15 Ethical Hacker Interview Questions (2024)

1. What is the importance of cryptography in Ethical Hacking?

Cryptography is an integral part of ethical hacking. Aspiring ethical hackers should have a deep understanding of cryptography, as it plays a crucial role in securing information and communication. Knowledge of encryption and decryption methods, and how they can be exploited, is a fundamental skill for an ethical hacker.

As an ethical hacker, I consider cryptography as the cornerstone of securing information. It converts plain, readable data into unreadable form, preventing unauthorized access. I've utilized cryptographic systems for tasks like securing sensitive data, maintaining integrity, and authenticating messages.

2. Explain what Cross-site Scripting (XSS) is and how it can be prevented.

Cross-site Scripting is a common type of security vulnerability. Your knowledge on it, including how to identify and prevent XSS attacks, is a good measure of your proficiency in web application security. This question is common in interviews because it tests your understanding of both the attack and how to build secure applications.

Cross-site Scripting (XSS) is an injection attack where malicious scripts are injected into trusted websites. XSS attacks occur when an application sends untrusted data to a web browser without validating or escaping it. To prevent XSS, validate input, sanitize output, and use appropriate response headers.

3. Can you elaborate on SQL Injection and how to mitigate it?

Demonstrating your understanding of SQL Injection (SQLi) attacks shows your proficiency in database security. SQLi is a critical security flaw in many web applications. Candidates should discuss how it occurs and steps to counteract it.

SQL Injection is a code injection technique that attackers use to exploit vulnerabilities in a web application's database query. It involves inserting malicious SQL code via user input that is processed by an application. Mitigating SQLi involves input validation, prepared statements, and limiting database permissions.

4. What is a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack?

Understanding DDoS attacks and how to prevent them will show your knowledge in network security. It's important to elaborate on how these attacks work, their impact, and how to protect against them.

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is an attempt to overwhelm a system, network, or service with traffic, causing it to become unavailable. It's usually executed using a botnet. To protect against DDoS, one should deploy anti-DDoS software, use load balancing, and employ traffic profiling.

5. How would you establish a security baseline?

This question is designed to test your understanding of security assessments. Establishing a security baseline is important for assessing system security and identifying areas for improvement.

Establishing a security baseline involves assessing and documenting the current security posture of a system. This is done through vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and auditing system configurations. The documented security state then serves as a comparison model for future security assessments.

6. What is the purpose of footprinting in ethical hacking?

This question gauges your understanding of the initial stages of an ethical hacking exercise. Footprinting is the first step in the information gathering phase where the hacker gathers as much information as possible about the target.

Footprinting is the process of collecting as much information as possible about a target system, network, or organization. As an ethical hacker, I use this information to understand the target environment better and find potential vulnerabilities. Information collected ranges from domain details to server and network configurations.

7. Can you explain Phishing and how to prevent it?

Phishing is a common method used by attackers to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Explaining your understanding of phishing attacks and how to prevent them shows your expertise in social engineering prevention.

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where the attacker pretends to be a trustworthy entity to trick victims into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Prevention measures include user education, spam filters, and two-factor authentication.

8. What are the key elements of an effective Incident Response Plan?

An effective Incident Response Plan is crucial for any organization to promptly respond to and contain security incidents. Illustrate your understanding of how to create an effective plan.

A good Incident Response Plan should have the following key elements: a clear incident response team structure, well-defined communication plan, incident detection and reporting processes, containment and eradication strategies, recovery plans, and a process for conducting post-incident reviews.

9. What is a Zero-day exploit?

A zero-day exploit is a threat that poses a serious risk to systems and data. Discussing what it is, and ways to protect against it, highlights your understanding of advanced security threats.

A zero-day exploit is an attack that takes advantage of a software vulnerability before the vendor has a chance to create a patch for it. Protection measures include using robust security software, regular system patching, and network segmentation.

10. Can you explain what a Botnet is?

Botnets represent a serious security threat. Show your understanding of what they are, how they are used, and what measures can be taken to protect against them.

A Botnet is a network of compromised computers controlled by a hacker, known as a bot herder. They are often used for DDoS attacks, spamming, and spreading malware. Protection measures include regular system updates, firewall implementation, and running trustworthy antivirus software.

11. Can you describe the process of a Penetration Test?

A penetration test is a critical skill for an ethical hacker. Describe the process and your approach to it to demonstrate your practical skills.

A Penetration Test involves identifying vulnerabilities in a system and attempting to exploit them. The process typically includes planning and reconnaissance, scanning, gaining and maintaining access, and covering tracks. The goal is to improve system security by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.

12. What are the different types of Hacker Hats?

Understanding the different types of hackers demonstrates your knowledge of the broader cybersecurity landscape. Discuss the various “hats” and their differing motivations and methods.

In cybersecurity, we categorize hackers based on their intentions: White Hat hackers are ethical hackers who improve security, Black Hat hackers exploit security for malicious intentions, and Grey Hat hackers fall somewhere in between, often hacking without permission but without malicious intent.

13. Can you explain Man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack?

A Man-in-the-middle attack is a common security threat. Display your understanding of this threat, how it works, and ways to mitigate it.

A Man-in-the-middle attack occurs when a hacker intercepts communication between two systems. The attacker can spy, inject, or modify the communication. Mitigation techniques include using secure Wi-Fi, employing HTTPS, and leveraging VPN for secure connections.

14. What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

Understanding intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) is essential for network security. Explain the differences and their application areas.

IDS and IPS are both used in network security. IDS detects and alerts on potential intrusions, while IPS prevents detected intrusions by blocking or rerouting malicious traffic. While IDS is passive, IPS is active and directly takes action to prevent detected threats.

15. What is Social Engineering?

Social Engineering is a major risk in cybersecurity. Discuss what it is, common types of social engineering attacks, and how to prevent them.

Social Engineering involves manipulating individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Common types include phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating. Prevention involves user education, implementing strict security protocols, and using reliable security software.