100 Most Asked SOC Analyst Interview Questions For Freshers

Comprehensive SOC Analyst Interview Preparation Guide (100 Questions)

This guide is an exhaustive resource designed to help you prepare for SOC (Security Operations Center) analyst interviews across various levels. Each question is paired with detailed explanations and examples to ensure you understand the concepts thoroughly.

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SOC Analyst Roles

1. What is a SOC Level 1 (Tier 1) Analyst?

• Role Overview:
  • SOC Level 1 analysts serve as the first line of defense in a SOC. Their primary role is to monitor security tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.
  • They focus on detecting potential anomalous activities on networks and systems.
  • When an anomaly is detected, they validate the incident and escalate it to Level 2 analysts for further investigation.
• Example Tools:
  • SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar).
  • EDR solutions (e.g., CrowdStrike, Carbon Black).
• Skills Required:
  • Basic understanding of networking (e.g., TCP/IP, OSI model).
  • Familiarity with monitoring tools and security alerts.
  • Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and playbooks.

2. What is a SOC Level 2 (Tier 2) Analyst?

• Role Overview:
  • SOC Level 2 analysts handle more complex tasks compared to Level 1. They investigate suspicious activities escalated by Level 1 analysts.
  • They may perform incident response (IR) duties, including initial malware analysis and forensics.
  • Additionally, they may create IR playbooks and automate routine tasks through scripting.
• Responsibilities:
  • Triaging alerts and conducting in-depth analysis.
  • Fine-tuning SIEM rules to reduce false positives.
  • Using the MITRE ATT&CK framework to identify gaps in the organization’s defenses.
  • Performing light forensic analysis and malware removal.
• Example Tools:
  • SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) platforms (e.g., Demisto, Phantom).
  • Malware analysis tools (e.g., IDA Pro, Cuckoo Sandbox).
  • Network analyzers (e.g., Wireshark).

3. What is a SOC Level 3 (Tier 3) Analyst?

• Role Overview:
  • SOC Level 3 analysts are the most advanced tier, responsible for complex incident response, threat hunting, and reverse engineering of malware.
  • They often lead threat hunting campaigns and develop strategies to detect and mitigate sophisticated attacks.
  • They may also engage in digital forensics and threat intelligence analysis.
• Responsibilities:
  • Leading the response to major security incidents.
  • Conducting advanced threat hunting and profiling.
  • Writing detection signatures (e.g., YARA rules) and reverse-engineering malware.
• Example Tools:
  • Reverse engineering tools (e.g., Ghidra, OllyDbg).
  • Threat intelligence platforms (e.g., ThreatConnect, Recorded Future).
  • Forensic tools (e.g., EnCase, FTK).

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Information Security Fundamentals

4. What is information security and how is it achieved?

• Definition:
  • Information security is the practice of protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of information.
• CIA Triad:
  • Confidentiality: Ensures that information is accessible only to those authorized to access it.
  • Integrity: Ensures that information is accurate and trustworthy.
  • Availability: Ensures that information is available to authorized users when needed.
• Achieving Information Security:
  • Risk Management: Identify valuable information, related assets, vulnerabilities, and threats. Assess the potential impact on the organization if an incident occurs and implement controls to mitigate risks.

5. Explain risk, vulnerability, and threat.

• Vulnerability: A weakness or gap in a system’s security that can be exploited by threats (e.g., unpatched software).
• Threat: Any potential danger that can exploit a vulnerability to cause harm (e.g., a hacker).
• Risk: The potential for loss or damage when a threat exploits a vulnerability (e.g., data breach).
• Example:
  • Vulnerability: A house without a functioning alarm system.
  • Threat: A burglar attempting to break into the house.
  • Risk: The potential loss of valuables due to the break-in.

6. What is the difference between asymmetric and symmetric encryption, and which one is better?

• Symmetric Encryption:
  • Uses a single key for both encryption and decryption.
  • Faster but requires secure key exchange.
  • Example: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
• Asymmetric Encryption:
  • Uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption.
  • Slower but more secure as the private key does not need to be shared.
  • Example: RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).
• Which is Better?
  • Neither is universally “better”; both have specific use cases.
  • Hybrid approaches often combine both (e.g., asymmetric encryption to securely exchange a symmetric key).

7. What is an IPS and how does it differ from an IDS?

• Intrusion Detection System (IDS):
  • Monitors network traffic and alerts administrators about potential intrusions.
  • Passive system—does not take direct action to block the intrusion.
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS):
  • Monitors network traffic and actively blocks or prevents intrusions.
  • Active system—can take immediate action to mitigate threats (e.g., blocking IPs).
• Example:
  • IDS might log a potential SQL injection attempt and alert the admin, whereas IPS would block the attempt in real-time.

8. What is the difference between encryption and hashing?

• Encryption:
  • A reversible process that converts plaintext into ciphertext to protect confidentiality.
  • Used to protect data in transit or at rest.
  • Example: AES encryption of files.
• Hashing:
  • A one-way process that generates a fixed-length string (hash) from input data, used to ensure integrity.
  • Hashes cannot be decrypted back to the original data.
  • Example: SHA-256 hashing of passwords.
• Key Differences:
  • Encryption ensures confidentiality, while hashing ensures data integrity.
  • Encryption is reversible, hashing is not.

9. What is a security misconfiguration?

• Definition:
  • A security misconfiguration occurs when a system, application, or device is set up in a way that allows for potential exploitation by attackers.
• Common Examples:
  • Using default or weak login credentials.
  • Leaving unnecessary services or ports open.
  • Misconfigured access controls in cloud environments.
• Impact:
  • Misconfigurations can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other security incidents.

10. What are black hats, white hats, and gray hat hackers?

• Black Hat Hackers:
  • Malicious individuals who exploit systems without authorization for personal gain or to cause harm.
• White Hat Hackers:
  • Ethical hackers who have permission to test and secure systems. They aim to improve security by finding and fixing vulnerabilities.
• Gray Hat Hackers:
  • Operate without explicit permission but do not have malicious intent. They might exploit vulnerabilities and then inform the affected party.
• Example:
  • A gray hat hacker might hack into a system to expose a security flaw and then inform the company to fix it, often without prior consent.

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Network Security and Firewalls

11. What is a firewall?

• Definition:
  • A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules.
• Types:
  • Hardware Firewalls: Standalone devices that protect a network.
  • Software Firewalls: Installed on individual devices to protect them.
• Example:
  • A firewall can block unauthorized access to a network while allowing legitimate traffic, such as HTTPS traffic on port 443.

12. How do you keep yourself updated with information security news?

• Importance:
  • Staying updated with the latest threats and vulnerabilities is crucial for a SOC analyst.
• Sources:
  • Feedly: Aggregates cybersecurity news from multiple sources.
  • OneWriteup.com, The CyberWire, The Hacker News: Popular cybersecurity news websites.
  • Social Media: Following industry experts and organizations on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Example Response:
  • “I use Feedly to aggregate news from sources like The Hacker News and Threatpost. I also follow cybersecurity experts on LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest trends.”

13. The world has recently been hit by an attack (e.g., SolarWinds). What would you do to protect your organization as a security professional?

• Response Steps:
  • Preparation: Review the organization’s Incident Response Plan.
  • Detection and Analysis: Use SIEM tools to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs) related to the attack.
  • Containment, Eradication, and Recovery: Isolate affected systems, remove malicious software, and restore operations.
  • Post-Incident Activity: Conduct a post-mortem to learn from the incident and improve defenses.
• Reference: NIST SP 800-61 provides a structured approach to incident response.

14. What is the CIA triad?

• Confidentiality:
  • Ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to those authorized to access it.
  • Example: Encrypting data to protect it from unauthorized access.
• Integrity:
  • Ensuring that information is accurate, complete, and has not been altered.
  • Example: Using checksums to detect changes in data.
• Availability:
  • Ensuring that information and resources are available to authorized users when needed.
  • Example: Implementing redundancy and backup systems to maintain access to critical data.

15. HIDS and NIDS – which one is better and why?

• Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS):
  • Monitors and analyzes the internals of a computing system (e.g., file integrity monitoring).
  • Provides detailed insights into suspicious activity on specific endpoints.
  • Drawback: Higher resource consumption and limited visibility into network-wide threats.
• Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS):
  • Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity (e.g., packet sniffing).
  • Provides a broader view of network-based threats.
  • Drawback: Limited visibility into activities happening on individual hosts.
• Which is Better?
  • Both have their strengths; the choice depends on the specific security needs of the organization. Often, a combination of both is ideal.

16. What is a security policy?

• Definition:
  • A security policy is a formal document that outlines how an organization protects its information assets and responds to security incidents.
• Components:
  • Purpose: The reason for the policy.
  • Scope: What the policy covers.
  • Responsibilities: Who is responsible for implementing the policy.
  • Procedures: Specific actions to be taken to enforce the policy.
• Example:
  • An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) might define acceptable and prohibited uses of company resources.

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Authentication, Access Control, and Risk Management

17. What are the core principles of information security?

• Confidentiality: Protecting information from unauthorized access.
• Integrity: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information.
• Availability: Ensuring that information is accessible to authorized users when needed.
• Non-repudiation: Ensuring that neither the sender nor the receiver of a transaction can deny having processed the transaction.

18. What is non-repudiation (as it applies to IT security)?

• Definition:
  • Non-repudiation ensures that the origin and receipt of a message or transaction can be verified, preventing either party from denying their actions.
• Example:
  • Digital signatures are commonly used to achieve non-repudiation, as they provide proof of the sender’s identity and the integrity of the message.

19. What is the relationship between information security and data availability?

• Information Security:
  • Focuses on protecting data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
• Data Availability:
  • Ensures that data is accessible to authorized users when needed.
• Relationship:
  • Information security supports data availability by protecting against disruptions that could make data inaccessible (e.g., through backup systems and disaster recovery plans).

20. What is the difference between logical and physical security? Can you give an example of both?

• Logical Security:
  • Involves protecting data and systems using digital means.
  • Example: Using encryption, firewalls, and access control lists (ACLs) to secure data.
• Physical Security:
  • Involves protecting physical assets from unauthorized access.
  • Example: Using locks, CCTV cameras, and security guards to protect a data center.

21. What’s an acceptable level of risk?

• Definition:
  • The acceptable level of risk is the amount of risk that an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives, considering its risk appetite and tolerance.
• Factors Influencing Acceptable Risk:
  • Business Objectives: The criticality of the data and operations.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Financial Impact: Potential cost of a breach versus the cost of mitigation.

22. Can you give me an example of common security vulnerabilities?

• Examples:
  • Security Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured systems or applications (e.g., leaving default passwords in place).
  • Insufficient Access Controls: Poor management of user permissions (e.g., granting excessive privileges).
  • Unpatched Software: Failing to apply security updates to systems, leaving them vulnerable to exploits.
  • Credential Reuse: Using the same passwords across multiple platforms, increasing the risk of credential stuffing attacks.

23. Are you familiar with any security management frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 27002?

• ISO/IEC 27002:
  • A framework of security controls designed to help organizations improve their security posture.
  • Controls Include: Access control, cryptographic techniques, physical and environmental security, and information security incident management.
• Importance:
  • Familiarity with frameworks like ISO/IEC 27002 demonstrates an understanding of standardized approaches to managing and improving information security.

24. What is security control?

• Definition:
  • Security controls are safeguards or countermeasures used to protect information, systems, and services from security threats.
• Types of Security Controls:
  • Preventive Controls: Aim to prevent security incidents (e.g., firewalls, access controls).
  • Detective Controls: Aim to detect security incidents (e.g., IDS, logs).
  • Corrective Controls: Aim to correct and recover from security incidents (e.g., backup and recovery solutions).

25. What are the different types of security controls?

• Technical Controls:
  • Also known as logical controls; these are implemented through technology.
  • Example: Encryption, firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM tools.
• Administrative Controls:
  • Policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern the organization’s security practices.
  • Example: Security policies, training programs, incident response procedures.
• Physical Controls:
  • Measures to protect the physical infrastructure.
  • Example: CCTV cameras, security guards, access control systems (e.g., keycard entry).

26. What is information security governance?

• Definition:
  • Information security governance is the framework that ensures security strategies are aligned with business objectives and compliant with laws and regulations.
• Components:
  • Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks.
  • Compliance: Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Performance Measurement: Assessing the effectiveness of security controls.
• Responsibility:
  • Typically, C-level executives set the risk appetite, and cybersecurity managers implement controls to align with this appetite.

27. Are open-source projects securer than proprietary ones?

• Open-Source Projects:
  • Pros: Code transparency allows for community review, potentially leading to quicker identification of vulnerabilities.
  • Cons: May lack formal security audits and could be vulnerable to unintentional backdoors or malicious contributions.
• Proprietary Projects:
  • Pros: Often have dedicated resources for security and formal support.
  • Cons: Lack of transparency; security issues may not be as quickly identified or disclosed.
• Conclusion:
  • Security depends on various factors, including the project’s size, the developers’ expertise, and the implemented quality controls.

28. Who do you look up to within the field of information security? Why?

• Purpose of the Question:
  • The interviewer wants to gauge your passion for cybersecurity and your willingness to learn from others.
• Possible Answer:
  • “I look up to Bruce Schneier for his contributions to cryptography and security. His work has been foundational in understanding the broader implications of security on society.”

29. How would you find out what a POST code means?

• Definition:
  • POST (Power-On Self-Test) codes are diagnostic messages produced by a computer’s BIOS during startup to indicate the success or failure of hardware components.
• Common POST Codes:
  • One beep: Refresh failure—check memory.
  • Two beeps: Parity error.
  • Three beeps: Memory error.
  • Four beeps: Timer failure.
• Answer:
  • “If I encounter a POST code I’m unfamiliar with, I would search online or refer to the motherboard’s manual to interpret the code.”

30. What is the chain of custody?

• Definition:
  • The chain of custody is a process that documents the handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.
• Importance:
  • Ensures that evidence has not been tampered with or altered and maintains its integrity for legal proceedings.
• Example:
  • When collecting logs from a compromised system, each transfer or access to the logs should be documented, including who handled them and when.

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Incident Response and Threat Management

31. Do you prefer filtered ports or closed ports on your firewall?

• Closed Ports:
  • Completely inaccessible from the outside, reducing the attack surface.
  • Advantage: Reduces the risk of port scanning attacks.
• Filtered Ports:
  • Respond selectively based on the firewall rules, which might allow for more controlled access.
  • Advantage: Provides more flexibility in managing network traffic.
• Personal Preference:
  • “I prefer closed ports because they minimize the attack surface by not responding to unsolicited traffic.”

32. What is a honeypot?

• Definition:
  • A honeypot is a security mechanism set up to attract and detect unauthorized access attempts. It acts as a decoy to study the attack methods used by adversaries.
• Purpose:
  • To gather intelligence on threat actors and improve defensive measures.
• Example:
  • A honeypot might simulate a vulnerable web server to attract attackers, logging their activities for analysis.

33. What information security challenges are faced in a cloud computing environment?

• Challenges:
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Ensuring proper control of access to cloud resources.
  • Security Misconfigurations: Incorrectly configured cloud services that lead to vulnerabilities.
  • Visibility: Difficulty in monitoring cloud infrastructure and assets.
  • Insider Threats: The risk posed by internal users with access to cloud environments.
• Example:
  • Misconfigured S3 buckets in AWS have led to data breaches where sensitive information was publicly accessible.

34. How many bits do you need for an IPv4 subnet mask?

• Answer:
  • IPv4 subnet masks are 32 bits in length.
• Explanation:
  • An IPv4 address consists of 32 bits, and the subnet mask defines how many of those bits are used for the network portion and how many for the host portion.

35. What are layers 1, 2, & 3 of the OSI model?

• Layer 1 – Physical Layer:
  • Deals with the physical connection between devices, including cables, switches, and other hardware.
  • Example: Ethernet cables, fiber optics.
• Layer 2 – Data Link Layer:
  • Handles communication between adjacent network nodes. It includes protocols like Ethernet and defines the format of data frames.
  • Example: MAC addresses, switches.
• Layer 3 – Network Layer:
  • Responsible for packet forwarding, including routing through different routers.
  • Example: IP addresses, routers, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol).

36. What are layers 4, 5, 6, & 7 of the OSI model?

• Layer 4 – Transport Layer:
  • Ensures reliable data transfer between devices. It includes protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
  • Example: TCP manages the three-way handshake process.
• Layer 5 – Session Layer:
  • Manages sessions and controls the dialogs between computers. It keeps track of data and session parameters.
  • Example: Managing multiple web sessions in a browser.
• Layer 6 – Presentation Layer:
  • Translates data between the application layer and the network. It handles data encryption and formatting.
  • Example: SSL/TLS encryption.
• Layer 7 – Application Layer:
  • Closest to the end-user, it interacts directly with software applications to provide communication functions.
  • Example: HTTP, FTP, SMTP protocols.

37. What is encapsulation?

• Definition:
  • Encapsulation refers to the process of wrapping data with the necessary protocol information as it moves down the OSI model layers.
• Example:
  • When sending a message over a network, the application data (Layer 7) is encapsulated within transport layer headers (Layer 4), which are then encapsulated in network layer headers (Layer 3), and so on.
• Note:
  • Some interviewers mistakenly equate encapsulation with encryption, but they are different processes. Encapsulation involves wrapping data in protocol information, whereas encryption secures the data content.

38. What are the three ways to authenticate a person?

• Authentication Factors:
  • Something You Know: A password or PIN.
  • Something You Have: A physical token, such as a smart card or a mobile device.
  • Something You Are: Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.

39. What is worse in firewall detection, a false negative or a false positive? And why?

• False Negative:
  • A false negative occurs when a firewall fails to detect a real attack, allowing malicious activity to go unnoticed.
  • Impact: More dangerous because it means an attack can succeed without any alerts being triggered.
• False Positive:
  • A false positive occurs when a firewall mistakenly flags legitimate traffic as malicious.
  • Impact: Less dangerous but can cause operational inefficiencies and frustrate users.
• Conclusion:
  • A false negative is worse because it leaves the network vulnerable to undetected attacks.

40. What is the primary reason most companies haven’t fixed their vulnerabilities?

• Reasons:
  • Cost: The expense of fixing vulnerabilities might outweigh the perceived risk of exploitation.
  • Legacy Systems: Older systems might not support updates or patches.
  • Operational Impact: Patching might disrupt business operations.
  • Risk Assessment: Some vulnerabilities are deemed low risk and are not prioritized.
• Example:
  • A healthcare company might continue running an outdated system because upgrading would require significant changes to critical applications.

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Network Protocols and Attack Vectors

41. What is a three-way handshake? How can it be used to create a DoS attack?

• Three-Way Handshake:
  • SYN: The client sends a SYN packet to the server to initiate a connection.
  • SYN-ACK: The server responds with a SYN-ACK packet.
  • ACK: The client sends an ACK packet, establishing the connection.
• DoS Attack:
  • An attacker can exploit this process by sending multiple SYN packets but not completing the handshake, causing the server to consume resources waiting for a response. This is known as a SYN flood attack, a type of Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

42. What are some of the responsibilities of Level 1 and Level 2 SOC analysts?

• Level 1 Responsibilities:
  • Monitoring network and system traffic for anomalies using SIEM and IDS tools.
  • Conducting initial triage and validation of alerts.
  • Escalating suspicious activities to Level 2 analysts.
• Level 2 Responsibilities:
  • Performing detailed investigation and incident response.
  • Tuning and refining security tools to reduce false positives.
  • Writing detection rules (e.g., Snort, YARA) and performing malware analysis.

43. What are the steps to building a SOC?

• Step 1: Develop Your SOC Strategy
  • Assess current capabilities and define business objectives.
• Step 2: Design Your SOC Solution
  • Choose critical use cases and define solutions to meet current and future needs.
• Step 3: Create Processes, Procedures, and Training
  • Identify threats, implement countermeasures, and train staff.
• Step 4: Prepare Your Environment Before Deployment
  • Secure SOC infrastructure and enforce access controls.
• Step 5: Implement Your Solution
  • Deploy log management, security analytics, and SOAR solutions.
• Step 6: Implement and Test Use Cases
  • Test security solutions and refine detection capabilities.
• Step 7: Maintain and Improve Your SOC
  • Continuously tune the SOC and adapt to evolving threats.

44. What is data protection in transit versus data protection at rest?

• Data Protection in Transit:
  • Protecting data as it moves across a network (e.g., using TLS/SSL for encrypted communication).
• Data Protection at Rest:
  • Protecting data stored on devices or servers (e.g., using AES encryption for stored files).
• Example:
  • Data sent from a user to a cloud service is protected in transit by encryption, while the same data stored on the cloud server is protected at rest.

45. Is it an issue to give all users administrator-level access?

• Issue:
  • Yes, it’s a significant security risk because it violates the principle of least privilege.
• Principle of Least Privilege:
  • Users should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their jobs.
• Risks:
  • Increased Attack Surface: More accounts with admin access increase the likelihood of compromise.
  • Potential for Human Error: Users with unnecessary privileges might inadvertently cause harm.

46. How do you protect your home WAP (Wireless Access Point)?

• Best Practices:
  • Turn Off SSID Broadcasting: Hides the network from casual discovery.
  • Update Firmware: Ensures the WAP is protected from known vulnerabilities.
  • Change Default Credentials: Prevents unauthorized access using common default login details.
  • Use Strong Passwords and MFA: Enhances security by making it harder for attackers to gain access.

47. How can you tell whether a remote server is running IIS or Apache?

• Methods:
  • Nmap Scan: Use Nmap to identify the server software and version.
    • Example Command: nmap -sV -p 80,443 <target IP>
  • Banner Grabbing: Use tools like telnet or netcat to connect to the server and retrieve the server banner.
    • Example Command: nc <target IP> 80

48. How often should you perform patch management?

• Factors:
  • Severity of Patches: Critical patches should be applied immediately.
  • Regular Cycle: Organizations often use a regular patch cycle, such as Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday.
  • Testing: Patches should be tested on non-production systems before deployment.
• Best Practice:
  • Perform patch management regularly, with immediate attention to critical updates, while also testing for potential issues in a controlled environment.

49. What is Docker?

• Definition:
  • Docker is a platform that uses OS-level virtualization to deliver software in containers, providing consistency across different environments.
• Benefits:
  • Infrastructure as Code: Enables easy deployment and management of applications.
  • Portability: Docker containers can run consistently across different platforms.
• Example:
  • A company can use Docker to containerize an application, allowing it to run seamlessly in development, testing, and production environments.

50. Are VXLANs scalable?

• Answer:
  • Yes, VXLANs (Virtual Extensible LANs) are highly scalable and are used to extend VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) beyond traditional limits.
• Explanation:
  • VXLANs use a 24-bit segment ID, allowing for up to 16 million unique network segments, compared to the 4096 limit of traditional VLANs.

51. What is the difference between TCP and UDP?

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol):
  • Connection-oriented protocol that ensures reliable data transmission through error checking and retransmission.
  • Example: File transfers, emails (e.g., HTTP, SMTP).
• UDP (User Datagram Protocol):
  • Connectionless protocol that provides faster data transmission but without guarantees of delivery, order, or error checking.
  • Example: Streaming services, online gaming (e.g., DNS, VoIP).
• Which is Better?
  • It depends on the application. TCP is better for reliability, while UDP is better for speed and efficiency.

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Security Operations and Tools

52. What is a playbook/runbook in SOC?

• Definition:
  • A playbook, also known as a standard operating procedure (SOP), provides a set of guidelines or steps to handle specific security incidents and alerts.
• Example:
  • If credentials are compromised, a playbook would guide the SOC analyst through steps like resetting passwords, checking for lateral movement, and notifying the affected user.

53. What is the difference between firewall deny and drop?

• Deny:
  • Blocks the connection and sends a reset (RST) packet back to the sender, notifying them that the connection was blocked.
• Drop:
  • Silently drops the packet without notifying the sender, leaving them unaware of whether the packet was blocked or lost.
• Best Practice:
  • Deny: Use for egress (outbound) traffic to notify when connections are blocked.
  • Drop: Use for ingress (incoming) traffic to avoid giving attackers information about the firewall.

54. Explain the different SOC models.

• In-House SOC:
  • All resources, technology, processes, and training are managed internally.
  • Pros: Full control over operations, tailored to specific organizational needs.
  • Cons: Requires significant investment in resources and personnel.
• Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP):
  • A third-party provider manages all SOC operations, including technology and staff.
  • Pros: Lower upfront costs, access to specialized expertise.
  • Cons: Less control, potential issues with responsiveness and customization.
• Hybrid SOC:
  • Combines in-house and MSSP approaches, often with Level 1 analysts outsourced and higher tiers managed internally.
  • Pros: Balances control and cost, allows internal focus on critical incidents.
  • Cons: Complexity in managing different teams and technologies.

55. What is DNS?

• Definition:
  • DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names (e.g., google.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.0.1).
• Analogy:
  • DNS is like the phonebook of the internet, mapping names to numbers so computers can locate each other.
• Example:
  • When you type google.com into your browser, DNS resolves this to Google’s IP address, allowing your device to connect to Google’s servers.

56. How many DNS servers are typically involved in a request to access Google’s web page?

• Answer:
  • Four DNS servers are typically involved:
  • DNS Recursor: Acts as a query intermediary between the client and the DNS servers.
  • Root Nameserver: The first step in translating human-readable names to IP addresses.
  • Top-Level Domain (TLD) Nameserver: Handles the top-level domain (e.g., .com) portion of the request.
  • Authoritative Nameserver: Provides the actual IP address corresponding to the domain name.

57. You received an email from your bank stating that there is a problem with your account. The email states you need to log in to your account to verify your identity and even provides a link to your bank. What should you do?

• Scenario:
  • This is a classic phishing attack designed to steal your credentials.
• What Not to Do:
  • Do not click any links or download attachments from the email.
• What to Do:
  • Visit the bank’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser or contact the bank via a trusted phone number to verify the issue.
  • Change your password and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

58. A friend of yours sends you an e-card via email. To view the e-card, you must click on an attachment. What do you do?

• Scenario:
  • This could be a phishing attempt or malware distribution.
• What to Do:
  • Do not click the attachment. Confirm with your friend through another communication channel whether they sent the e-card.
  • If the email is unexpected or seems suspicious, delete it and advise your friend to check their account security.

59. You are a new Level 1 SOC analyst and receive a call from the IT helpdesk to ensure you can access all systems. The IT helpdesk person is friendly to you and asks you to confirm your password so they can verify you meet the minimum complexity requirements. What do you do?

• Scenario:
  • This is a vishing (phishing via phone) attack.
• What to Do:
  • Do not share your password. IT helpdesk should never ask for your password.
  • Report the incident to your security team and document any information you gathered from the call (e.g., phone number, caller details).

60. What is cognitive cybersecurity?

• Definition:
  • Cognitive cybersecurity involves using artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate human thought processes for detecting and responding to threats.
• Technologies Involved:
  • Data Mining: Extracting useful information from large datasets.
  • Pattern Recognition: Identifying trends and patterns in security data.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understanding and processing human language to detect threats.
• Example:
  • An AI system that can learn from past security incidents to predict and prevent future attacks.

61. What is the difference between SIEM and IDS systems?

• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management):
  • Centralizes log data from various sources, correlates events, and identifies patterns that may indicate security incidents.
  • Example: Splunk, QRadar.
• IDS (Intrusion Detection System):
  • Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and generates alerts.
  • Example: Snort, Suricata.
• Key Difference:
  • SIEM is broader, offering event correlation and centralized logging, while IDS focuses on detecting specific intrusion attempts.

62. What is port blocking?

• Definition:
  • Port blocking is the practice of restricting access to specific ports on a network or device to reduce the attack surface.
• Purpose:
  • Prevents unauthorized access and limits exposure to attacks targeting open ports.
• Example:
  • Blocking all unnecessary ports, leaving only essential ones like port 443 (HTTPS) open for secure communication.

63. What is ARP and how does it work?

• Address Resolution Protocol (ARP):
  • A protocol used to map an IP address to a physical MAC address in a local network.
• How It Works:
  • When a device wants to communicate with another device on the same network, it sends an ARP request to find the MAC address associated with the destination IP.
  • The device with the matching IP address responds with its MAC address, allowing communication to proceed.
• Example:
  • If device A wants to communicate with device B, it sends an ARP request for device B’s MAC address. Device B responds with its MAC address, enabling data transfer.

64. What is port scanning?

• Definition:
  • Port scanning is a technique used to identify open ports and services available on a host by probing the host’s network interfaces.
• Purpose:
  • Used by network administrators to verify security policies or by attackers to identify vulnerabilities.
• Common Tool:
  • Nmap: A popular tool used for port scanning and network discovery.
• Example:
  • An attacker might use port scanning to find open ports on a web server that could be exploited.

65. A senior executive approaches you and demands that you break security policy to let her access a social media website. What do you do?

• Scenario:
  • The executive is requesting an exception to security policy, which could pose a risk to the organization.
• Response:
  • Politely explain the importance of adhering to security policies for the safety of the organization.
  • If the request persists, escalate the issue to your leadership team for a formal review.
• Best Practice:
  • Maintain the integrity of security policies and procedures, even when pressured by higher-ups.

66. Why would an organization bring in an outside consulting firm to perform a penetration test?

• Reasons:
  • Compliance: It may be required by regulations or standards (e.g., PCI DSS).
  • Expertise: Consulting firms often bring specialized skills and perspectives that in-house teams may lack.
  • Objectivity: An external firm can provide an unbiased assessment of the organization’s security posture.
• Example:
  • A company might hire an external firm to perform a penetration test before launching a new product to ensure there are no vulnerabilities.

67. What is an insider threat?

• Definition:
  • An insider threat is a security risk that comes from within the organization, typically involving an employee, contractor, or partner with authorized access to the organization’s assets.
• Examples:
  • Malicious Insiders: Employees who deliberately steal or sabotage data.
  • Negligent Insiders: Employees who unintentionally compromise security (e.g., by falling for phishing attacks).
• Challenges:
  • Insider threats are difficult to detect because they involve users who have legitimate access to systems.

68. What are the types of insider threats?

• Turncloaks:
  • Employees who deliberately harm the organization, often motivated by financial gain, revenge, or ideology.
• Pawns:
  • Employees who are exploited by external attackers or make mistakes that lead to security breaches.
  • Example: An employee who clicks on a phishing link, inadvertently providing an attacker with access to the network.

69. What is a residual risk?

• Definition:
  • Residual risk is the amount of risk that remains after security controls have been applied.
• Example:
  • Even after implementing firewalls, encryption, and access controls, some level of risk remains that cannot be fully eliminated.

70. What is data loss prevention (DLP)?

• Definition:
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) refers to tools and strategies used to prevent sensitive data from being transmitted outside the organization.
• Components of DLP:
  • Data Identification: Classifying data based on its sensitivity.
  • Monitoring: Tracking the flow of sensitive data within and outside the organization.
  • Prevention: Blocking unauthorized transmissions of sensitive data.
• Example:
  • A DLP system might prevent employees from sending sensitive customer data via email to external addresses.

71. What is an incident response plan?

• Definition:
  • An Incident Response (IR) plan is a documented set of procedures that outlines how an organization should respond to security incidents.
• Phases of Incident Response (NIST 800-61):
  • Preparation: Developing and training on the IR plan.
  • Detection and Analysis: Identifying and confirming the incident.
  • Containment, Eradication, and Recovery: Limiting the impact, removing the threat, and restoring normal operations.
  • Post-Incident Activity: Reviewing and learning from the incident to improve future responses.

72. What is a botnet?

• Definition:
  • A botnet is a network of compromised computers (bots) that are controlled by an attacker to carry out various malicious activities, such as DDoS attacks, spamming, or data theft.
• Examples:
  • Mirai Botnet: Compromised IoT devices to launch massive DDoS attacks.
  • Emotet: A botnet that started as a banking trojan and evolved into a modular botnet used for various cybercrimes.

73. What are the most common types of attacks that threaten enterprise data security?

• Common Attack Types:
  • Malware/Ransomware: Malicious software designed to damage or hold data hostage.
  • DDoS/DoS Attacks: Flooding a network or server with traffic to disrupt services.
  • Phishing/Business Email Compromise (BEC): Social engineering attacks to steal credentials or money.
  • Credential Stuffing: Using stolen credentials from one service to access another.
  • Web Application Attacks: Including SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.

74. What is XSS and how can you mitigate it?

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):
  • A vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
• Types of XSS:
  • Reflected XSS: The malicious script is reflected off a web server, such as in a search query result.
  • Stored XSS: The malicious script is stored on the server and served to users whenever they view the affected page.
• Mitigation:
  • Input Validation: Ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized.
  • Output Encoding: Encode data before displaying it in the browser to prevent scripts from being executed.

75. What is CSRF?

• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):
  • A vulnerability where an attacker tricks a user into performing actions on a web application without their consent, leveraging the user’s authenticated session.
• Example:
  • An attacker could send a user a link that, when clicked, causes the user’s browser to perform actions like transferring money without the user’s knowledge.
• Mitigation:
  • CSRF Tokens: Include a unique token in forms that is validated on the server side.
  • SameSite Cookie Attribute: Ensures that cookies are only sent with requests from the same site.

76. What is Splunk?

• Definition:
  • Splunk is a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool used for searching, monitoring, and analyzing machine-generated data in real-time.
• Capabilities:
  • Data Aggregation: Collects log data from various sources.
  • Event Correlation: Identifies patterns and correlates events to detect security incidents.
  • Dashboards and Reporting: Provides visualizations and reports for better understanding of security data.

77. Why is Splunk used for analyzing data?

• Reasons:
  • Real-Time Insights: Splunk processes and analyzes data as it is collected, allowing for immediate insights.
  • Scalability: Capable of handling large volumes of data across multiple sources.
  • User-Friendly: Provides customizable dashboards and search queries for easy data exploration and reporting.
• Business Impact:
  • Helps organizations detect security incidents, monitor operations, and gain actionable insights from their data.

78. What do SOAR solutions provide that SIEM tools usually don’t?

• SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response):
  • Automation: Automates repetitive tasks and workflows.
  • Orchestration: Integrates various security tools and processes into a unified response framework.
  • Incident Response: Provides playbooks and automation to respond to security incidents.
• Difference from SIEM:
  • While SIEM tools focus on data aggregation and event correlation, SOAR solutions enhance incident response through automation and integration.

79. Which of the following uses a user’s behavior as part of their process to determine anomalous behavior on a network?

• Answer:
  • UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) Tools.
• Explanation:
  • UEBA tools analyze user behavior patterns to detect deviations that may indicate a security threat, such as insider threats or compromised accounts.

80. Which components listed are seen with many next-gen SIEM solutions, but not traditional SIEMs?

• Answer:
  • UEBA and SOAR.
• Explanation:
  • Next-generation SIEM solutions often incorporate advanced features like User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) to enhance detection and response capabilities.

81. Select all the SIEM tools from the following: Splunk, QRadar, Cisco ASA, Microsoft Sentinel.

• Answer:
  • SIEM Tools: Splunk, QRadar, Microsoft Sentinel.
  • Non-SIEM Tool: Cisco ASA (a firewall).
• Explanation:
  • SIEM tools collect, correlate, and analyze security data, whereas Cisco ASA is a firewall that primarily focuses on controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic.

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Most Commonly Asked Questions

82. What is a false positive in security monitoring, and how can it impact SOC operations?

• False Positive:
  • An alert that incorrectly indicates the presence of a threat when there is none.
• Impact:
  • Can lead to alert fatigue, where analysts become desensitized to alerts, potentially overlooking real threats.
  • Wastes time and resources, reducing overall SOC efficiency.

83. What is threat hunting, and how does it differ from traditional monitoring?

• Threat Hunting:
  • Proactively searching for threats that have evaded existing security controls.
• Difference from Monitoring:
  • Traditional monitoring relies on predefined rules and signatures to detect threats, whereas threat hunting involves hypothesis-driven investigations to uncover hidden threats.

84. How do you perform a basic malware analysis?

• Static Analysis:
  • Analyzing the malware file without executing it, looking at code, strings, and headers.
• Dynamic Analysis:
  • Executing the malware in a controlled environment (e.g., sandbox) to observe its behavior.
• Tools:
  • Static: IDA Pro, strings command.
  • Dynamic: Cuckoo Sandbox, Process Monitor.

85. What are YARA rules, and how are they used in malware detection?

• YARA Rules:
  • A tool used to identify and classify malware by defining patterns in files or memory.
• Usage:
  • Analysts create YARA rules to detect specific characteristics of known malware, enabling automated detection across large datasets.

86. What is a red team/blue team exercise?

• Red Team:
  • A group of ethical hackers who simulate real-world attacks to test the organization’s defenses.
• Blue Team:
  • The defensive team responsible for detecting and responding to the red team’s attacks.
• Purpose:
  • To evaluate and improve the organization’s security posture through realistic attack simulations and defense strategies.

87. What is lateral movement in the context of cybersecurity attacks?

• Definition:
  • The process by which an attacker moves through a network after gaining initial access, seeking to escalate privileges and reach valuable assets.
• Examples:
  • Using stolen credentials to access other systems or exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols to move across segments.

88. How does a phishing attack work, and what can be done to mitigate it?

• Phishing Attack:
  • A social engineering attack where attackers deceive users into revealing sensitive information by posing as a legitimate entity.
• Mitigation:
  • User Training: Educating users on recognizing phishing attempts.
  • Email Filtering: Implementing filters to block phishing emails.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security to accounts.

89. What is the MITRE ATT&CK framework?

• Definition:
  • A globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations.
• Purpose:
  • Helps organizations understand the behavior of adversaries and improve their detection and response strategies.
• Usage:
  • Analysts map detected activities to ATT&CK techniques to better understand and defend against specific attack patterns.

90. What is the difference between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing?

• Vulnerability Scanning:
  • An automated process to identify known vulnerabilities in systems and applications.
  • Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS.
• Penetration Testing:
  • A manual and automated process to actively exploit vulnerabilities to assess the security of a system.
  • Tools: Metasploit, Burp Suite.
• Key Difference:
  • Vulnerability scanning identifies potential issues, while penetration testing attempts to exploit them to understand their impact.

91. What are the primary objectives of an incident response team?

• Objectives:
  • Minimize Impact: Quickly contain and mitigate the effects of a security incident.
  • Recover Operations: Restore normal business functions as soon as possible.
  • Preserve Evidence: Ensure that evidence is collected and preserved for analysis and legal purposes.
  • Prevent Recurrence: Analyze the incident and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

92. What is the purpose of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system in a SOC?

• Purpose:
  • To collect, correlate, and analyze log data from various sources across an organization to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Capabilities:
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Provides continuous monitoring of security events.
  • Event Correlation: Identifies patterns that indicate security incidents.
  • Reporting: Generates alerts, reports, and dashboards for visibility into the security posture.

93. What is the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?

• Vulnerability:
  • A weakness or flaw in a system that can be exploited by an attacker.
• Exploit:
  • A specific method or code used by attackers to take advantage of a vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions.
• Example:
  • A software bug (vulnerability) that allows remote code execution, which can be exploited using a crafted payload.

94. How can you secure a database from SQL injection attacks?

• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Input Validation: Validate and sanitize all user inputs to ensure they don’t contain SQL commands.
  • Parameterized Queries: Use prepared statements with parameterized queries to prevent direct execution of user inputs.
  • Database Permissions: Limit database user permissions to reduce the impact of a potential SQL injection.

95. What is the importance of log management in cybersecurity?

• Importance:
  • Incident Detection: Logs provide essential data for detecting and investigating security incidents.
  • Compliance: Many regulations require detailed logging for audit and compliance purposes.
  • Forensics: Logs serve as evidence during post-incident analysis and legal investigations.

96. What is the role of encryption in protecting data?

• Role:
  • Confidentiality: Ensures that only authorized parties can access the encrypted data.
  • Integrity: Helps detect unauthorized changes to the data through hashing.
  • Authentication: Verifies the identity of the data source through cryptographic keys.
• Example:
  • Using AES encryption to protect sensitive data stored in a database, ensuring that even if the data is accessed, it cannot be read without the key.

97. What is a Zero-Day vulnerability?

• Definition:
  • A Zero-Day vulnerability is a security flaw that is unknown to the vendor and has no patch or fix available, making it highly dangerous.
• Exploitation:
  • Attackers exploit Zero-Day vulnerabilities before they are discovered and patched by the vendor, often leading to severe security breaches.

98. How does multi-factor authentication (MFA) improve security?

• Improvement:
  • Adds Layers of Security: Requires multiple forms of verification (e.g., password + mobile device) before granting access.
  • Reduces Risk of Compromise: Even if one factor (e.g., a password) is compromised, the attacker still needs the second factor to gain access.
• Example:
  • Requiring both a password and a fingerprint scan to log into a secure system.

99. What is the purpose of a security audit?

• Purpose:
  • To assess the effectiveness of an organization’s security controls, policies, and procedures.
• Outcomes:
  • Identify Gaps: Uncover weaknesses or areas of non-compliance.
  • Recommend Improvements: Provide guidance on how to strengthen security posture.
  • Ensure Compliance: Verify that the organization meets regulatory and industry standards.

100. How do you stay updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends?

• Methods:
  • Cybersecurity News Websites: Regularly reading sites like Threatpost, The Hacker News, and Dark Reading.
  • Security Conferences: Attending or following conferences like Black Hat, DEFCON, and RSA.
  • Social Media: Following cybersecurity experts and organizations on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Threat Intelligence Feeds: Subscribing to feeds from providers like FireEye, Recorded Future, or AlienVault for real-time updates.

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Final Thoughts

This comprehensive guide covers a broad range of topics relevant to SOC analyst roles, from basic concepts to advanced practices. Review each question and explanation carefully to ensure you are well-prepared for your SOC analyst interview. Good luck!