Top Interview Questions & Answers

Question

Key Points to Cover

What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

IDS = detects and alerts; IPS = detects AND blocks. IDS is passive, IPS is inline and active.

Explain the CIA Triad

Confidentiality (only authorized access), Integrity (data unaltered), Availability (accessible when needed). Foundation of all security.

What is a firewall?

Network security device that monitors and filters incoming/outgoing traffic based on predefined rules. Stateful vs stateless.

What tools do you use for pen testing?

Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wireshark, Nikto, SQLMap, Aircrack-ng, John the Ripper, Hashcat.

Explain SQL Injection

Injection of malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate database queries. Prevention: parameterized queries.

What is XSS?

Cross-Site Scripting — injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Stored/Reflected/DOM-based types.

What is a DMZ?

Demilitarized Zone — a network segment hosting public-facing services (web, mail) isolated from the internal network.

How do you stay updated?

ThreatPost, SANS Internet Stormcast, CVE databases, HackerNews (security), CTF competitions.

 

Career Path Options

  • Security Analyst — Monitor alerts, investigate incidents, first SOC role (Great entry point)
  • Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker — Test systems for clients, requires OSCP ideally
  • Bug Bounty Hunter — Freelance vulnerability researcher (HackerOne, Bugcrowd platforms)
  • Security Engineer — Build and maintain security infrastructure (firewalls, SIEM, IAM)
  • Digital Forensics Analyst — Investigate cybercrimes, recover evidence
  • Cloud Security Specialist — Secure AWS/Azure/GCP environments (high demand in 2024+)

 

Action Plan: Week 1-2: Complete TryHackMe Beginner path. Week 3-4: Set up Kali Lab + Metasploitable. Week 5-8: Practice DVWA + Burp Suite. Week 9-12: Study CEH or eJPT material + write 3 practice reports. Apply for internships with a portfolio of lab writeups on GitHub.
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