Encryption: Asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key encryption, uses two different keys for encryption and decryption. One key, the public key, is used for encryption, while the other key, the private key, is used for decryption. The public key can be freely shared with anyone, while the private key must be kept secret. Examples of asymmetric encryption algorithms include RSA, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and Diffie-Hellman key exchange.

The main advantages of asymmetric encryption over symmetric encryption are:

• Asymmetric encryption provides greater security since the private key is never shared with anyone.
• Asymmetric encryption allows for key exchange, which enables secure communication between two parties who have never communicated before.
• Asymmetric encryption allows for digital signatures, which can be used to verify the authenticity of a message.

The main disadvantage of asymmetric encryption over symmetric encryption is:

• Asymmetric encryption is generally slower and less efficient than symmetric encryption because it involves more complex calculations and uses larger key sizes.

In summary, symmetric encryption uses a single key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses two different keys for encryption and decryption. While symmetric encryption is faster and more efficient, asymmetric encryption provides greater security and enables key exchange and digital signatures.

Ques 3 : What is CIA triad?

Answer :

CIA triad is a well-known model used in the field of information security that defines the three core objectives of security: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

1. Confidentiality: Confidentiality refers to the protection of sensitive or private information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Confidentiality ensures that data is only accessible to authorized individuals or systems that have the necessary privileges to access the information.
2. Integrity: Integrity refers to the protection of information from unauthorized modification or deletion. Integrity ensures that data is accurate and complete, and that it has not been tampered with or altered in any way.
3. Availability: Availability refers to the assurance that information and systems are available to authorized users when needed. Availability ensures that systems and data are not disrupted or unavailable due to a security breach, system failure, or other causes.

The CIA triad is a fundamental concept in information security and is often used as a framework for evaluating security risks and implementing security controls. By ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, organizations can protect against security threats and minimize the risks of data breaches, cyber attacks, and other security incidents.

Ques 4 : What is Firewall and why is it used?

Answer :

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of predefined security rules. The main purpose of a firewall is to create a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network, such as the Internet, in order to prevent unauthorized access to the internal network and to protect against cyber attacks.

Firewalls can be hardware or software-based, and they can be configured to block or allow specific types of traffic based on a set of predefined rules. For example, a firewall can be configured to block incoming traffic from certain IP addresses or to only allow traffic on certain ports.

Firewalls are used for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Network Security: Firewalls help to prevent unauthorized access to a network and protect against cyber attacks, such as malware infections, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and hacking attempts.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have specific regulations that require the use of firewalls to protect sensitive data, such as personal or financial information.
3. Internet Access Management: Firewalls can be used to restrict access to certain websites or types of content, or to control the use of specific applications or protocols.
4. Network Performance: Firewalls can also be used to optimize network performance by blocking unnecessary traffic and preventing network congestion.

Overall, firewalls are an essential component of any network security strategy, as they provide a critical layer of protection against cyber threats and help to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and systems.

Ques 5 : What is the difference between VA(Vulnerabilty Assessment) and PT (Penetration Testing)?

Answer : 

Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) are two different types of security assessments that are used to identify potential security weaknesses in an organization’s network and systems.

1. Vulnerability Assessment:
   A vulnerability assessment is a process of identifying, quantifying, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in an organization’s network, systems, and applications. VA is typically conducted using automated tools and involves scanning the network for known vulnerabilities, configuration errors, and other security weaknesses. The primary goal of VA is to identify vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for remediation.
2. Penetration Testing:

Penetration Testing, on the other hand, is a more advanced security assessment that involves actively attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in an organization’s network and systems. PT is typically conducted by security experts who use a combination of automated tools and manual techniques to simulate real-world attacks and gain unauthorized access to the target system. The primary goal of PT is to identify vulnerabilities and demonstrate the impact of a successful attack, and to provide recommendations for improving security controls.

The main difference between VA and PT is that VA is a passive assessment that only identifies vulnerabilities, whereas PT is an active assessment that attempts to exploit vulnerabilities to determine their potential impact on the target system. Additionally, VA is typically automated and can be conducted on a regular basis, while PT is more time-consuming and requires skilled professionals to perform.

Ques 6 : What is VPN ?

Answer :

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, which is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet.

When you connect to a VPN, your device establishes an encrypted tunnel between your computer or mobile device and the VPN server. All of your Internet traffic is then routed through this encrypted tunnel, which helps to protect your online privacy and security.

There are several reasons why someone might use a VPN, including:

1. Online Privacy: A VPN can help to protect your online privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting your Internet traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activities.
2. Security: A VPN can provide an additional layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks or accessing sensitive data, as it encrypts your data and protects it from potential eavesdropping.
3. Accessing Restricted Content: A VPN can allow you to access content that might be restricted in your location, such as streaming services or websites that are blocked by your ISP.
4. Remote Access: A VPN can enable remote access to a company’s internal network, allowing employees to work securely from outside the office.

Overall, VPNs are a useful tool for maintaining online privacy and security, accessing restricted content, and providing secure remote access to company networks.

Ques 7 : What is malware?

Answer :

Malware is short for “malicious software,” and refers to any type of software or code that is designed to harm, exploit, or damage computer systems, networks, or devices. Malware can take many forms and can be spread through various methods, including email attachments, infected websites, social engineering tactics, and software vulnerabilities.

Some common types of malware include:

1. Viruses: A virus is a type of malware that can replicate itself and spread to other systems, often by attaching to legitimate files or software.
2. Trojans: A Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate software or file, but once installed, it can give attackers unauthorized access to a system or steal sensitive data.
3. Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.
4. Adware: Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements or pop-ups on a victim’s computer or mobile device.
5. Spyware: Spyware is a type of malware that is designed to gather sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and browsing history.

Malware can cause a range of issues, from slowing down computer performance to stealing sensitive data or causing system crashes. To protect against malware, it’s important to use up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software, keep software and operating systems patched and up-to-date, and practice safe browsing habits, such as avoiding suspicious links and email attachments.

Ques 8 : What is the difference between authentication and authorization?

Answer : 

Authentication and authorization are two important concepts in the field of information security that are often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings:

1. Authentication: Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or system, typically through the use of a username and password, biometric information, or other credentials. Authentication confirms that the user is who they claim to be and ensures that they have the appropriate level of access to the system or resources they are trying to access.
2. Authorization: Authorization is the process of granting or denying access to specific resources or actions based on the user’s authenticated identity and their level of privileges or permissions. Authorization determines what actions or resources a user is allowed to access, based on their role or group membership within the system.

In summary, authentication confirms a user’s identity, while authorization determines what actions or resources they are allowed to access based on their authenticated identity and level of privileges. Both authentication and authorization are critical components of access control and are essential for maintaining the security of information systems and resources

Ques 9 : Differentiate between threat, vulnerability and risk?

Answer : 

Threat, vulnerability, and risk are three important concepts in the field of information security. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:

1. Threat: A threat is any potential danger that could exploit a vulnerability and cause harm to a system, network, or organization. Threats can be intentional or unintentional, internal or external, and can take many forms, including hacking, malware, social engineering, and natural disasters.
2. Vulnerability: A vulnerability is a weakness or gap in a system’s security that can be exploited by a threat. Vulnerabilities can exist in hardware, software, or people, and can result from factors such as poor design, coding errors, misconfiguration, or human error.
3. Risk: Risk is the likelihood that a threat will exploit a vulnerability and cause harm to a system, network, or organization. Risk is determined by considering the potential impact of a threat and the likelihood that it will occur. Risk can be measured using various methods, such as qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis.

In summary, a threat is a potential danger, a vulnerability is a weakness that can be exploited, and risk is the likelihood that a threat will exploit a vulnerability and cause harm. Understanding these concepts is critical for developing effective security strategies and protecting against potential threats.

Ques 10 : What do you mean by a botnet?

Answer : 

A botnet is a network of infected or compromised computers or devices that are controlled remotely by a cybercriminal or hacker. A botnet typically consists of a large number of infected machines, often in the thousands or tens of thousands, that are connected to the internet and can be controlled by a central command and control server.

Botnets are usually created by infecting computers with malware, such as a Trojan or a virus, which enables the attacker to take control of the infected machine. Once infected, the computer can be used to perform a variety of malicious activities, such as spreading spam emails, launching distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, stealing sensitive data, or mining cryptocurrency.

Botnets are a significant threat to cybersecurity because they are difficult to detect and control. The distributed nature of the botnet means that the attacker can control the infected machines remotely and use them to carry out attacks without the need for direct access to the victim’s network or systems.

To protect against botnets, it is important to keep software and operating systems up-to-date with the latest security patches, use antivirus and anti-malware software, and practice safe browsing habits, such as avoiding suspicious links and email attachments. Additionally, network administrators can use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security tools to monitor network traffic and detect unusual activity that may be associated with a botnet.

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References :

1. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/what-is-cryptography
2. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-authentication-and-authorization/
3. https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/products/security/what-is-malware.html