100+ Security Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

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

• SQL injection allows attackers to access, modify, or delete data in a database.

• Types of SQL injection include in-band SQLi, inferential SQLi, and out-of-band SQLi.

• Example: Inputting ' OR 1=1-- into a login form to bypass authentication.

XSS stands for Cross-Site Scripting. It is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

• XSS attacks can be prevented by properly validating and sanitizing user input.

• Developers should also use output encoding to prevent malicious scripts from being executed.

• Using Content Security Policy (CSP) can also help prevent XSS attacks.

• Examples of XSS attacks include stealing user session cookies, redirecting us...read more

Time zones used in aviation to prevent collisions between aircraft

• TMZ stands for Terminal Manoeuvring Zone

• TMZs are designated areas around airports where air traffic control has authority over aircraft movements

• TMZs are used to prevent collisions between aircraft during takeoff and landing

• Pilots must obtain clearance from air traffic control before entering a TMZ

CSRF stands for Cross-Site Request Forgery. It is a type of attack that tricks a user into performing an action they did not intend to.

• CSRF occurs when a malicious website or email tricks a user into clicking a link or button that performs an action on a different website where the user is already authenticated.

• To prevent CSRF attacks, websites can use techniques such as CSRF tokens, which are unique values generated for each user session and included in each form submission....read more

Vulnerability assessment is crucial for identifying weaknesses in a system and preventing potential security breaches.

• Vulnerability assessment helps in identifying security loopholes and weaknesses in a system

• It helps in prioritizing security measures and allocating resources effectively

• Regular vulnerability assessments can prevent potential security breaches and data loss

• Examples of vulnerability assessment tools include Nessus, OpenVAS, and Qualys

• Vulnerability assessment is...read more

Firewall works as a barrier between internal and external networks. OSI layer is a model for network communication.

• Firewall filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on predefined rules.

• OSI layer has 7 layers: Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, and Application.

• Each layer has its own set of protocols and functions.

• Firewalls operate at the network and transport layers of the OSI model.

• Firewalls can be hardware or software-based.

• OSI layer helps in ...read more

XSS is a client side attack.

• XSS stands for Cross-Site Scripting

• It involves injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users

• The scripts are executed on the client side, making it a client side attack

A recent threat detected was a phishing attack targeting employees. The mitigation process involved employee training and implementing email filtering systems.

• Identify the type of threat (phishing attack)

• Assess the impact on the organization

• Implement mitigation measures such as employee training and email filtering systems

• Monitor for any further threats or vulnerabilities

The methodology approach for API and web pen test involves identifying vulnerabilities, testing for exploits, and reporting findings.

• Identify the scope of the test and the target systems

• Perform reconnaissance to gather information about the target

• Test for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting

• Test for exploits to determine the impact of vulnerabilities

• Report findings and provide recommendations for remediation

My favorite go-to tool for security investigation is Wireshark.

• Wireshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer used for troubleshooting, analysis, development, and education.

• It allows me to capture and interactively browse the traffic running on a computer network.

• I can use Wireshark to analyze network traffic, identify security vulnerabilities, and troubleshoot network issues.

• Wireshark supports hundreds of protocols and has features for deep inspection of hundreds of proto...read more

The OSI model is a conceptual framework that standardizes the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven different layers.

• Layer 1 - Physical layer: Deals with physical connections and transmission of raw data.

• Layer 2 - Data link layer: Responsible for node-to-node communication and error detection.

• Layer 3 - Network layer: Manages routing and forwarding of data packets.

• Layer 4 - Transport layer: Ensures end-to-end communication and error recovery.

• Layer 5 -...read more

Service Level Agreement is a contract between a service provider and a customer that outlines the level of service expected.

• Defines the services to be provided

• Specifies the responsibilities of both parties

• Outlines the metrics used to measure performance

• Includes penalties for not meeting agreed-upon service levels

• Can cover aspects like uptime, response time, and resolution time

• Example: An SLA between a cloud service provider and a business may guarantee 99.9% uptime

Mitre frameworks provide a structured approach to categorize and analyze cyber threats, mapping them against known attack techniques.

• Mitre frameworks such as ATT&CK provide a comprehensive list of known adversary tactics and techniques.

• Security analysts use these frameworks to map observed threats and attacks to specific techniques, aiding in threat intelligence and incident response.

• By aligning observed behaviors with known attack patterns, analysts can better understand the...read more

Azure Security Policies are a set of rules and configurations that help enforce security controls within Azure environments.

• Azure Security Policies help ensure compliance with security standards and best practices

• They can be used to enforce specific security configurations, such as requiring encryption for storage accounts

• Policies can be assigned at the subscription, resource group, or resource level

Types of Injection include SQL injection, XSS injection, and command injection.

• SQL injection: attackers insert malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate the database

• XSS injection: attackers insert malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users

• Command injection: attackers execute arbitrary commands on a server by manipulating input fields

MITRE ATT&CK is a knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations.

• MITRE ATT&CK provides a framework for understanding and categorizing cyber threats.

• It consists of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers.

• Organizations can use MITRE ATT&CK to improve their threat detection and response capabilities.

• Examples of MITRE ATT&CK techniques include spear phishing, command and control, and data exfiltration.

Dealing with a sophisticated ransomware attack that encrypted critical data and demanded a large sum of money for decryption.

• Quickly isolating infected systems to prevent further spread

• Working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the source of the breach

• Implementing backup and recovery procedures to restore encrypted data

• Negotiating with attackers to minimize financial impact

SQL injection is a type of cyber attack where an attacker injects malicious SQL code into a vulnerable website or application.

• SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that allow an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into a database

• Attackers can use SQL injection to steal sensitive data, modify or delete data, or even take control of the entire database

• Preventing SQL injection involves using parameterized queries, input validation, and other securit...read more

Types of mutual funds include equity funds, debt funds, balanced funds, index funds, and sector funds.

• Equity funds invest primarily in stocks

• Debt funds invest in fixed income securities like bonds

• Balanced funds invest in a mix of stocks and bonds

• Index funds track a specific market index

• Sector funds focus on a specific sector of the economy

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

• Injection

• Broken Authentication

• Sensitive Data Exposure

• XML External Entities (XXE)

• Broken Access Control

• Security Misconfiguration

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

• Insecure Deserialization

• Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities

• Insufficient Logging and Monitoring

Recent attack: SolarWinds supply chain attack. Recent exploit: Microsoft Exchange Server zero-day vulnerabilities.

• SolarWinds attack compromised multiple US government agencies and private companies.

• Attackers inserted malicious code into SolarWinds' Orion software updates.

• Microsoft Exchange Server zero-day vulnerabilities allowed attackers to access email accounts and install malware.

• Exploit was used by Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Hafnium.

• Both incidents highlight the...read more

Networking devices are hardware devices that facilitate communication and data transfer between different devices on a network.

• Networking devices include routers, switches, hubs, modems, and firewalls.

• Routers are used to connect multiple networks together and direct traffic between them.

• Switches are used to connect devices within a network and direct traffic between them.

• Hubs are similar to switches but less efficient as they broadcast all traffic to all devices.

• Modems are us...read more

RSA stands for Rivest-Shamir-Adleman, a widely used encryption algorithm for secure communication.

• RSA is a public-key cryptosystem used for secure data transmission.

• It involves generating a public key and a private key for encryption and decryption.

• RSA encryption is based on the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers.

• It is commonly used in secure communication protocols like HTTPS.

• RSA can be used for digital signatures to verify the authenticity of messages.

3 way hand shaking is a process in TCP/IP communication where three packets are exchanged to establish a connection.

• Three packets are involved: SYN, SYN-ACK, ACK

• SYN packet is sent by the client to the server to initiate the connection

• SYN-ACK packet is sent by the server to the client as a response

• ACK packet is sent by the client to the server to confirm the connection

Top 10 vulnerabilities include SQL injection, cross-site scripting, insecure deserialization, etc.

• SQL injection

• Cross-site scripting (XSS)

• Insecure deserialization

• Sensitive data exposure

• Broken authentication

• Security misconfigurations

• XML external entities (XXE)

• Broken access control

• Security misconfigurations

• Insufficient logging and monitoring

Seniors farewell SQL injection is a type of cyber attack that targets web applications.

• SQL injection is a technique used to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications that use SQL databases

• Seniors farewell SQL injection is a specific type of SQL injection that targets farewell messages or other content posted by senior members of an organization

• This type of attack can allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or even take control of the affected ...read more

Change management is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling changes to systems or processes in an organization.

• Involves identifying the need for change

• Planning and implementing the change

• Communicating the change to stakeholders

• Managing resistance to change

• Evaluating the impact of the change

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

• It involves implementing security measures to prevent cyber attacks

• It includes protecting against viruses, malware, and other malicious software

• It also involves educating users on safe online practices

• Examples of cybersecurity measures include firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication

Writing exploit scripts is a crucial skill for a Security Analyst.

• Understand the vulnerability and its impact

• Research existing exploits and modify them for specific targets

• Use scripting languages like Python or PowerShell

• Test the exploit in a controlled environment before using it in production

Expected CTC depends on the job role, experience, and company policies.

• Expected CTC can vary based on the job role and responsibilities.

• Experience and skills of the candidate also play a crucial role in determining the CTC.

• Company policies and budget can also impact the expected CTC.

• It is important to research industry standards and negotiate based on market rates.

• The expected CTC can be discussed during the interview process.

CSRF tokens are used to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data or actions on a website.

• CSRF tokens add an extra layer of security to web applications by ensuring that requests are coming from an authenticated user.

• They are generated by the server and included in forms or URLs to verify the authenticity of the request.

• Without CSRF tokens, attackers can use cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks to trick users into unknowingly performing actions on a website.

• For example, an ...read more

Vulnerability management in cloud environment involves identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating security weaknesses.

• Regularly scan cloud infrastructure for vulnerabilities

• Patch and update software to address vulnerabilities

• Implement access controls and encryption to protect data

• Utilize security tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls

• Monitor and analyze security logs for suspicious activity

Resource flooding is a type of cyber attack where an attacker overwhelms a system with excessive requests, causing it to become slow or unresponsive.

• Resource flooding is a type of denial of service (DoS) attack.

• Attackers flood a system with excessive requests, such as HTTP requests or network traffic, to overwhelm its resources.

• This can lead to the system becoming slow or unresponsive, disrupting normal operations.

• Common examples include HTTP flood attacks and UDP flood attac...read more

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

• SQL injection occurs when an attacker inserts malicious SQL code into input fields on a website.

• This code can then manipulate the database, steal data, or perform other unauthorized actions.

• Example: Entering ' OR '1'='1' into a login form to bypass authentication.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.

• Cybersecurity involves implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access to data and information.

• It includes protecting against cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and hacking.

• Cybersecurity also involves monitoring and responding to security incidents to minimize damage and prevent future attacks.

• Examples of cybersecurity tools and practices include firewalls, anti...read more

Mitre attack is a framework for identifying and categorizing common attack techniques used by adversaries.

• Mitre attack provides a standardized way of describing and communicating about cyber threats.

• It includes a list of tactics and techniques used by attackers, as well as examples of real-world attacks.

• The framework is used by security professionals to assess their organization's security posture and identify areas for improvement.

• Mitre attack is constantly updated to reflec...read more

Solunk Architecture is a cloud-based security architecture that focuses on securing data and applications in the cloud.

• Solunk Architecture emphasizes on securing data and applications in the cloud

• It provides a comprehensive security framework for cloud environments

• It includes features such as encryption, access control, and monitoring

• Solunk Architecture helps organizations protect their sensitive information from cyber threats

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

• It is updated every 3-4 years by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)

• The current version is OWASP Top 10 2017

• The list includes risks such as injection, broken authentication and session management, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more

• It is used as a guide for developers and security professionals to prioritize security efforts

SIEM tools are security information and event management tools used to collect, analyze and correlate security events.

• SIEM tools help in detecting security threats and incidents in real-time

• They collect and analyze data from various sources such as firewalls, servers, and endpoints

• SIEM tools use correlation rules to identify patterns and anomalies in the data

• Examples of SIEM tools include Splunk, IBM QRadar, and McAfee Enterprise Security Manager

HTTP is unsecured while HTTPS is secured with SSL/TLS encryption.

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

• HTTP operates on port 80 while HTTPS operates on port 443.

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

• 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.

SOC stands for Security Operations Center. It is a centralized unit that monitors and manages an organization's security posture.

• SOC is responsible for detecting, analyzing, and responding to security incidents.

• It uses various tools and technologies to monitor the organization's network, systems, and applications.

• SOC analysts investigate security alerts and incidents to determine their severity and impact.

• They also develop and implement security policies and procedures to pre...read more

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

• It consists of seven stages: reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives.

• The goal is to identify and disrupt the attack at an early stage.

• For example, if an attacker is in the reconnaissance stage, organizations can implement measures to detect and prevent the attacker from progressing to the next stage.

• The cyber kill chain is oft...read more

DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates domain names to IP addresses.

• DNS is like a phone book for the internet, translating human-readable domain names (like google.com) to IP addresses (like 172.217.3.206).

• It helps users access websites and other online services by resolving domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.

• DNS also plays a crucial role in email delivery, ensuring that emails are sent to the correct mail servers based on domain names.

• DNS operates ...read more

IPS stands for Intrusion Prevention System and IDS stands for Intrusion Detection System.

• IPS actively blocks suspicious traffic while IDS only detects and alerts

• IPS is inline and can prevent attacks in real-time, IDS is passive and only monitors

• Examples: Cisco Firepower for IPS, Snort for IDS

The Cyber kill chain is a model that outlines the stages of a cyber attack, from initial reconnaissance to data exfiltration.

• The Cyber kill chain was developed by Lockheed Martin to help organizations understand and defend against cyber attacks.

• The stages of the Cyber kill chain include reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives.

• By understanding each stage of the kill chain, organizations can implement d...read more

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, used to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network.

• DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices on a network dynamically

• It helps in reducing the manual configuration of IP addresses

• DHCP servers lease IP addresses to devices for a specific period of time

• DHCP also provides other network configuration information like subnet mask, default gateway, DNS servers

• Example: When a device connects to a network, DHCP server assi...read more

SIEM stands for Security Information and Event Management. It helps organizations to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents.

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

• It provides real-time monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities or security breaches.

• SIEM helps in compliance management by generating reports and logs for auditing purposes.

• It enables security analysts to correlate event...read more