100+ Cyber Security Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

To identify the genuine mail, check the sender's email address and verify the content and attachments.

• Check the sender's email address for any discrepancies or variations.

• Verify the content of the email for any grammatical errors or suspicious requests.

• Check the attachments for any malware or suspicious file types.

• Contact the sender directly to confirm the authenticity of the email.

• Use email filtering and anti-phishing software to prevent such emails from reaching your inbox.

To monitor the runtime behavior of a suspicious executable without risking its spread, a Cyber Security Analyst can employ tools and techniques such as sandboxing, virtual machines, and dynamic analysis tools.

• Utilize sandboxing techniques to isolate the malware and prevent it from infecting the host system.

• Set up a virtual machine environment to run the suspicious executable, ensuring the malware is contained within the virtual environment.

• Use dynamic analysis tools like Proc...read more

To analyze unknown malware, use static code analysis and reverse engineering techniques.

• Use disassemblers and decompilers to analyze the code and understand its functionality.

• Inspect the code for any potential vulnerabilities, such as buffer overflows or insecure coding practices.

• Identify any obfuscation techniques used by the malware to evade detection.

• Use debuggers to trace the execution flow and identify any malicious behavior.

• Analyze the malware's network communication to...read more

To make the system secure from a user point of view, I would implement strong authentication measures and educate users on safe browsing habits.

• Implement multi-factor authentication

• Enforce strong password policies

• Regularly update and patch software

• Provide security awareness training to users

• Restrict user access to sensitive data

• Monitor user activity for suspicious behavior

SQL injection is a type of cyber attack. Splunk is a software platform used for searching, analyzing and visualizing machine-generated data.

• SQL injection is a technique where malicious SQL statements are inserted into an entry field to execute unauthorized actions.

• Splunk architecture consists of forwarders, indexers, and search heads.

• Forwarders collect data from various sources and send it to indexers.

• Indexers store and index the data for faster search and analysis.

• Search hea...read more

The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical web application security risks.

• Injection

• Broken Authentication and Session Management

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

• Broken Access Control

• Security Misconfiguration

• Insecure Cryptographic Storage

• Insufficient Transport Layer Protection

• Unvalidated and Unsanitized Input

• Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities

• Insufficient Logging and Monitoring

Scanning is the process of systematically examining a network or system for vulnerabilities or potential security threats.

• Scanning involves sending network requests to identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.

• It helps in identifying weaknesses in the network or system that can be exploited by attackers.

• Scanning can be performed using various tools like Nmap, Nessus, or OpenVAS.

• Different types of scans include port scanning, vulnerability scanning, and netw...read more

Pentesting is a method of assessing the security of a system by simulating real-world attacks. NMap is a popular tool for network scanning.

• Pentesting, short for penetration testing, involves identifying vulnerabilities in a system through simulated attacks.

• There are different types of pentesting, including network, web application, wireless, and social engineering.

• NMap is a powerful network scanning tool used to discover hosts and services on a network.

• To scan an IP address u...read more

Mitigating common cyber attacks involves implementing strong passwords, regular software updates, and employee training.

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication

• Regularly update software and operating systems

• Train employees on how to identify and avoid phishing scams

• Implement firewalls and antivirus software

• Limit access to sensitive data and regularly backup important files

OOPS concepts include inheritance, encapsulation, polymorphism, and abstraction.

• Inheritance allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class.

• Encapsulation is the practice of hiding data and methods within a class.

• Polymorphism allows objects to take on multiple forms or behaviors.

• Abstraction is the process of simplifying complex systems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts.

• Examples include a subclass inheriting from a superclass, private...read more

DoS and DDoS are types of cyber attacks. DoS targets a single system, while DDoS targets multiple systems simultaneously.

• DoS stands for Denial of Service, where an attacker overwhelms a target system with a flood of traffic or requests.

• DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service, where multiple systems are used to launch the attack.

• DoS attacks can be carried out by a single attacker using a single device or network.

• DDoS attacks involve multiple attackers using multiple devi...read more

XSS attack is a type of web vulnerability where attackers inject malicious scripts into trusted websites to steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions.

• XSS stands for Cross-Site Scripting.

• Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications to inject malicious scripts.

• These scripts are then executed by unsuspecting users visiting the compromised website.

• XSS attacks can be classified into three types: stored, reflected, and DOM-based.

• To perform an XSS attack, ...read more

The type of data stored in OSI Model Data Link Layer is the frame or packet.

• The Data Link Layer is responsible for the physical transmission of data between network nodes.

• It encapsulates the network layer packet into a frame with additional control information.

• Examples of data stored in this layer include Ethernet frames, MAC addresses, and error detection codes.

SIEM tools are security information and event management tools used to collect, analyze, and manage security data.

• SIEM tools collect security data from various sources such as network devices, servers, and applications.

• They analyze the collected data to detect security incidents and threats in real-time.

• SIEM tools provide centralized monitoring and reporting capabilities for security events.

• They help in compliance management by generating reports and alerts based on predefine...read more

Black hat hackers are cyber criminals who exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain, while white hat hackers use their skills for ethical purposes.

• Black hat hackers use their skills to steal data, spread malware, and commit other cyber crimes.

• White hat hackers are hired by organizations to test their security systems and identify vulnerabilities.

• Grey hat hackers fall somewhere in between, using their skills for both ethical and unethical purposes.

• Examples of black hat hackers...read more

Encryption and decryption come under the confidentiality part of the CIA triad.

• Encryption and decryption are used to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

• Confidentiality ensures that only authorized users can access the data.

• Examples of encryption methods include AES, RSA, and DES.

Common cyber attacks include phishing, malware, ransomware, DDoS, and social engineering.

• Phishing: fraudulent emails or websites that trick users into giving sensitive information

• Malware: malicious software that can damage or control a computer system

• Ransomware: malware that encrypts files and demands payment for their release

• DDoS: Distributed Denial of Service attacks overwhelm a website or network with traffic

• Social engineering: manipulating people into divulging sensitive ...read more

To reset a password protected BIOS configuration, you can use various methods such as removing the CMOS battery, using a BIOS reset jumper, or using manufacturer-specific software.

• Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard for a few minutes to reset the BIOS settings.

• Locate the BIOS reset jumper on the motherboard and move it to the reset position for a few seconds.

• Use manufacturer-specific software or tools to reset the BIOS configuration.

• Consult the motherboard or compute...read more

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.

• Cloud computing allows users to access and store data and applications on remote servers instead of on their local devices.

• It offers scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to access resources from anywhere with an internet connection.

• Examples of cloud computing services include Amazon Web Servi...read more

To prevent malware attacks, organisations can implement strong cybersecurity measures such as regular software updates, employee training, network segmentation, and endpoint protection.

• Regularly update software and security patches to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.

• Educate employees on safe browsing habits, email phishing awareness, and the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.

• Implement network segmentat...read more

TSL is a protocol used to secure communication over the internet. Three-way handshake is a method used to establish a connection. Cyber attacks are malicious activities aimed at disrupting or damaging computer systems.

• TSL (Transport Layer Security) is a cryptographic protocol used to secure communication over the internet.

• Three-way handshake is a method used to establish a connection between two devices. It involves three steps: SYN, SYN-ACK, and ACK.

• Cyber attacks are malicio...read more

Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

• Cyber security involves various technologies, processes, and practices to safeguard digital assets.

• It includes measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and access controls.

• Cyber security threats can come from various sources, including hackers, malware, phishing attacks, and insider threats.

• Cyber security profe...read more

HTTP is unencrypted while HTTPS is encrypted. HTTPS provides secure communication over the internet.

• HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol while HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

• HTTP is vulnerable to attacks like man-in-the-middle while HTTPS is secure

• HTTPS uses SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt data while HTTP does not

• HTTPS is used for secure online transactions like online banking, e-commerce, etc.

• HTTP is used for general browsing and accessing websites

Authentication verifies the identity of a user, while authorization determines what actions the user is allowed to perform.

• Authentication confirms the identity of a user through credentials like passwords or biometrics.

• Authorization determines the level of access or permissions granted to a user.

• Authentication precedes authorization in the security process.

• Example: Logging into a website with a username and password is authentication, while being able to access certain pages ...read more

Firewalls are network security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

• Types of firewalls include packet filtering firewalls, stateful inspection firewalls, proxy firewalls, and next-generation firewalls.

• Packet filtering firewalls examine packets of data and decide whether to forward or discard them based on predetermined criteria.

• Stateful inspection firewalls keep track of the state of active connections an...read more

Application layers in cyber security refer to the different levels of software and protocols that make up an application.

• Application layer is the topmost layer in the OSI model

• It includes protocols like HTTP, SMTP, FTP, etc.

• Security measures at this layer include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls

• Vulnerabilities at this layer include SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and session hijacking

Pass the hash attack is a technique used by hackers to gain unauthorized access to a computer system by using hashed passwords.

• In a pass the hash attack, the attacker captures the hashed password of a user and uses it to authenticate themselves without knowing the actual password.

• This attack is possible because the Windows operating system stores hashed passwords in memory, allowing an attacker to extract and reuse them.

• By using the hashed password, the attacker can impersona...read more

Stateful firewalls track the state of active connections, while stateless firewalls filter packets based on predetermined rules.

• Stateful firewalls maintain context about active connections, allowing them to make more informed decisions about which packets to allow or block.

• Stateless firewalls filter packets based on static rules, without considering the state of the connection.

• Stateful firewalls are more secure as they can inspect the contents of packets and make decisions ba...read more

The OSI model is a conceptual model that describes how data is transmitted over a network.

• OSI stands for Open Systems Interconnection

• It has 7 layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application

• Each layer has a specific function and communicates with adjacent layers

• The model helps ensure interoperability between different network devices and software

• Example: HTTP operates at the Application layer, while TCP operates at the Transport layer

0.0.0.0 is a special IP address used to represent a non-routable meta-address.

• 0.0.0.0 is often used in network programming to indicate an invalid, unknown, or non-applicable target

• It is typically used in routing tables or as a placeholder address

• It can also be used by servers to listen on all available network interfaces

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.

• It involves implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, or destruction of information.

• Cybersecurity aims to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems.

• It includes various techniques such as encryption, firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessments.

• Cyberse...read more

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

• Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network.

• They can be hardware or software-based.

• Firewalls can filter traffic based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and other criteria.

• They can block or allow specific types of traffic based on predefined rules.

• Firewalls can provide protection agai...read more

DLP stands for Data Loss Prevention. It is a security strategy to prevent unauthorized access and transmission of sensitive data.

• DLP is used to protect sensitive data from being accessed, used, or transmitted by unauthorized users.

• It involves monitoring and controlling data in motion, data at rest, and data in use.

• DLP solutions can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both.

• Examples of sensitive data that can be protected by DLP include financial info...read more

IP blocking is a common security measure to prevent unauthorized access to devices and networks.

• Implement IP blocking on login devices to prevent unauthorized access from specific IPs.

• Regularly check for malicious IPs in devices and block them to prevent security breaches.

• Utilize tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and block malicious IPs.

• Consider implementing automated scripts or tools to streamline the process of blocking malicious IPs.

• Maintain a...read more

Cyber attacks in network are a major threat to organizations and can cause significant damage.

• Cyber attacks can come in various forms such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and DDoS attacks.

• Network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software can help prevent cyber attacks.

• Regular security audits and employee training can also help mitigate the risk of cyber attacks.

• In the event of a cyber attack, it is important to have a response ...read more

Basic terminologies in cyber security

• Malware

• Phishing

• Firewall

• Encryption

• Vulnerability

• Patch

• Intrusion Detection System

• Social Engineering

• Two-Factor Authentication

Fileless malware is a type of malicious software that operates in memory without leaving any trace on the hard drive.

• Fileless malware is also known as memory-based malware or non-malware.

• It uses legitimate system tools and processes to carry out its malicious activities.

• It is difficult to detect and remove as it does not leave any files on the system.

• Examples of fileless malware include PowerShell-based attacks and macro-based attacks.

• Prevention measures include keeping softw...read more

DNS server is a computer server that contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated hostnames.

• DNS stands for Domain Name System.

• It translates domain names into IP addresses.

• DNS servers help in resolving domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.

• They play a crucial role in the functioning of the internet.

• DNS servers use a hierarchical structure for efficient name resolution.

• They use different types of records like A, CNAME, MX, etc.

• DNS servers can be au...read more

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment for decryption. Mitigation involves backups, security software, and user education.

• Regularly backup important data to prevent loss

• Use anti-malware software to detect and prevent ransomware

• Educate users on how to identify and avoid phishing emails and suspicious downloads

• Implement network segmentation to limit the spread of ransomware

• Have an incident response plan in place to quickly respond to an attack

• Ex...read more

A C program for designing calculator

• Use switch case for different operations

• Use scanf to take input from user

• Use printf to display output

• Use functions for each operation

• Use loops for continuous calculations

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. It is a software solution that helps organizations to detect and respond to security threats.

• SIEM collects and analyzes security-related data from various sources such as network devices, servers, and applications.

• It correlates the data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security breach.

• SIEM provides real-time alerts and reports to security analysts, enabling them to take immediate action to mitiga...read more

I will protect my digital data by implementing strong encryption, regular backups, and strict access controls.

• Implement strong encryption algorithms to secure data in transit and at rest

• Regularly backup data to prevent loss in case of cyber attacks or hardware failures

• Enforce strict access controls by using multi-factor authentication and least privilege principle

HTTP uses port 80 and HTTPS uses port 443.

• HTTP uses port 80 for communication between web servers and clients.

• HTTPS uses port 443 for secure communication between web servers and clients.

• Port numbers are used to identify specific processes running on a server.

• Other common port numbers include 21 for FTP, 22 for SSH, and 25 for SMTP.

A hacker or unauthorized user is someone who gains unauthorized access to a computer system or network.

• Hackers can be individuals or groups with malicious intent or those who seek to expose vulnerabilities in a system for ethical reasons.

• Unauthorized users can also include employees who abuse their access privileges or individuals who accidentally gain access to a system.

• Examples of unauthorized access include phishing attacks, password cracking, and exploiting software vulne...read more

Red Hat is a leading provider of open source software solutions, including the popular Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system.

• Red Hat is a software company that specializes in open source solutions.

• They are known for their flagship product, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

• Red Hat offers a range of software products and services for businesses.

• Their solutions focus on security, reliability, and scalability.

• Red Hat also provides support and training for their products.

POC will be taken by conducting tests and experiments to validate the security vulnerability. A report will be prepared with findings and recommendations.

• Conduct tests and experiments to validate the security vulnerability

• Document all findings and observations

• Prepare a report with recommendations to address the vulnerabilities

• Present the report to stakeholders and management

Burpsuite is a popular web application security testing tool used for finding security vulnerabilities.

• Burpsuite is used for intercepting and modifying HTTP/S requests between a web browser and the target application.

• It can be used to identify security vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and more.

• Burpsuite has various tools like Intruder, Repeater, and Scanner for different types of security testing.

• It also has features for session handling, content d...read more