10+ Senior Security Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Implemented a comprehensive security incident response framework to effectively detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents.

• Developed incident response policies and procedures to outline roles, responsibilities, and escalation paths.

• Established communication protocols for notifying stakeholders and coordinating response efforts.

• Conducted regular tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of the framework.

• Integrated incident response tools and tec...read more

Log4j vulnerability is a critical security flaw in the Apache Log4j logging library that allows remote code execution.

• Log4j vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228) allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely.

• The vulnerability affects versions 2.0 to 2.14.1 of Apache Log4j.

• Exploiting the vulnerability can lead to serious security breaches and data exfiltration.

• Organizations need to patch affected systems immediately and monitor for any signs of exploitation.

Main event IDs to monitor as an SOC analyst

• Event ID 4624 - Successful account logon

• Event ID 4625 - Failed account logon

• Event ID 4768 - Kerberos authentication ticket request

• Event ID 4769 - Kerberos service ticket request

• Event ID 5140 - Network share access

• Event ID 5156 - Firewall rule added

• Event ID 7035 - Service control manager event

• Event ID 7045 - Service installation

• Event ID 800 - Windows update installation

I handle phishing incidents by promptly identifying and blocking malicious emails, educating users on how to recognize phishing attempts, and implementing security measures.

• Promptly identify and block malicious emails

• Educate users on how to recognize phishing attempts

• Implement security measures such as email filtering and multi-factor authentication

The port number of SMB is 445.

• SMB stands for Server Message Block.

• SMB is a protocol used for file sharing and printer sharing.

• Port 445 is used for direct TCP/IP connection without NetBIOS.

• Port 139 is also used for SMB over NetBIOS.

SMB relay attack is a type of attack where an attacker intercepts and relays SMB traffic to gain unauthorized access to a target system.

• The attacker intercepts SMB traffic between two systems and relays it to gain access to the target system.

• The attack can be carried out using tools like Responder or Metasploit.

• The attack can be prevented by disabling SMBv1, using SMB signing, and implementing network segmentation.

• An example of SMB relay attack is the infamous WannaCry ransom...read more

Ransomware attacks encrypt files and demand payment for decryption.

• Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption

• May use social engineering tactics to trick victims into downloading malware

• May spread through phishing emails, malicious websites, or infected software

• Examples include WannaCry, Petya, and Locky

Yes, I have experience in cloud security with a focus on securing data and applications in cloud environments.

• Implemented security measures to protect data stored in cloud services

• Configured and monitored security controls in cloud platforms like AWS and Azure

• Performed regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities

• Developed incident response plans for cloud security breaches

• Stayed updated on industry best practices and compliance regulations for cloud sec...read more

Log sources are essential for hunting threats in a network environment.

• Collect logs from network devices such as firewalls, routers, and switches.

• Utilize logs from endpoint security solutions like antivirus and EDR tools.

• Incorporate logs from servers, including authentication logs and system logs.

• Monitor logs from cloud services and applications for any suspicious activities.

• Analyze logs from SIEM solutions to correlate and detect potential threats.

EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response. It is a security solution that monitors and responds to endpoint threats.

• EDR solutions use agents installed on endpoints to collect data and send it to a central server for analysis.

• They use behavioral analysis and machine learning to detect and respond to threats in real-time.

• EDR solutions can also provide forensic data to investigate incidents and improve security posture.

• Examples of EDR solutions include CrowdStrike, Carbon B...read more

IAM lifecycle refers to the process of managing user identities, their permissions, and access throughout their entire lifecycle within an organization.

• Creation: User identities are created and provisioned with appropriate access rights.

• Maintenance: User permissions are regularly reviewed and updated as needed.

• Deactivation: When a user leaves the organization, their access rights are revoked.

• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of user activities to detect any unauthorized acces...read more

EDR stands for Endpoint Detection and Response, a security solution that monitors and responds to endpoint threats.

• EDR solutions provide real-time visibility into endpoint activity and behavior.

• They use advanced analytics and machine learning to detect and respond to threats.

• EDR solutions can also provide forensic analysis to investigate incidents and identify root causes.

• Examples of EDR solutions include Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, and Symantec Endpoint Detection and Response...read more

SIEM architecture refers to the design and structure of a Security Information and Event Management system.

• SIEM architecture typically consists of data collection, normalization, correlation, and analysis components.

• Data collection involves gathering security event data from various sources such as logs, network traffic, and endpoints.

• Normalization standardizes the collected data into a common format for easier analysis and correlation.

• Correlation involves identifying pattern...read more

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

• Acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external network

• Can be hardware-based or software-based

• Filters traffic based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and other criteria

• Helps prevent unauthorized access and cyber attacks

• Examples include Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks, and pfSense