Ethical Hacking Interview Questions and Answers by ICSS – Part I
Reading Time: 3 minutes1. What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is the practice of testing a computer system, network, or application to find security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. It is a subset of the broader discipline of ‘ethical hacking’, whereby computer security professionals are employed by organizations to test and verify the security of a system in a responsible and legal manner.
2. What are the different types of ethical hacking?
- White-hat hacking – Testing a system for the purpose of improving the organization’s security posture.
- Black-hat hacking – Offensive techniques used for malicious purposes.
- Gray-hat hacking – A combination of both offensive and defensive techniques used for legitimate purposes.
- Reverse-engineering – Analyzing a system or application to determine its structure and function.
- Penetration testing – Exploiting discovered vulnerabilities to gain access to a system or application.
- Network sniffing – Capturing network traffic for the purpose of analyzing network communication.
- Social engineering – Manipulating people into divulging sensitive information.
3. What are the different tools used for ethical hacking?
- Nmap – Network mapper
- Wireshark – Network protocol analyzer
- Metasploit – Framework for developing and executing exploit code
- Burp Suite – Automated vulnerability scanning tool
- Aircrack-ng – Wireless network security auditing tool
- John the Ripper – Password cracking tool
- Nessus – Vulnerability scanning and patch management tool
4. What are some of the common security threats and vulnerabilities?
Common security threats include malware, phishing attacks, Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, buffer overflow attacks, SQL injection attacks, and social engineering attacks. Common security vulnerabilities include weak passwords, lack of encryption, uninformed personnel, unpatched or outdated software, and insecure configuration of systems.
5. What skills are important for an ethical hacker?
An ethical hacker should have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer networks and systems, as well as the security measures used to protect them. They also need to be up-to-date on the latest hacking techniques and strategies hacking tools. Additionally, they should have excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
6. Is an ethical hacker the same as a “white hat hacker”?
Yes, ethical hacking and white hat hacking are often used interchangeably. A white hat hacker is a computer security expert who uses penetration testing and other testing methods to find security vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications in order to protect them.
7. What is the main difference between ethical hacking and malicious hacking?
The main difference between ethical hacking and malicious hacking is the intent. An ethical hacker uses their skills and knowledge to identify security vulnerabilities to help protect the system, while a malicious hacker attempts to exploit those vulnerabilities for their own gain.
8. Is ethical hacking legal?
Yes, in most cases, ethical hacking is legal. However, it is important to ensure that the ethical hacker has permission to conduct the testing from the owner or operators of the system or application.
9. What is the best way to prepare for an ethical hacking interview?
To prepare for an ethical hacking interview, you should have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer networks, systems, and security. Additionally, you should research the company and its security processes and architecture, and be familiar with the latest tools, techniques, and strategies used for ethical hacking. You should also practice describing technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
10. What are the most important skills for an ethical hacker to have?
An ethical hacker should have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer networks and systems, as well as the security measures used to protect them. They should also have excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and communication skills. Additionally, they should be familiar with the latest hacking tools, techniques, and strategies used for ethical hacking.