Top 30 Most Asked Interview Questions

& Answers to asked to Cybersecurity

Analyst. (Freshers)

Cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly growing fields today, and the role of a
Cybersecurity Analyst is critical in protecting an organization from various types
of cyber threats. For freshers entering this field, preparing for interviews
requires both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of technical
concepts related to networks, systems, and security protocols. Below are the top
30 interview questions and answers, focused on technical aspects that a
Cybersecurity Analyst might face in an interview.
1. What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data
from digital attacks, unauthorized access, damage, or theft. It involves
implementing security measures to safeguard information technology and data
assets from threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches.

2. What is a Firewall, and how does it work?

A firewall is a network security system designed to monitor and control
incoming and outgoing network traffic. It works by applying predefined security
rules to allow or block data packets based on IP addresses, ports, or protocols.
Firewalls help protect a network by acting as a barrier between trusted internal
networks and untrusted external networks.

3. What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

IDS (Intrusion Detection System) is designed to detect and alert on potential
malicious activity or violations within a network. It monitors traffic and logs
suspicious events.
IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) goes a step further by not only detecting
threats but also taking action to block or prevent those threats from affecting
the system or network.

4. What is Encryption and why is it important?

Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized
access. It ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card
numbers, or personal data, is protected from unauthorized interception during
transmission or storage.
5. What are the types of Malware?
Common types of malware include:
Viruses: Malicious software that attaches itself to legitimate programs or files.
Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads through networks.
Trojan Horses: Malware that disguises itself as legitimate software.
Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts files and demands a ransom for
decryption.
Spyware: Software designed to spy on users and gather information.

6. Explain the difference between Symmetric and Asymmetric Encryption.

Symmetric Encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. It
is fast but requires secure key management.
Asymmetric Encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a
private key for decryption. It is more secure but slower due to the complexity of
the algorithm.

7. What is a DDoS attack and how does it work?

A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is an attempt to make a machine
or network resource unavailable by overwhelming it with a flood of internet
traffic. Multiple compromised devices (bots) are used to generate traffic to the
target, disrupting services.

8. What is the CIA Triad in Cybersecurity?

The CIA Triad stands for:
Confidentiality: Ensuring that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized
users.
Integrity: Ensuring that data remains accurate and unaltered.
Availability: Ensuring that data and systems are accessible when needed.
9. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is connection-oriented, reliable, and
ensures that data is transmitted in order without errors.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is connectionless, faster but less reliable, and
doesn't guarantee the order or integrity of data.

10. What are the common port numbers used in Cybersecurity?

Common ports include:
● Port 80 for HTTP
● Port 443 for HTTPS
● Port 21 for FTP
● Port 22 for SSH
● Port 25 for SMTP
●
11. What is a VPN and how does it work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for data to
travel over the internet. It hides the user's IP address and encrypts their internet
traffic, making it difficult for third parties to intercept or monitor their online
activity.

12. Explain the concept of “least privilege” in security.

The principle of least privilege dictates that users, programs, and systems
should be granted the minimum level of access or permissions necessary to
perform their tasks. This helps minimize the potential damage caused by
accidental or malicious actions.
13. What is the OSI model, and can you explain its layers?
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model has 7 layers:
Physical Layer: Deals with hardware transmission of raw data.
Data Link Layer: Provides node-to-node data transfer.
Network Layer: Handles routing and IP addressing.
Transport Layer: Manages data transfer reliability (TCP/UDP).
Session Layer: Manages sessions between applications.
Presentation Layer: Translates data into a readable format.
Application Layer: Provides network services to end-users.

14. What is a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack?

A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack occurs when a malicious actor intercepts and
potentially alters the communication between two parties without their
knowledge. It can be used to steal sensitive data, inject malicious content, or
impersonate one of the parties involved.

15. What is a vulnerability assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and
prioritizing security weaknesses in a system or network. It often involves
scanning for known vulnerabilities and providing recommendations to mitigate
risks.

16. What is the purpose of penetration testing?

Penetration testing (pen testing) involves simulating real-world attacks on a
system to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. It helps
organizations understand their security weaknesses and improve defenses.
17. What is Phishing, and how can it be prevented?
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers impersonate legitimate
organizations to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, like login
credentials or credit card details. Prevention methods include educating users
about recognizing suspicious emails, using multi-factor authentication, and
filtering suspicious emails.

18. What is the purpose of multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security by requiring users to
provide multiple forms of verification before granting access. This typically
includes something the user knows (password), something the user has (mobile
device), and something the user is (biometric verification).

19. What are the security best practices for password management?
Best practices for password management include using long, complex
passwords, enabling MFA, storing passwords securely using a password
manager, and regularly changing passwords.

20. What is SQL Injection?

SQL injection is a type of attack where malicious SQL queries are injected into
an input field, allowing attackers to manipulate a database, steal data, or
execute administrative operations.

21. What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability?

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a security flaw that is unknown to the
software vendor or security community. Since there is no patch or fix available,
attackers can exploit it before it is discovered and mitigated.
22. What is a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system?
A SIEM system aggregates and analyzes security data from various sources in
real-time, helping security analysts identify and respond to potential security
incidents by providing centralized visibility.

23. What is a Hash Function, and why is it used?

A hash function takes an input and produces a fixed-size string of characters,
typically a digest, that is unique to the input data. It is widely used for storing
passwords securely and verifying data integrity.

24. What is the principle of “Defense in Depth”?

Defense in Depth is a security approach that layers multiple defensive measures
to protect information. Even if one layer fails, other layers continue to provide
protection.

25. What is a Security Breach, and how do you handle it?

A security breach occurs when an unauthorized party gains access to sensitive
information. Handling it involves containing the breach, assessing the damage,
notifying relevant stakeholders, and implementing measures to prevent future
breaches.

26. What is Social Engineering in the context of Cybersecurity?

Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential
information, often through tactics like impersonation, pretexting, or baiting. It is
crucial to train users to recognize and report social engineering attacks.
27. What is the role of an Antivirus software?
Antivirus software helps detect, prevent, and remove malicious software
(malware) from a computer or network. It scans files, emails, and websites for
known threats and provides real-time protection.

28. What is a Cloud Security?

Cloud security involves protecting data, applications, and systems hosted in
cloud environments. It includes measures like data encryption, access controls,
and security policies to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of
cloud resources.

29. What is a Buffer Overflow attack?

A buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it
can handle, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or crash the
system. It is a common vulnerability in poorly written software.

30. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in cybersecurity?
Staying updated involves reading cybersecurity blogs, attending conferences,
participating in webinars, joining cybersecurity communities, and pursuing
continuous learning through certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA
Security+.

GOOD LUCK!!