I’ve had the opportunity to interview at dozens of technology companies for cybersecurity positions, and I thought it might be helpful to write about some of the most common cybersecurity interview questions and patterns.
Common Cybersecurity Interview Questions
Most of the top tech companies have similar cybersecurity interview questions. Here are a few of the most common AppSec type of interview:
- What happens when you put our URL in the browser and hit enter? The answer to this should take around 20-30 minutes to complete.
- Describe this type of web vulnerability. This is typically SSRF, CSRF, SQLi, or XSS. With this type of vulnerability, would it be possible in this type of app?
- Here’s a diagram, help me understand some of the security concerns. You should treat this like a mini threat model.
- Here’s a block of code, do you see any vulnerabilities? What would you recommend to me as a developer to fix the vulnerabilities you found?
- How would you work with a developer that is under a tight deadline to get a security issue resolved? This question is asked even more for remote positions.
- What is the different between hashing and encryption and when would you use hashing vs encryption? Be ready to talk about crypto attacks and preventions.
How To Be A Good Interviewee
On top of interviewing at companies, I’ve also been on the other side of the table and have interviewed dozens of candidates. Here are some of my observations:
- Try to get comfortable. The interviews usually start soft to get you comfortable. They know that most people are nervous so they start with gentle conversations and questions before they start getting into the technical.
- You don’t need to know everything. Be able to say you don’t know but also talk about how you would find the answer. Interviewers want to see that you know your weaknesses and you don’t pretend to know it all, but they also want to see your resourcefulness.
- You need a strong understanding of the foundations. Most questions are going to be around finding and fixing common vulnerabilities. It helps to discuss a defense in depth approach and not just focus on security at the code level, especially during the mini threat model.
- It’s best to be honest about your skills. Don’t inflate your skills because it’s easy to spot and you will come off as fake.
- Show that you’re a people person. It will be difficult to get hired with technical skills alone.
What Interviewers Want To Know
Most positions will require a training period, and most interviewers just want to know:
- How long will it take to train you into this position for what we’re willing to pay you for?
- Can we work with you or are you not going to be pleasant to work with? Success in cybersecurity requires partnering with other people.
- How much support will you need in this position? Everybody is busy and they don’t want to spend a lot of their time helping someone else that should already know what to do.
Conclusion
In wrapping up my experiences with cybersecurity interviews, it’s clear that while the questions may vary, the essence of what companies are looking for remains consistent. They seek individuals that not only have technical skills but also possess the soft skills necessary to collaborate effectively with others. As you navigate your own path through cybersecurity interviews, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is not just to answer questions correctly, but to showcase your holistic capabilities as a cybersecurity professional.
If you’re curious about the selection process at top tech companies, check out this blog post.
I hope my insights and reflections help with your way forward. Good luck, and may your curiosity and passion for cybersecurity lead you to new heights in your career!
