100+ Security Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

A Security Analyst is responsible for testing web applications, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures to protect against attacks.

• Testing a web application involves various techniques such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and code review.

• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) is an attack that tricks a victim into performing unwanted actions on a web application.

• SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery) is an attack that allows an attacker to make ...read more

Answering questions related to nmap, IP addresses, firewall, and ping scan.

• Nmap uses various protocols such as TCP, UDP, ICMP, and ARP.

• Public IP addresses are globally unique and routable on the internet, while private IP addresses are used within a private network and not routable on the internet. Private IP ranges include 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, and 192.168.0.0/16.

• To check connected devices and open ports, use the command 'nmap -sP ' and 'nmap -p ', respectively. To fil...read more

A Security Analyst's role involves managing and monitoring a Security Operations Center (SOC), preparing daily reports, integrating various log sources with SIEM, and responding to security alerts.

• SOC scenario involves monitoring network traffic, analyzing security alerts, and responding to incidents

• Daily reports include summaries of security events, incident response activities, and trend analysis

• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a software solution that ag...read more

Encryption and encoding are both methods of transforming data, but encryption is more secure and reversible.

• Encryption is the process of converting data into a secret code to protect its confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.

• Encoding is the process of converting data into a different format for transmission or storage purposes.

• Encryption uses a key to scramble the data, while encoding does not.

• Examples of encryption include AES, RSA, and Blowfish.

• Examples of encoding i...read more

SQL injection is a code injection technique that attackers use to exploit vulnerabilities in a web application's database layer.

• SQL injection occurs when an attacker inserts malicious SQL code into a query, allowing them to manipulate the database.

• Types of SQL injection include: 1) Classic SQL injection, 2) Blind SQL injection, 3) Time-based blind SQL injection, 4) Union-based SQL injection, 5) Error-based SQL injection, 6) Boolean-based blind SQL injection.

• Example: An attack...read more

To verify a successful login, monitor login logs and check for any anomalies. To secure an account, enable multi-factor authentication, use strong passwords, regularly update security settings, and monitor account activity.

• Monitor login logs for successful login attempts

• Check for any anomalies in login patterns or locations

• Enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account

• Regularly update security settings and softwa...read more

Packet flow in HTTP, DNS, TCP, daily work, specific products, VPNs, and Load balancers.

• HTTP packets contain request and response headers and data

• DNS packets contain queries and responses for domain name resolution

• TCP packets establish and maintain connections between hosts

• Daily work involves monitoring network traffic and identifying security threats

• Specific products may include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software

• VPNs provide secure remote access to...read more

CSRF and XSS are both web security vulnerabilities. CSRF allows attackers to perform unwanted actions on behalf of a user, while XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages.

• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) is an attack that tricks the victim into performing unwanted actions on a website without their knowledge or consent.

• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) is an attack that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

• CSRF expl...read more

XSS and SQLi are common web application vulnerabilities. XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts, while SQLi allows them to manipulate database queries.

• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

• There are three types of XSS: Stored XSS, Reflected XSS, and DOM-based XSS.

• Stored XSS occurs when the malicious script is permanently stored on the target server and served to users.

• Refl...read more

The interview questions cover OSI model, ethical hacking types, ICMP protocol, and footprinting.

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

• Ethical hacking involves using hacking techniques to identify vulnerabilities in a system with the owner's permission.

• Types of ethical hacking include network penetration testing, web application testing, and social engineering testing.

• ICMP protocol is used for error reporting and diagnostic purpo...read more

To exploit/test for vulnerabilities, use penetration testing tools and techniques to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses.

• Use vulnerability scanners to identify potential vulnerabilities

• Conduct penetration testing to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses

• Perform social engineering tests to assess human vulnerabilities

• Use fuzzing techniques to identify software vulnerabilities

• Conduct code reviews to identify potential vulnerabilities

• Test for security misconfigurations

• Use...read more

Firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. OSI is a model for network communication.

• Firewall is a hardware or software-based security system that filters network traffic based on predefined rules.

• It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network.

• OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) is a model for network communication that defines a seven-layered approach to data transmission.

• Each layer...read more

Black box testing involves testing an application without knowledge of its internal workings.

• Identify inputs and expected outputs

• Test for boundary conditions and error handling

• Use techniques like equivalence partitioning and decision tables

• Focus on user interface and user experience

• Use automated tools for efficiency

Tools used for testing and difference between IP and MAC address

• Tools used for testing include vulnerability scanners, penetration testing tools, network analyzers, and forensic tools

• IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on a network, while MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to the network interface controller of a device

• IP address is used for routing traffic on the internet, while MAC address is used for communication within a local network

• IP addres...read more

I will isolate the server, identify the malware, remove it, and restore the server from a clean backup.

• Isolate the server from the network to prevent further spread of the malware

• Identify the malware using antivirus software or malware analysis tools

• Remove the malware using appropriate removal tools or manual removal techniques

• Restore the server from a clean backup to ensure all traces of the malware are removed

• Implement additional security measures to prevent future malware ...read more

5GHz offers faster speeds, less interference, and more channels compared to 2.4GHz.

• 5GHz provides faster data transfer speeds compared to 2.4GHz, making it ideal for high-bandwidth activities like streaming HD video or online gaming.

• 5GHz has less interference from other devices like microwaves and cordless phones that operate on the 2.4GHz frequency.

• 5GHz offers more available channels, reducing the likelihood of congestion and improving overall network performance.

• Devices that...read more

I approach a problem by analyzing the root cause, brainstorming solutions, and implementing a strategic plan.

• Identify the root cause of the problem

• Brainstorm potential solutions

• Develop a strategic plan to address the problem

• Implement the plan and monitor progress

• Adjust the plan as needed based on feedback and results

There are various types of attacks such as phishing, malware, DDoS, etc. Defending live attacks requires a multi-layered approach.

• Types of attacks include phishing, malware, DDoS, SQL injection, etc.

• Defending live attacks requires a multi-layered approach including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, anti-virus software, etc.

• Regularly updating software and educating employees on security best practices can also help prevent attacks.

• In the event of a live attack...read more

To troubleshoot logs stopped from a device on port 514 UDP, check firewall settings, network connectivity, and device configurations.

• Check firewall settings to ensure port 514 UDP is allowed for logging traffic

• Verify network connectivity between the device and the logging server

• Review device configurations to ensure logging is properly configured and enabled

Answering questions on Java code for Fibonacci series, inheritance, polymorphism, and OOP concepts.

• Fibonacci series code in Java can be written using recursion or iteration.

• Inheritance is a mechanism in OOP where a class inherits properties and methods from another class.

• Polymorphism is the ability of an object to take on multiple forms.

• OOP concepts include encapsulation, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism.

They are all application layer protocols used for communication over a network.

• They all operate at the application layer of the OSI model.

• They all use client-server architecture for communication.

• They all transmit data over a network.

• Examples: HTTP is used for web browsing, FTP for file transfer, and Telnet for remote access.

Information security refers to the practice of protecting information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

• Information security involves implementing measures to safeguard data and systems from potential threats.

• It includes the protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

• Examples of information security measures include encryption, access controls, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. It is a software solution that provides real-time analysis of security alerts.

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

• It uses correlation rules to identify potential security threats and generates alerts for further investigation.

• There are three types of SIEM layers: data collection layer, analysis layer, and presentation layer.

• The data collect...read more

OWASP vulnerabilities commonly encountered in security analysis

• Injection flaws (SQL, LDAP, OS command, etc.)

• Cross-site scripting (XSS)

• Broken authentication and session management

• Security misconfiguration

• Sensitive data exposure

• Insufficient logging and monitoring

• Using components with known vulnerabilities

• Insecure communication (e.g. lack of encryption)

• Broken access control

• XML External Entities (XXE)

Active Directory Federation Service (AD FS) is a feature in Windows Server that allows for single sign-on authentication across multiple systems.

• AD FS allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials

• It enables secure sharing of identity information between trusted partners

• AD FS uses claims-based authentication to verify user identity

• It supports integration with cloud-based services like Office 365

Yes, I have configured policies in defender.

• Yes, I have configured policies in Windows Defender to ensure proper security measures are in place.

• I have set up policies for malware protection, network protection, firewall settings, and device control.

• Regularly review and update policies to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.

• Example: Configuring Windows Defender policies to block certain file types from being downloaded or executed.

I have created use cases for network monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management.

• Developed use cases for detecting abnormal network traffic patterns

• Created use cases for identifying and responding to security incidents

• Designed use cases for leveraging threat intelligence feeds

• Implemented use cases for tracking and remediating vulnerabilities

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to refine and optimize use cases

Cross site scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

• XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

• Types of XSS include reflected XSS, stored XSS, and DOM-based XSS.

• Reflected XSS occurs when the malicious script is reflected off the web server, such as in search results.

• Stored XSS occurs when the malicious script is stored on the server...read more

Conditional Access in Azure is used to control access to resources based on specific conditions.

• Conditional Access policies can be set up to require multi-factor authentication for certain users or devices

• It can restrict access based on location, device compliance, or other factors

• Conditional Access can be used to enforce policies such as requiring a compliant device to access sensitive data

Threat is a potential danger that can exploit a vulnerability, Risk is the likelihood of a threat occurring and causing harm, and VM stands for Vulnerability Management.

• Threat: potential danger that can exploit a vulnerability

• Risk: likelihood of a threat occurring and causing harm

• VM: Vulnerability Management

• Threats can be external or internal

• Risk can be calculated by assessing the likelihood and impact of a threat

• VM involves identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating vulnerabi...read more

Cyber attack kill chain is a framework that describes the stages of a successful cyber attack.

• The kill chain consists of several stages including reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives.

• Each stage represents a step in the attacker's process and can be used to identify and prevent attacks.

• For example, in the reconnaissance stage, attackers gather information about their target, such as vulnerabilities ...read more

To write a report on ongoing global issues, one must research and analyze current events and trends.

• Identify the most pressing global issues

• Research and gather data on the issues

• Analyze the data and draw conclusions

• Include relevant statistics and expert opinions

• Provide recommendations for addressing the issues

• Use clear and concise language

• Cite sources properly

I troubleshoot network problems by identifying the issue, isolating the cause, and implementing a solution.

• Identify the specific symptoms or errors reported by users or monitoring tools

• Use network diagnostic tools like ping, traceroute, and Wireshark to gather information

• Check network configurations, hardware connections, and software settings for any issues

• Isolate the root cause by systematically testing different components of the network

• Implement a solution based on the id...read more

Fortigate uses various techniques to stop DOS attacks.

• Fortigate can detect and block traffic from known malicious sources

• It can also limit the number of connections from a single IP address

• Fortigate can use rate limiting to prevent excessive traffic from a single source

• It can also use packet filtering to drop packets from known DOS attack patterns

• Fortigate can also use behavior-based detection to identify and block abnormal traffic patterns

False positives are incorrect alerts that are mistakenly identified as threats, while false negatives are actual threats that are missed by the system.

• False positives are alerts that are incorrectly identified as threats by a security system.

• False negatives are actual threats that are missed by the security system.

• False positives can lead to wasted time and resources investigating non-existent threats.

• False negatives can result in real threats going undetected and causing har...read more

False positives in SIEM

• Misconfigured rules triggering alerts

• Legitimate traffic being flagged as malicious

• Inaccurate threat intelligence data

• Inadequate correlation rules

• Outdated signatures or patterns

Yes, a switch can be converted into a router by enabling routing features and configuring routing protocols.

• Enable routing features on the switch

• Configure routing protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP

• Assign IP addresses to interfaces

• Implement access control lists for security

• Install a routing software image if necessary

Splunk commonly uses port numbers 8089, 9997, and 514 for various functions.

• Port 8089 is used for Splunk Web and the REST API

• Port 9997 is used for receiving data from forwarders

• Port 514 is used for receiving syslog data

The first step would be to isolate the infected machine from the network to prevent further spread of the infection.

• Isolate the infected machine from the network to prevent further spread of the infection

• Identify the type of malware or virus that has infected the machine

• Run a full system scan using antivirus software to detect and remove the malware

• Update the operating system and all software to patch any vulnerabilities that may have been exploited

• Restore the machine from a ...read more

OWASP top 10 2021 is a list of the most critical security risks to web applications.

• Injection

• Broken Authentication and Session Management

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

• Security Misconfiguration

• Insecure Cryptographic Storage

• Insufficient Logging and Monitoring

• Insecure Communication

• Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

• Broken Access Control

• Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities

False positive and false negative are errors in security analysis where a legitimate activity is incorrectly flagged as malicious, or a malicious activity is incorrectly classified as legitimate.

• False Positive: When a security system incorrectly identifies a legitimate activity as malicious. For example, a firewall blocking a harmless website due to a false alarm.

• False Negative: When a security system fails to detect a malicious activity and classifies it as legitimate. For e...read more

Incident management on DDoS attack involves identifying the attack, mitigating its impact, and preventing future attacks.

• Quickly identify the type and source of the attack

• Notify relevant stakeholders and activate incident response plan

• Mitigate the attack by filtering traffic and blocking malicious IPs

• Monitor network traffic and adjust mitigation strategies as needed

• Conduct a post-incident analysis to identify areas for improvement

• Implement preventative measures such as firewa...read more

Prioritizing and remediating vulnerabilities using OWASP Top 10

• Start by identifying the vulnerabilities that pose the highest risk to the organization

• Use the OWASP Top 10 as a guide to prioritize vulnerabilities

• Consider the likelihood and potential impact of each vulnerability

• Remediate vulnerabilities based on their priority level

• Perform regular vulnerability assessments to stay up-to-date on new vulnerabilities

• Examples of high-priority vulnerabilities include SQL injection, ...read more

SQL Injection is a type of cyber attack where malicious SQL code is inserted into input fields to manipulate database queries.

• SQL Injection occurs when attackers input malicious SQL code into input fields, tricking the application into executing unintended SQL commands.

• To prevent SQL Injection, use parameterized queries or prepared statements to sanitize user input.

• Input validation and limiting database permissions can also help prevent SQL Injection attacks.

• Example: SELECT *...read more

SQL encryption is used to protect sensitive data stored in a database by converting it into unreadable form.

• SQL encryption is used to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

• It converts the data into unreadable form using encryption algorithms.

• Encrypted data can only be decrypted with the correct encryption key.

• SQL encryption can be used to protect data at rest and data in transit.

• Examples of SQL encryption techniques include Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and column...read more

I handle compliance in audits by ensuring all security measures are in place and regularly reviewed.

• Regularly review and update security policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations

• Conduct internal audits to identify any gaps in compliance and address them promptly

• Collaborate with external auditors to provide necessary documentation and evidence of compliance

• Implement security controls and measures to mitigate risks and ensure compliance

• Stay informed about ch...read more

MITRE ATT&CK is a framework for understanding attacker behavior and tactics.

• MITRE ATT&CK provides a comprehensive list of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers.

• It helps security analysts understand and categorize threats based on real-world observations.

• Security analysts can use MITRE ATT&CK to map out potential attack scenarios and improve defense strategies.