20 Security Researcher Interview Questions and Answers

As a security researcher, you are responsible for finding and investigating security vulnerabilities in software and systems. In order to be successful in this role, you must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. During a job interview, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience, technical skills and approach to security research. Answering these questions confidently can help you land the job. In this article, we discuss the most common security researcher interview questions and how to answer them.

Security Researcher Interview Questions and Answers

Here are 20 commonly asked Security Researcher interview questions and answers to prepare you for your interview:

1. What is your biggest strength?

I would say that my biggest strength is my ability to think outside the box. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to approach problems, and I am not afraid to take risks. This has allowed me to make significant breakthroughs in my field, and it is something that I am very proud of.

2. How much experience do you have in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security auditing?

I have over five years of experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security auditing. I have performed these activities for both small businesses and large enterprises. I am also experienced in conducting social engineering assessments and physical security assessments.

3. What tools would you use to perform a black-box test on an application?

I would use a tool like Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP to perform a black-box test on an application. These tools allow me to intercept traffic and look for vulnerabilities.

4. What’s the difference between a white box test and a black box test?

A white box test is a type of security testing where the tester has full knowledge of the system under test. This knowledge can include information about the system’s internals, such as its code, architecture, and design. A black box test, on the other hand, is a type of security testing where the tester has no knowledge of the system under test.

5. Can you explain how you would discover vulnerabilities in a web app?

There are a few different ways that a security researcher can discover vulnerabilities in a web application. One way is to manually inspect the code for any potential security flaws. Another way is to use automated tools to scan the code for known vulnerabilities. Finally, researchers can also try to attack the application directly to see if they can find any weaknesses that can be exploited.

6. Give me some examples of typical attacks that can be performed against a web app?

There are many different types of attacks that can be performed against a web application. Some of the most common include SQL injection attacks, cross-site scripting attacks, and denial of service attacks.

7. What are some common types of threats for mobile applications?

Some common types of threats for mobile applications include:

-Malware: This is a type of software that is designed to damage or disable a mobile device.
-Phishing: This is a type of attack that tries to trick users into giving up sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
-Man-in-the-middle attacks: This is a type of attack where a malicious actor intercepts communications between two parties in order to eavesdrop or tamper with the data.

8. Have you ever discovered any zero day vulnerabilities? If yes, then which ones?

I have discovered a few zero day vulnerabilities, but the most notable ones would be the vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system that allowed for the WannaCry ransomware attack.

9. What kinds of challenges do you face as a Security Researcher?

As a security researcher, I face a lot of challenges. I need to constantly be on the lookout for new security threats, and I also need to be up-to-date on the latest security technologies. I also need to be able to communicate my findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

10. Do you think it’s ethical to make money from exploiting vulnerabilities? Why or why not?

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Some people may feel that it is ethical to make money from exploiting vulnerabilities because they are providing a service that helps to make systems more secure. Others may feel that it is unethical because they are taking advantage of people or organizations who may not have the resources to fix the vulnerabilities. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they believe is ethical.

11. What is the best way to report a software security bug? Should we always inform the developer first?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to report a software security bug will vary depending on the particular bug and the software involved. However, in general, it is generally a good idea to inform the developer of the bug before going public with it, as this gives them a chance to fix the issue before it becomes widely known.

12. What is the process involved in discovering and reporting a new zero day vulnerability?

The process of discovering and reporting a new zero day vulnerability can be divided into a few key steps. First, the researcher must find a way to exploit the vulnerability in order to gain access to the system or data that is protected by the security measure that is being bypassed. Once the researcher has gained access, they will then need to determine how the exploit can be used to bypass the security measure and gain access to the system or data. After the researcher has determined how to exploit the vulnerability, they will need to report their findings to the appropriate party, such as the software vendor or the security team responsible for the system or data that was accessed.

13. Are there any special laws governing researchers like us who deal with exploitable vulnerabilities?

There are a few laws that are relevant to security researchers, but nothing that specifically governs our work. The main law that comes into play is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which makes it a crime to access a computer without authorization or to exceed authorized access. This law is often used to prosecute hackers, but it could also be used against security researchers if we are not careful. Another relevant law is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which makes it a crime to circumvent technological measures that control access to copyrighted works. This law is often used to prosecute people who create or distribute tools that can be used to pirate software, but it could also be used against security researchers if we are not careful.

14. Who are some of the most well-known security researchers out there today?

Some of the most well-known security researchers today include Bruce Schneier, Dan Kaminsky, and HD Moore.

15. How do you keep yourself updated about the latest happenings in the world of cyber security research?

There are a few ways. I read a lot of blogs and articles from various sources, I follow a lot of people on Twitter who share interesting things, and I also attend various security conferences where researchers present their latest findings.

16. What type of education is required to become a good security researcher?

A good security researcher needs to have a strong understanding of computer science and programming. They should also be familiar with networking and security concepts. A security researcher should also be able to think creatively and be able to work independently.

17. What kind of work environment do you prefer when doing security research?

I prefer an environment where I can focus and concentrate on my work without too many distractions. I also like to have access to a variety of tools and resources so that I can experiment and explore different approaches to solving problems.

18. Can you give me some examples of conferences attended by security researchers?

Some popular conferences for security researchers include Black Hat, DEFCON, and RSA Conference.

19. What is the role of a CERT team?

A CERT team is responsible for responding to computer security incidents, researching and developing information security solutions, and providing training and education on computer security issues.

20. Are all security bugs reported through public disclosure programs?

No, not all security bugs are reported through public disclosure programs. Some companies and organizations prefer to keep security vulnerabilities private in order to avoid public scrutiny or embarrassment. Additionally, some researchers may choose to sell their findings to the highest bidder instead of disclosing them to the public.