When preparing for an interview for a cybersecurity role, it is important to know that cybersecurity refers to the practices, technologies, and processes designed to protect computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
Additionally, the cybersecurity industry encompasses various measures to safeguard digital assets, including network security, information security, cloud security, identify and access management, and user education and awareness. Investing in cybersecurity is not just about prevention; it’s about fostering a safe digital environment for everyone.
Due to an evolving landscape and an increase in cyber threats, more companies need cybersecurity professionals to protect against disruptions caused by cyber incidents to ensure that their business operations continue to run smoothly. Before making an offer of employment, companies need to assess candidates’ ability to protect their company from cyber threats.
Prepare Your Responses to Interview Questions
An interview that focuses on the intricacies of the cybersecurity infrastructure is a common way to gauge the different levels of knowledge and expertise between candidates. Here are some common cybersecurity interview questions you might encounter:
1. How would you secure a network?
Outline steps like implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular updates.
2. What is the CIA triad?
Explain the importance of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
3. What are the different types of malware?
Discuss viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, etc.
4. Can you explain what a firewall is and its purpose?
Describe how firewalls work and their role in network security.
5. What are some common types of cyberattacks?
Discuss phishing, denial-of-service (DoS), man-in-the-middle, etc.
6. What are the key components of a security policy?
Discuss elements like acceptable use, access control, and incident response.
7. Describe a security incident you've handled. What steps did you take?
Share your experience, actions taken, and outcomes.
8. What tools do you use for network monitoring?
Mention tools like Wireshark, Snort, or others.
9. What is social engineering, and how can you prevent it?
Define it and give examples of common techniques.
10. What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why is it important?
Discuss the added layer of security it provides.
11. How would you respond to a security breach?
Outline an incident response plan.
12. What is a vulnerability assessment and what tools do you use to assess a vulnerability?
Explain the process and its importance in cybersecurity as well as outline tools, such as Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS, Nmap, Burp Suite, Rapid7 InsightVM, Metasploit, Acunetix, Cylance, Nikto, etc.
13. What is the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
Provide definitions and examples of each.
14. What is a VPN, and why would you use one?
Describe encryption, tunneling, and IP masking. Discuss enhanced privacy, remote access, security on public, Wi-Fi, and preventing bandwidth throttling.
15. How do you assess and manage risk in a cybersecurity context?
Explain risk assessment methodologies and risk management strategies.
16. What are the key differences between IDS and IPS?
Discuss Intrusion Detection System vs. Intrusion Prevention System.
17. What is a DDoS attack, or Distributed Denial of Service attack, and how can it be managed?
Explain nature of attack, volume-based attached, application layer attacks, and protocol attacks. Describe mitigation efforts, such as rate limiting, traffic filtering, load balancing, increase bandwidth, redundancy, failover, etc.
18. Explain the importance of patch management.
Discuss what patch management is along with important aspects (e.g., reduced downtime, compliance requirements, security vulnerability management, etc.) and articulate best practices for patch management (e.g., prioritization, regular scanning, prioritization, etc.).
19. How would you secure a web application?
Explain the multiple layers of safeguard protection.
20. How do you stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats
Mention resources like blogs, newsletters, and training.
Practice Your Responses
These interview questions cover a range of topics, from technical knowledge to practical experience, and can help assess a candidate's understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. Regardless of the level of experience you have within the cybersecurity industry, during an interview it is safe to expect to be asked questions designed to specifically gauge your level of understanding of the field. Preparing thoughtful answers to these questions can help demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for a role in cybersecurity!
Raelynn F. Grasso is a Career Advising Specialist at the University of Maryland Global Campus and Adjunct Psychology Professor. She has experience leading and providing individual, group, and career counseling as well as executing and developing programs to enhance college student enrichment. Ms. Grasso’s areas of research include career decision-making, epistemic cognition, self-efficacy, and college student development. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah as well as a M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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