25 Application Security Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Application security engineers are responsible for ensuring that the software applications used by a company are free of security vulnerabilities. In other words, their job is to protect the company’s data from hackers.

Application security engineers need to have a strong understanding of computer science, as well as the ability to think like a hacker. They also need to be able to communicate complex technical information to non-technical staff.

If you’re applying for a job as an application security engineer, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your technical skills, as well as your experience with different types of software applications. Here are some sample questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

1. Are you familiar with OWASP?

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is an open-source community that focuses on improving application security. Employers ask this question to see if you are familiar with the OWASP and its mission. To answer this question, briefly explain what OWASP is and why it’s important. If you have experience working with OWASP, share your experiences.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with OWASP. I have been working in the application security field for over five years and have extensive experience with OWASP standards and best practices. In my current role as an Application Security Engineer, I use OWASP to ensure that applications are secure and compliant with industry regulations. I also regularly review code for vulnerabilities using OWASP tools such as Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) and WebScarab. Furthermore, I stay up-to-date on the latest OWASP releases and guidelines so that I can provide the most effective security solutions for our clients.”

2. What are some of the most common vulnerabilities you’ve identified in applications?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your experience with application security. Use examples from your past to explain what you’ve done to mitigate vulnerabilities and how it helped improve the overall security of an application.

Example: “I have identified a variety of vulnerabilities in applications throughout my career as an Application Security Engineer. One of the most common vulnerabilities I’ve seen is SQL injection, which occurs when user input is not properly sanitized and can be used to access or manipulate data stored in a database. Another vulnerability that I often encounter is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), which allows attackers to inject malicious code into webpages and execute it on unsuspecting users’ browsers. Finally, I frequently find insecure authentication methods such as weak passwords or lack of multi-factor authentication, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.”

3. How would you approach testing a new application for security flaws?

This question can help the interviewer understand your testing process and how you apply it to a new application. Use examples from past projects that show your ability to test applications for security flaws, including any tools or processes you use to complete this task.

Example: “When it comes to testing a new application for security flaws, I believe in taking an organized and methodical approach. First, I would review the requirements of the application and any existing documentation that is available. This will help me understand what the application should be doing, as well as identify any potential areas of concern.

Next, I would conduct a thorough code review of the application. This would involve looking at the source code for any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses. I would also look for any insecure coding practices that may have been used. Finally, I would use automated tools such as static analysis scanners to detect any possible issues.

Once this initial assessment has been completed, I would then move on to more dynamic testing. This would include running penetration tests against the application to identify any exploitable vulnerabilities. I would also run vulnerability scans to check for known security flaws. Finally, I would perform manual tests to uncover any logic-based issues that could not be identified by automated tools.”

4. What is the difference between a vulnerability and a threat?

This question helps the interviewer assess your knowledge of application security terminology. Your answer should include a clear definition for each term and how they differ from one another.

Example: “The difference between a vulnerability and a threat is an important one to understand in application security. A vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in the system that can be exploited by a malicious actor, while a threat is the potential for harm caused by exploiting the vulnerability. For example, if a web application has a SQL injection vulnerability, then this would be considered a vulnerability. However, the threat associated with this vulnerability could be data theft, destruction of data, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

As an Application Security Engineer, it’s my job to identify vulnerabilities and assess the threats they pose. I use a variety of tools and techniques to do this, such as static code analysis, dynamic testing, penetration testing, and manual reviews. Once identified, I work with developers to ensure that these vulnerabilities are addressed and mitigated. This involves developing secure coding practices, implementing secure configurations, and deploying appropriate security controls.”

5. Provide an example of a risk assessment you performed.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your analytical skills and how you apply them to the job. Use examples from previous positions to show that you can use data to make decisions.

Example: “I recently performed a risk assessment for an application that was being developed in-house. The goal of the assessment was to identify any potential security vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to mitigate them.

To begin, I conducted a thorough review of the codebase, looking for any areas where malicious actors could exploit weaknesses or gain access to sensitive data. I also looked at the architecture of the system to ensure it had been designed securely. Finally, I tested the application with various tools to check for common web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and authentication bypasses.

Once I had identified all the risks associated with the application, I created a report outlining my findings and recommendations. This included detailed descriptions of each vulnerability, its severity, and steps that should be taken to address it. My report was then presented to the development team so they could take action on the issues I had identified.”

6. If an application has a high risk of failure, what would you do to mitigate that risk?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach a problem and your ability to solve it. Use examples from past experience in which you identified risks, developed solutions and implemented them successfully.

Example: “When it comes to mitigating the risk of application failure, I believe that a multi-pronged approach is best. First, I would conduct an in-depth security assessment of the application and its environment to identify any potential vulnerabilities or threats. This could include penetration testing, code reviews, and vulnerability scans. Once any issues have been identified, I would work with the development team to create a remediation plan for addressing them.

In addition, I would also ensure that the application is properly configured and monitored to detect any suspicious activity or attempts at exploitation. This could involve implementing logging and alerting systems, as well as setting up automated processes to scan for malicious traffic. Finally, I would develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan to ensure that the application can be quickly restored in the event of a major incident. By taking these steps, I am confident that I can help reduce the risk of application failure.”

7. What would you do if you noticed a fellow application security engineer was not following best practices?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to speak up when necessary. Your answer should show that you value collaboration and teamwork, but also understand when it’s important to address a colleague about their behavior or actions.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow application security engineer was not following best practices, my first step would be to have an open and honest conversation with them. I believe that communication is key in any team environment, so it’s important to discuss the issue openly and respectfully. During this conversation, I would explain why certain best practices are necessary for secure applications, and how their lack of adherence could put the company at risk.

I would also offer to help them understand the best practices better and provide resources or guidance if needed. If the engineer still does not adhere to the best practices after our discussion, then I would bring the issue up to management. It is important to ensure that all engineers on the team are following the same standards and protocols to maintain the highest level of security possible.”

8. How well do you understand the difference between confidentiality, integrity and availability?

This question is a common one for application security engineers to answer. It tests your knowledge of the three main principles of information security and how they apply to an engineer’s job. In your answer, explain what each principle means and how it applies to your work as an engineer.

Example: “I understand the differences between confidentiality, integrity and availability very well. Confidentiality is about protecting data from unauthorized access or disclosure. It involves ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. Integrity is about maintaining accuracy and consistency of data over time. This means making sure that data cannot be modified in an unauthorized way. Finally, availability is about ensuring that data can be accessed when needed. This includes having systems and processes in place to ensure that data is available for use when required.”

9. Do you have experience with penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a common practice in application security. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with the process and how it relates to your previous work. In your answer, explain what penetration testing is and describe any experience you’ve had with it.

Example: “Yes, I have experience with penetration testing. I have been performing security assessments and penetration tests for the past five years. During this time, I have developed a deep understanding of application security best practices and common vulnerabilities. I am well-versed in both manual and automated testing techniques, as well as various tools used to identify and exploit weaknesses in applications.

I have also conducted numerous successful penetration tests on web applications, mobile applications, and APIs. My experience includes identifying potential attack vectors, developing proof-of-concept exploits, and providing detailed reports outlining my findings. I am confident that I can bring these skills to your organization and help ensure the security of your applications.”

10. When performing risk assessments, what are some of the factors you consider?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach a task and what your thought process is. Use examples from past projects to explain how you consider factors such as business objectives, regulatory requirements, technical constraints and more.

Example: “When performing risk assessments, I consider a variety of factors. First and foremost, I assess the security posture of the application or system in question. This includes evaluating the existing controls that are in place to protect against potential threats, as well as any gaps or weaknesses that may exist.

I also take into account the sensitivity of the data being stored or processed by the application or system. Knowing what kind of information is at stake helps me determine the level of risk associated with it. Finally, I look at the environment in which the application or system operates. Factors such as user access levels, network topology, and other external influences can all increase the overall risk profile.”

11. We want to make our applications more scalable. How would you improve the scalability of our current applications?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of application security and how it relates to the overall performance of an application. Use examples from previous projects or experiences that show you understand what makes applications more scalable.

Example: “Scalability is an important factor when it comes to application security. To improve the scalability of our current applications, I would recommend a few steps.

Firstly, I would review the existing architecture and identify any areas that could be improved or optimized. This includes analyzing the codebase for potential bottlenecks, such as inefficient queries or slow-running processes. Once these issues are identified, they can be addressed with refactoring or optimization techniques.

Secondly, I would look into using cloud services to help scale the applications. Cloud computing provides many advantages, including increased flexibility, scalability, and cost savings. By leveraging cloud services, we can ensure that our applications can handle more traffic without having to invest in additional hardware or infrastructure.

Thirdly, I would suggest implementing caching solutions to reduce the load on the server. Caching helps to store frequently accessed data so that it can be quickly retrieved from memory instead of making a request to the database every time. This reduces the amount of processing power required and allows the application to respond faster.”

12. Describe your experience with code reviews.

Code reviews are a common practice in the application security field. They allow engineers to review each other’s work and provide feedback on how they can improve their code. This question allows you to demonstrate your experience with this process and explain what you’ve learned from it.

Example: “I have extensive experience with code reviews. I have been performing manual and automated code reviews for over five years, as part of my role as an Application Security Engineer. During this time, I have developed a deep understanding of the different types of vulnerabilities that can be found in code, and how to identify them.

My approach to code reviews is comprehensive and thorough. I start by reviewing the code structure and architecture, looking for any potential security flaws or weaknesses. I then review the code line-by-line, using static analysis tools such as Fortify and AppScan to detect any known vulnerabilities. Finally, I perform dynamic testing, running the application through various scenarios to uncover any hidden issues.”

13. What makes you stand out from other application security engineers we might interview?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and how it relates to the job you’re applying for. They want to know what makes you unique, so share a few of your strongest qualities that relate to the position.

Example: “I believe my experience and qualifications make me an ideal candidate for this position. I have over five years of experience in application security engineering, with a focus on designing secure systems and developing secure coding practices. My expertise includes vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, risk management, code review, and incident response.

In addition to my technical skills, I also bring strong communication and problem-solving abilities to the table. I’m comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and I’m able to effectively communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. I’m also passionate about staying up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the field, which helps me stay ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities.”

14. Which programming languages do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with programming languages. It can also show them which ones you prefer to use and how familiar you are with each one. When answering this question, list the programming languages you have worked with in the past and explain why you prefer some over others.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with a variety of programming languages, including Java, C#, Python, and JavaScript. I am also familiar with HTML/CSS and SQL. My most recent project was developing an application in Java that required me to use several different technologies such as Spring Boot, Hibernate, and RESTful APIs. I have also worked on projects using .NET Core and ASP.NET MVC frameworks.

In addition to my technical skills, I have strong knowledge of secure coding principles and best practices for application security. I understand the importance of writing secure code and how to identify potential vulnerabilities. I have implemented various security measures such as input validation, authentication, authorization, encryption, and logging. I have also conducted penetration tests and vulnerability scans to ensure the security of applications.”

15. What do you think is the most important skill for an application security engineer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine your priorities and how you view the role. Your answer should reflect your understanding of what is important in this position, but it can also give insight into your own skills and abilities.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for an application security engineer to have is a strong understanding of software development and security principles. This includes knowledge of secure coding practices, secure architecture design, and vulnerability assessment techniques. Being able to identify potential vulnerabilities in code and architectures before they become exploitable is key to preventing security incidents. In addition, having experience with various security tools such as static analysis, dynamic analysis, and penetration testing can help ensure that applications are properly secured. Finally, having good communication skills is essential for working effectively with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that security requirements are met.”

16. How often do you perform code audits?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with code audits. They want to know how often you perform them and what type of results you get from them. Use examples from your past job to explain the process of performing a code audit and the benefits it provides for an organization.

Example: “I perform code audits on a regular basis. I typically review and audit the code of any new applications or updates to existing applications before they are released into production. This helps ensure that all security requirements have been met, as well as ensuring that there are no potential vulnerabilities in the code.

In addition to performing code audits prior to release, I also conduct periodic reviews of existing applications to make sure that any changes made since the last audit haven’t introduced any new security risks. This is especially important for applications that are regularly updated with new features or bug fixes. By staying up-to-date on these changes, I can quickly identify any potential issues and address them accordingly.”

17. There is a high volume of bugs in the code for a new application. How would you approach this problem?

This question can help the interviewer understand your problem-solving skills and how you would approach a challenging situation. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your critical thinking, analytical and reasoning skills.

Example: “When it comes to addressing a high volume of bugs in the code for a new application, my approach would be to first identify and prioritize the most critical issues. This can be done by assessing the severity of each bug and understanding its potential impact on the application’s security posture. Once the priority bugs have been identified, I would then focus on developing an action plan to address them. This could include implementing automated testing tools such as static analysis or dynamic analysis to detect any vulnerabilities, as well as manual code reviews to ensure that all coding best practices are being followed. Finally, I would work with the development team to ensure that appropriate remediation steps are taken to fix any identified issues. By taking this comprehensive approach, I am confident that I can help reduce the number of bugs in the code and improve the overall security of the application.”

18. What techniques do you use to identify vulnerabilities in applications?

This question can help the interviewer understand your technical skills and how you apply them to your work. Use examples from your experience to highlight your ability to analyze applications for security risks, implement solutions and monitor their effectiveness.

Example: “I have a comprehensive approach to identifying vulnerabilities in applications. First, I use static code analysis tools such as Fortify and Checkmarx to scan for security issues in the source code. This helps me identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

Next, I use dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools to test the application while it is running. This allows me to detect any flaws or misconfigurations that may exist in the application. Finally, I perform manual penetration tests to uncover any additional vulnerabilities that may not have been detected by automated scans.”

19. Explain the concept of defense-in-depth when it comes to application security.

Defense-in-depth is a concept that’s important to understand when working as an application security engineer. This question allows you to show the interviewer your knowledge of this concept and how it applies to your work.

Example: “Defense-in-depth is an important concept in application security. It involves implementing multiple layers of security measures to protect the application from potential threats. This approach ensures that if one layer of protection fails, there are other layers in place to prevent a successful attack.

The most common example of defense-in-depth is having both network and host-based firewalls. Network firewalls provide perimeter protection by blocking malicious traffic before it reaches the application servers. Host-based firewalls can be used to block specific ports or services on individual machines.

Other examples of defense-in-depth include authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, encryption for data at rest and in transit, patching and updating software regularly, and using secure coding practices. All these measures work together to create a strong defense against attackers.

As an Application Security Engineer, I understand the importance of defense-in-depth and have experience implementing various security controls to ensure the safety of applications.”

20. Describe your experience with vulnerability scanning tools.

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific type of application security tool. Use past experiences to describe how you used the tools and what results you achieved.

Example: “I have extensive experience with vulnerability scanning tools. I have used a variety of different products, including Nessus, Qualys, and Acunetix. My experience includes setting up scans, interpreting the results, and taking corrective action to remediate any vulnerabilities that were identified. I am also familiar with scripting languages such as Python and PowerShell which can be used to automate certain aspects of the scan process.

In addition to my technical skills, I understand the importance of security policies and procedures when it comes to vulnerability scanning. I have implemented processes for scheduling regular scans, reviewing results, and escalating issues to the appropriate personnel. This helps ensure that any potential threats are addressed in a timely manner. Finally, I have experience training other team members on how to use these tools and interpret their results.”

21. How would you handle a situation where an application is vulnerable to attack but there are no resources available to fix the issue?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize tasks and manage your time. Use examples from previous experience to show that you are able to work with limited resources and still complete projects on time.

Example: “If I were faced with a situation where an application is vulnerable to attack but there are no resources available to fix the issue, my first step would be to assess the risk of the vulnerability. This includes understanding the type of vulnerability, the potential impact of exploitation, and any other factors that could increase or decrease the severity of the threat.

Once I have assessed the risk, I can then determine what steps need to be taken in order to mitigate the vulnerability. Depending on the severity of the vulnerability, this may include implementing temporary measures such as disabling certain features or restricting access until a permanent solution can be implemented. It may also involve providing additional training or guidance to users so they can better understand how to protect themselves from attacks.

I would also work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for resolving the issue. This may include working with developers to create a patch or engaging external security experts to provide advice and assistance. Finally, I would document the process and results of my efforts so that future teams can benefit from my experience.”

22. Are you familiar with common web application frameworks and their security implications?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of application security and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise in this area.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with common web application frameworks and their security implications. In my current role as an Application Security Engineer, I have worked extensively with popular frameworks such as Ruby on Rails, Django, Express.js, and ASP.NET. I understand the importance of secure coding practices when working with these frameworks and have experience in identifying and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities. For example, I have implemented authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access, input validation techniques to prevent malicious data injection attacks, and encryption protocols to ensure sensitive data is kept safe. Furthermore, I have conducted regular code reviews to identify any additional risks that may exist within the applications.”

23. Do you have experience dealing with sensitive data such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.?

This question can help the interviewer determine how comfortable you are with handling confidential information. Use examples from your experience to show that you understand the importance of protecting sensitive data and have a plan for doing so.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience dealing with sensitive data. In my current role as an Application Security Engineer, I am responsible for ensuring that all applications are secure and compliant with industry standards. This includes protecting customer information such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifiable information (PII).

I have implemented various security measures to protect this type of data, including encryption, access control, and authentication protocols. I also regularly audit the system to ensure that any vulnerabilities are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Finally, I provide training to developers on best practices when handling sensitive data.”

24. What steps do you take to ensure secure coding practices?

This question can help the interviewer understand your approach to application security and how you apply coding practices that ensure data protection. Use examples from past experience to explain what steps you take to secure coding practices, including any tools or methods you use to test for vulnerabilities in code.

Example: “As an Application Security Engineer, I understand the importance of secure coding practices and take a number of steps to ensure that applications are built securely. First, I review existing code for any security issues or vulnerabilities. This includes looking for any potential SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting, buffer overflows, etc. Once any issues are identified, I work with developers to address them.

I also provide guidance on best practices when writing new code. This includes using secure coding frameworks such as OWASP Top 10, SANS CWE/SANS 25, and NIST 800-53. I also recommend following industry standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS. Finally, I regularly perform code reviews to ensure that all code is up to date and secure. By taking these steps, I am confident that my applications will be secure and compliant with relevant regulations.”

25. Our team is short on time and needs to deploy a new application quickly. How would you go about ensuring its security before launch?

This question is a great way to show your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. It also shows the interviewer that you understand how important security is in application development. Your answer should include steps for testing, reviewing and implementing security measures before launch.

Example: “I understand the importance of quickly deploying a new application while still ensuring its security. To ensure that this is done in an efficient and secure manner, I would first assess the current security posture of the application. This includes looking at the codebase to identify any potential vulnerabilities or areas of improvement. Once identified, I would then create a plan for mitigating these risks. This could include implementing additional authentication measures, patching known vulnerabilities, and performing regular security scans. Finally, I would work with the development team to ensure that all security best practices are being followed during the deployment process. By taking these steps, I am confident that the application can be deployed securely and on time.”