Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand. Unfortunately, however, the skill gap in the market is enormous too. Companies are in search of specific knowledge which they are unable to find in the candidates who show up for interviews. Keeping this in mind, it is not possible to list every possible or definitive question which an employer may put before a prospective candidate. However, here are a few of our top picks. These questions are bound to appear in an interview in some form and their answers can help determine certain aspects about each candidate.
1.What is the difference between Network Security and Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a smaller field within network security. The latter focuses on creating securing frameworks and guidelines for systems, data, connections and software while the former is concerned with maintaining security parameters for a cyberspace or network.
2. How do you differentiate between a threat, vulnerability and a risk?
Threat: An individual, group or program which can cause harm to digital systems,
Vulnerability: Loopholes which exist in system be it physical or related to software,
Risk: The situation which arises when a threat takes advantage of a vulnerability.
3. What do you understand by encryption?
In simple terms it refers to the conversion of data into a format which is not readable for unauthorized elements who might be seeking to spy on it. An interviewer will be looking for an elaborate explanation and to test your understanding about encryption and other related concepts.
4. Explain the difference between encryption, hashing and encoding?
Encryption: It is the process of protecting data with a verification key. This restricts unauthorized access,
Hashing: The hash function or simply hash allows the sender and receiver of the information to identify if any changes have been made it to it,
Encoding: The conversion of data into desired formats which are necessary for transfer is called encoding.
5. Name a few common cyberthreats
Ransomware, phishing, identity theft, DDoS, malware, man-in-the-middle etc. are just a few examples of cyberthreats. A candidate must be aware about the details pertaining to each.
6. Distinguish between HTTPS, SSL and TLS
HTTPS: Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure is a security protocol which ensures several website features like safety for instance,
SSL: Secure Sockets Layer is the now replaced technique which was used to encrypt communications over HTTP and HTTPS,
TLS: The Transport Layer Security is the replacement for SSL.
7. Are you familiar with the CIA triad? Please elaborate
The CIA triad comprises confidentiality, integrity and availability. An interviewer is looking to judge whether the candidate comprehends the functions and working.
8. What are the things which indicate a weak information security infrastructure?
Outdates software, non-compliance with policy guidelines and untrained employees are just a few indicators of weak information security.
9. How are Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing different from one another?
The former is an assessment of security flaws while the former is more about testing the functionalities.
10. Explain how you tell black, white and grey hat hackers apart?
In simple terms black hat hackers are the bad guys, white ones are good guys and grey hat hackers fall in the middle.
Employers are on the lookout for in depth experience. They are looking for suitable fits to their organization’s needs and that is what a candidate has to demonstrate.