cyber incident analyst Interview Questions and Answers
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What is a cyber incident?
- Answer: A cyber incident is any event that adversely impacts the confidentiality, integrity, or availability (CIA triad) of an organization's information systems, data, or networks. This can range from a minor unauthorized access attempt to a major data breach or ransomware attack.
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Describe your experience with incident response methodologies (e.g., NIST, SANS).
- Answer: I have experience with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the SANS Institute's incident handling process. I understand the importance of preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activity. I can tailor my approach based on the specific incident and organizational needs. *(Replace with your actual experience using specific examples)*
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Explain the CIA triad.
- Answer: The CIA triad represents the three core principles of information security: Confidentiality (ensuring only authorized individuals can access information), Integrity (ensuring data accuracy and reliability), and Availability (ensuring timely and reliable access to information and resources).
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What are the key steps in incident handling?
- Answer: The key steps typically involve Preparation (developing incident response plans and procedures), Identification (detecting and identifying security incidents), Containment (limiting the impact of the incident), Eradication (removing the threat), Recovery (restoring systems and data), and Post-Incident Activity (reviewing the incident to identify lessons learned and improve future response).
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How do you prioritize incidents?
- Answer: Incident prioritization depends on several factors, including the impact on business operations (e.g., critical systems affected), the potential for data loss or compromise, and the speed of escalation. I typically use a scoring system based on these factors to prioritize incidents, ensuring that the most critical ones receive immediate attention.
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What tools and technologies are you familiar with for incident response?
- Answer: I am proficient with tools such as [List tools e.g., SIEM systems (Splunk, QRadar), network monitoring tools (Wireshark, tcpdump), endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions (CrowdStrike, Carbon Black), forensic analysis tools (Autopsy, FTK), etc.]. *(Replace with your actual experience and tools)*
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How do you handle a ransomware attack?
- Answer: My response to a ransomware attack would involve immediate containment (isolating affected systems), eradication (removing the malware), and recovery (restoring data from backups). I would also investigate the attack vector and implement measures to prevent future attacks. Depending on the circumstances, I may consider paying the ransom as a last resort, but only after careful consideration of legal and ethical implications and after consulting with management.
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Describe your experience with malware analysis.
- Answer: *(Describe your experience with static and dynamic malware analysis, tools used, and any certifications held, e.g., reverse engineering skills, sandbox environments, etc.)*
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How do you perform digital forensics?
- Answer: Digital forensics involves systematically collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence. My process would adhere to strict chain-of-custody procedures, ensuring data integrity. I utilize forensic tools to analyze hard drives, memory dumps, and network logs to identify the source of the attack, the extent of the damage, and evidence that can be used in investigations or legal proceedings.
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