Date

TOP 100 CYBERSECURITY

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS

FOLLOW:-
MAHESH SARJERAO GIRHE

General Cybersecurity Questions

1. What is cybersecurity, and why is it important?
Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, or
damage. It is important because it ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of
information, protecting against financial loss, data breaches, and cybercrime.

2. Explain the CIA triad and its significance.

The CIA triad refers to Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. These are the core principles
of cybersecurity that guide the protection of information: ensuring data is kept secret, is
accurate, and is accessible when needed.

3. What is the difference between vulnerability, threat, and risk?

• Vulnerability: A weakness in a system or network that can be exploited.

• Threat: A potential cause of harm to a system.

• Risk: The likelihood and impact of a threat exploiting a vulnerability.

4. How do you keep yourself updated with the latest cybersecurity trends?
By following industry blogs, subscribing to cybersecurity journals, attending conferences, and
participating in relevant online forums and webinars.

5. What are the different layers of security in a system?

Layers can include network security, application security, physical security, data security, and
endpoint security, all of which work together to provide defense-in-depth.

6. What is multi-factor authentication (MFA), and why is it important?

MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, such as something
they know (password), something they have (token), and something they are (biometrics). It
enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

7. Define “Defense in Depth.”

A multi-layered security approach where each layer provides redundancy, making it harder for
attackers to penetrate the entire system.

8. What is the difference between authentication and authorization?

Authentication verifies identity, while authorization determines what actions an authenticated
user is allowed to perform.

9. What is a security policy, and why is it necessary?

A security policy is a set of rules and guidelines for protecting an organization’s IT
infrastructure. It helps ensure compliance, reduces risk, and provides a framework for
responding to security incidents.

10. Explain the concept of “least privilege.”

It is the principle that users should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their
job functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions.

Networking and Protocols

11. What is the purpose of a firewall?
A firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on
predetermined security rules to protect networks from unauthorized access.

12. Explain the difference between TCP and UDP.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is connection-oriented and reliable, ensuring data is
delivered correctly. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless and faster but less reliable.

13. What is a VPN, and how does it enhance security?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts internet traffic, providing secure connections over
public networks by masking the user’s IP address.

14. What is the role of DNS in networking?

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers
to locate websites.

15. How does the three-way handshake in TCP work?

The three-way handshake involves three steps:

• SYN: Client sends a request to the server.

• SYN-ACK: Server acknowledges the request.

• ACK: Client acknowledges the server’s response, establishing a connection.

16. What is the purpose of a DMZ in a network?

A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) isolates a network from an untrusted network (usually the
internet), providing an additional layer of security for critical resources.

17. How does NAT (Network Address Translation) enhance security?

NAT hides internal IP addresses by translating them to public IP addresses, reducing exposure
to the external network.

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 18. What is ARP poisoning, and how can it be mitigated?
ARP poisoning manipulates the ARP cache to redirect traffic, which can be mitigated by using
static ARP entries, encrypted traffic, or dynamic ARP inspection.

19. What is MAC flooding, and how does it affect network switches?
MAC flooding overwhelms a switch’s MAC address table, causing it to broadcast all traffic, which
can be mitigated by using port security features.

20. Explain the difference between stateful and stateless firewalls.

A stateful firewall tracks the state of active connections and filters traffic based on connection
state, while a stateless firewall filters traffic based on rules without considering the connection
state.

Cryptography
21. What is the difference between hashing and encryption?
Hashing is a one-way function that converts data into a fixed-size string, while encryption is a
reversible process that transforms data to protect it from unauthorized access.

22. What are some commonly used encryption algorithms?

Examples include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), and DES
(Data Encryption Standard).

23. What is a digital signature, and how does it work?

A digital signature uses cryptographic techniques to provide proof of the sender’s identity and
ensure the integrity of the message.

24. Explain the concept of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

PKI is a framework for managing public-key encryption, involving digital certificates, certificate
authorities, and key management to secure communications.

25. How do you ensure secure key exchange in asymmetric encryption?

Secure key exchange in asymmetric encryption is ensured by using protocols like Diffie-Hellman
or RSA to exchange public keys securely.

26. What is a nonce, and how is it used in cryptography?

A nonce is a number used only once to prevent replay attacks by ensuring each encryption is
unique.

27. What are rainbow tables, and how do they work?

Rainbow tables are precomputed tables used to reverse cryptographic hash functions quickly,
but they can be avoided using salt with hashes.

28. What is steganography, and how does it differ from cryptography?

Steganography hides information within other files, while cryptography scrambles data to make
it unreadable without decryption.

29. How do you verify the authenticity of a digital certificate?

By checking the certificate’s signature using the public key of the certificate authority and
ensuring it hasn’t expired or been revoked.

30. What is Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), and why is it important?

PFS ensures that even if a private key is compromised in the future, past communication
remains secure by using unique session keys for each connection.

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 31. What is the difference between a public key and a private key
in asymmetric encryption?

A public key is used to encrypt data and can be shared openly, while a private key is used to
decrypt data and must be kept secret. The public key encrypts the message, and only the
corresponding private key can decrypt it, ensuring confidentiality and security.

32. Explain what is a buffer overflow attack.

A buffer overflow attack occurs when more data is written to a buffer (a temporary
data storage area) than it can hold. This can overwrite adjacent memory, potentially
allowing attackers to execute malicious code or crash the system.

33. What is a botnet, and how does it work?

A botnet is a network of infected computers or devices controlled remotely by an attacker, often

used for malicious purposes such as launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks,
sending spam emails, or stealing data.

34. What is SQL Injection?

SQL Injection is a type of attack where malicious SQL code is inserted into an input field or
query, allowing attackers to manipulate the database, retrieve sensitive information, or execute
unauthorized commands.

35. What is DNS Spoofing?

DNS Spoofing, or DNS cache poisoning, is an attack where attackers manipulate DNS
(Domain Name System) records to redirect users to malicious websites, which can
lead to phishing attacks or malware installation.

36. What is an APT (Advanced Persistent Threat)?

An APT is a prolonged and targeted cyberattack aimed at stealing data or compromising an

organization’s systems. It typically involves sophisticated methods, such as exploiting
vulnerabilities over time, and is carried out by highly skilled attackers, often state-sponsored.

37. What is a vulnerability assessment?

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A vulnerability assessment is a systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing
vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application. The goal is to assess security weaknesses
and take corrective measures before exploitation occurs.

38. What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing (pentesting) is a simulated attack on a system or network to identify and

exploit vulnerabilities. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of security controls and discover
weaknesses before malicious attackers can exploit them.

39. What is the difference between a vulnerability scanner and a

network scanner?

A vulnerability scanner scans systems or networks for known vulnerabilities (e.g., outdated
software, misconfigurations), while a network scanner focuses on identifying active devices,
open ports, and network services. Vulnerability scanners provide detailed reports on security
weaknesses, whereas network scanners provide information about the devices and services in a
network.

40. What is the difference between a virus and a worm?

A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a host program or file and requires user
interaction to spread. A worm, on the other hand, is a self-replicating piece of malware that can
spread across a network without user interaction, often exploiting vulnerabilities in software.

Threats and Attacks

41. What is phishing, and how can organizations prevent it?
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where attackers trick individuals into providing
sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. Organizations can prevent
phishing by training employees to recognize phishing emails, implementing email filters, using
multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regularly testing for phishing vulnerabilities.

42. Explain the difference between ransomware and spyware.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a user’s data and demands payment
for the decryption key. Spyware, on the other hand, is designed to secretly gather information
about a user’s activities without their consent. While ransomware is focused on extortion,
spyware focuses on surveillance.

43. What is a DDoS attack, and how do you mitigate it?

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack involves overwhelming a network or website with
traffic from multiple sources to make it unavailable. Mitigation strategies include rate limiting,
traffic filtering, using content delivery networks (CDNs), deploying anti-DDoS solutions, and
distributing infrastructure.

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44. What is privilege escalation?
Privilege escalation occurs when an attacker gains higher levels of access or permissions than
originally authorized. This can be vertical (moving from a low-level user to a higher-level user)
or horizontal (accessing other users’ data). To mitigate this, organizations must follow the
principle of least privilege and regularly audit permissions.

45. How do attackers use social engineering to gain access to systems?

Social engineering attacks exploit human behavior to gain access to systems. Attackers may
impersonate trusted individuals or exploit weaknesses in communication, trust, or decision-
making to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or granting access.

46. Explain the concept of zero-day vulnerabilities.

Zero-day vulnerabilities are flaws in software that are unknown to the vendor and have no
patches available. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities before the vendor becomes aware of
them. Mitigating zero-day attacks involves using intrusion detection systems (IDS), threat
intelligence, and timely patching of software.

47. What is ransomware, and how can organizations protect against it?
Ransomware is malicious software that locks users out of their systems or encrypts their files
and demands a ransom for recovery. Protection measures include regular data backups,
employee training, using endpoint protection, and keeping software up to date.

48. What is an insider threat, and how can it be mitigated?

An insider threat refers to a current or former employee, contractor, or partner who uses their
access to harm the organization. Mitigation strategies include monitoring user behavior,
restricting access to sensitive data, and implementing strong access controls.

49. What is a Rootkit, and how do you detect it?

A rootkit is a type of malware that hides its presence on a system to avoid detection. Detection
techniques include using anti-malware tools, monitoring system behavior, checking for unusual
network activity, and conducting manual inspections of the system’s processes.

50. What is the difference between a worm and a virus?

A virus is a piece of malicious code that attaches itself to a legitimate program or file, while a
worm is a standalone piece of malicious software that replicates itself across networks without
needing to attach to other programs. Worms can spread more rapidly than viruses.

Incident Response and Forensics

51. What are the steps in an incident response process?
The typical steps in incident response are:

1. Preparation – Ensuring systems, policies, and procedures are in place.

2. Identification – Detecting and confirming the incident.

3. Containment – Limiting the impact of the incident.

4. Eradication – Removing the root cause of the incident.

5. Recovery – Restoring systems to normal operations.

6. Lessons Learned – Analyzing the incident for future prevention.

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52. How would you handle a data breach?
Handling a data breach involves identifying the cause, containing the breach to prevent further
exposure, notifying affected individuals and regulatory bodies, investigating the breach, and
taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

53. What tools do you use for digital forensics?

Common digital forensics tools include EnCase, FTK Imager, X1 Search, Autopsy, and Sleuth Kit.
These tools help with evidence collection, analysis, and preservation during forensic
investigations.

54. Explain the difference between proactive and reactive incident handling.
Proactive incident handling involves identifying and addressing security issues before they
cause harm, such as regular vulnerability scans and threat hunting. Reactive incident handling
involves responding to an incident after it has occurred.

55. How do you ensure chain of custody in a forensic investigation?

To ensure chain of custody, document every person who handles the evidence, the time and date
of each handoff, and maintain evidence in a secure, tamper-proof manner.

56. How would you respond to a phishing email reported by an employee?

First, analyze the email for signs of phishing (suspicious links, sender address, etc.), and educate
the employee on how to identify phishing. Then, block the sender, isolate any affected systems,
and conduct a thorough investigation to ensure no further compromise.

57. What is a security incident vs. a security event?

A security incident is an actual breach or attempted breach of security, while a security event is
any observable occurrence within a system that may or may not pose a threat.

58. How do you identify and respond to advanced persistent threats (APTs)?
Identifying APTs involves monitoring for unusual activity over a prolonged period, analyzing
network traffic, and correlating indicators of compromise (IOCs). Responses include containing
the threat, removing the attacker’s access, and enhancing detection capabilities.

59. What are the key stages of the Cyber Kill Chain?
The stages of the Cyber Kill Chain are:

1. Reconnaissance

2. Weaponization

3. Delivery

4. Exploitation

5. Installation

6. Command and Control

7. Action on Objectives

60. What are indicators of compromise (IOCs), and how do you use them?
IOCs are artifacts that indicate a system has been compromised, such as unusual network traffic,
suspicious files, or known malicious IP addresses. They are used to identify, detect, and respond
to security incidents.

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Compliance and Standards
61. What is the purpose of GDPR or any other relevant regulation?
The purpose of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is to protect personal data and
privacy for individuals within the European Union. Other regulations, such as CCPA (California
Consumer Privacy Act), aim to give consumers more control over their personal information.

62. Explain the difference between ISO 27001 and NIST frameworks.
ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS),
while NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) provides frameworks like the NIST
Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) for managing cybersecurity risks. ISO is more focused on
process and management, while NIST provides more detailed technical guidelines.

63. What are the key controls in PCI DSS compliance?

Key controls in PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) include:

• Secure storage and transmission of cardholder data

• Use of firewalls and encryption

• Regular vulnerability assessments and testing

• Implementation of access control measures

• Monitoring and logging of activity.

64. How do you ensure compliance with security policies?

Ensuring compliance with security policies involves continuous monitoring, regular audits,
employee training, and automating policy enforcement through security tools.

65. What is the importance of a security audit?

A security audit assesses the effectiveness of an organization’s security policies and controls. It
helps identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and provide
recommendations for improvement.

66. What is the purpose of a security baseline?

A security baseline defines the minimum security standards and configurations for systems and
applications to ensure that they meet the organization’s security requirements and reduce risks.

67. How do risk assessment and risk management differ?

Risk assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating risks, while risk management is the
broader process of mitigating and monitoring those risks to protect the organization.

68. What is an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS)?

An ISMS is a set of policies, procedures, and controls designed to manage an organization’s
information security risks. It ensures that sensitive data is protected through a structured
approach to security.

69. What is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), and how is it different from a Disaster
Recovery Plan (DRP)?
A BCP outlines strategies for maintaining critical business functions during and after a disaster,
while a DRP focuses specifically on restoring IT systems and data after a disruption.

70. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative risk assessment?

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Qualitative risk assessment evaluates risks based on subjective factors like likelihood and
impact, while quantitative risk assessment uses numerical data, such as financial costs, to assess
risks.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

71. What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, making it fast but
less secure for key exchange. Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys—public and private—
for encryption and decryption, offering better security for data transmission but being slower.

72. Explain the concept of multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain
access to a system, such as something they know (password), something they have (smartphone
or security token), and something they are (biometric data).

73. What is hashing, and how is it different from encryption?

Hashing is a one-way process that transforms input data into a fixed-size value (hash). It is used
for verifying data integrity. Unlike encryption, which can be reversed with a key, hashing cannot
be converted back to the original data.

74. What is the function of a firewall in network security?

A firewall acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external
network, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on defined security rules to prevent
unauthorized access.

75. What is a VPN, and how does it work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between a user’s device
and a network over the internet. It ensures confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted
between the user and the network by encrypting the traffic.

76. What is the principle of least privilege (PoLP)?

PoLP is a security concept that grants users, systems, or applications the minimal level of access
needed to perform their job or function. This minimizes the potential impact of security
breaches by limiting unnecessary access.

77. How would you secure a web application?

Securing a web application involves implementing measures such as input validation, output
encoding, secure authentication mechanisms (e.g., MFA), using HTTPS, applying proper access
controls, and regularly testing for vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

78. What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) monitor network traffic and generate alerts for suspicious
activities, while Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) not only detect threats but also take actions,
such as blocking traffic or disconnecting connections, to prevent further attacks.

79. What are the main differences between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an insecure protocol used for transmitting web data.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an encrypted version of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS
to ensure secure communication between the client and server.

80. What is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack?

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A MITM attack occurs when an attacker intercepts and potentially alters communication
between two parties, without their knowledge. This can compromise sensitive information like
login credentials or payment details.

Security Tools and Techniques

81. What is Wireshark, and how do you use it?
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer used for capturing and analyzing network traffic. It
helps identify and troubleshoot network issues, detect security threats, and analyze packet data
by showing detailed information about network protocols.

82. What is a SIEM system, and why is it important?

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system collects and aggregates log data
from various sources to identify and respond to security threats in real time. It helps
organizations detect, monitor, and respond to security incidents by providing insights into
security events and anomalies.

83. What is the difference between a port scanner and a vulnerability scanner?
A port scanner is used to identify open ports and services running on a network, while a
vulnerability scanner scans systems or networks for known security weaknesses or
misconfigurations that could be exploited by attackers.

84. What is a honeypot, and how is it used in cybersecurity?

A honeypot is a decoy system or network that is intentionally vulnerable and exposed to attract
and trap attackers. It is used to study attack methods and behaviors while keeping real systems
protected.

85. What is a sandbox in cybersecurity?

A sandbox is an isolated environment used to test potentially harmful files, programs, or
malware in a controlled setting. It allows security professionals to analyze malicious activities
without risking damage to production systems.

86. What is the role of a proxy server in cybersecurity?

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between a client and a server, forwarding requests and
responses. It is used for enhancing security, anonymity, and performance by filtering traffic,
caching content, and masking the client’s IP address.

87. What is penetration testing, and why is it important?

Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, involves simulating attacks on systems to identify
vulnerabilities before malicious attackers can exploit them. It helps organizations improve their
security posture by identifying weaknesses and strengthening defenses.

88. What is a reverse shell, and how does it work?

A reverse shell is a type of shell where an attacker gains control over a victim’s system by
establishing an outbound connection to the attacker’s server. This method bypasses firewall
restrictions by utilizing outbound traffic rather than attempting to connect to the victim’s
machine directly.

89. What are the common types of malware, and how do they differ?
Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
Each type behaves differently, but all are malicious software designed to disrupt, damage, or
steal information from systems. For example, viruses require a host file to spread, while worms
can replicate independently.

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90. How would you prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks?
Preventing XSS attacks involves input validation, output encoding, and implementing secure
development practices. Using Content Security Policy (CSP) headers, ensuring proper
sanitization of user inputs, and avoiding inline JavaScript can also reduce XSS risks.

Cloud Security and Management

91. What is the Shared Responsibility Model in cloud computing?
The Shared Responsibility Model outlines the division of security responsibilities between the
cloud service provider and the customer. The provider typically manages the security of the
cloud infrastructure, while the customer is responsible for securing their data, applications, and
access controls within the cloud.

92. What is the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud?
A public cloud is owned and operated by a third-party provider and is accessible by anyone. A
private cloud is used exclusively by a single organization. A hybrid cloud combines both public
and private clouds to allow data and applications to move between them as needed.

93. What are some common cloud security risks?

Common cloud security risks include data breaches, loss of control over data, misconfigured
cloud settings, insecure APIs, and insufficient access controls. Securing cloud environments
involves using encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and regular audits.

94. What is the role of encryption in cloud security?

Encryption ensures the confidentiality of data stored in the cloud by converting it into an
unreadable format unless accessed with the correct decryption key. It protects sensitive data
during storage and transmission.

95. What is a cloud access security broker (CASB)?

A CASB is a security tool that acts as an intermediary between users and cloud service providers,
enforcing security policies, monitoring activity, and protecting data in cloud applications. It
helps organizations manage and secure the use of cloud services.

96. What is a Zero Trust security model?

Zero Trust is a security model that assumes no one, inside or outside the organization, should be
trusted by default. It requires continuous verification of users and devices before granting
access to resources, regardless of their location.

97. What are the key principles of cloud security?

Key principles of cloud security include data protection, identity and access management,
governance, compliance, continuous monitoring, and risk management. Organizations should
ensure that security is embedded in every layer of the cloud environment.

98. What is container security, and why is it important?

Container security involves protecting containerized applications and the infrastructure they
run on. It includes securing container images, monitoring runtime behavior, and enforcing
security policies to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited in container environments.

99. How do you secure APIs in a cloud environment?

API security can be ensured by using encryption (SSL/TLS), authentication mechanisms (OAuth,
API keys), rate limiting, input validation, and logging. It is also essential to implement least-
privilege access and regular security testing to identify vulnerabilities.

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100. What is cloud incident response, and how is it different from traditional incident
response?
Cloud incident response focuses on managing security incidents specific to cloud environments,
such as data breaches or service disruptions. Unlike traditional incident response, cloud incident
response requires collaboration with cloud service providers and the ability to manage
incidents across distributed and virtualized environments.

These 100 answers cover a wide range of cybersecurity topics, preparing you well for
interviews in the field. Let me know if you’d like more detailed explanations for any of the
answers!

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