Top 25 Cybersecurity Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This involves monitoring security systems, analyzing data for security breaches, and implementing protective measures.

Key skills include:

• Knowledge of security protocols
• Risk assessment and management
• Incident response
• Security information and event management (SIEM)
• Analytical skills and attention to detail

Sure! A threat is a potential cause of an incident that may result in harm. A vulnerability is a weakness in a system that can be exploited by threats. Risk is the potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability.

A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks.

The principle of least privilege states that users should only have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This helps minimize the risk of accidental or malicious damage to systems and data.

Staying updated can involve following cybersecurity news, participating in forums, attending conferences, and subscribing to threat intelligence feeds. Engaging with the cybersecurity community is also beneficial.

A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is an attempt to make a service unavailable by overwhelming it with a flood of traffic from multiple sources. This can disrupt the normal functioning of a targeted server or network.

Encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It ensures that only those with the decryption key can access the original data.

Steps include:

1. Identification of the incident
2. Containment to prevent further damage
3. Eradication of the cause
4. Recovery of systems and data
5. Review and lessons learned

A SIEM system is a solution that aggregates and analyzes security data from across an organization to provide real-time analysis of security alerts. It helps in detecting, monitoring, and responding to security incidents.

Common types of malware include:

• Viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Ransomware
• Spyware
• Adware

Penetration testing is a simulated cyber attack on a system to evaluate its security. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit.

Risk assessment for new technology involves:

1. Identifying potential threats
2. Evaluating vulnerabilities
3. Analyzing the impact and likelihood of risks
4. Implementing mitigation strategies

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires two or more verification methods to gain access to a system. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.

Phishing is a cyber attack where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, often through deceptive emails.

Security policies establish guidelines and procedures to protect an organization’s information assets. They help ensure compliance, establish accountability, and outline the organization’s approach to risk management.

Common vulnerability scanning tools include:

• Nessus
• OpenVAS
• Qualys
• Rapid7

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys (public and private) for encryption and decryption, providing enhanced security.

Handling insider threats involves:

1. Monitoring user activities
2. Implementing strict access controls
3. Providing security training
4. Encouraging a culture of reporting suspicious behavior

A security audit is a systematic evaluation of an organization’s security policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with security standards and identify areas for improvement.

Best practices include:

• Implementing firewalls
• Using VPNs
• Regularly updating software
• Conducting regular security training
• Performing regular security assessments

Prioritization is based on factors such as the severity of the incident, the potential impact on the organization, and the criticality of the affected systems. High-risk incidents are addressed first.

A zero-day vulnerability is a security flaw that is unknown to the vendor and can be exploited by attackers before it is patched. It poses a significant risk because there is no defense available at the time of discovery.