Top interview questions for Cyber Security Analyst
A Cyber Security Analyst is a trained IT professional who specializes in network and IT infrastructure security. They thoroughly understands cyberattacks, malware, and the behavior of cybercriminals, and actively seeks to anticipate and prevent these attacks.
According to CyberSeek, 74 percent of job listings for CSAs requested at least a bachelor’s degree.
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Hard Skills
Use these questions to identify a candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities
Soft Skills
Use these questions to assess a candidate’s personality traits and cognitive skills
What to look for while interviewing for a Cyber Security Analyst?
Since the required skills for a CSA require experience with Firewall adminstration. Therefore, look for a candidate who has knowledge of all these.
Here are some of the in-demand skills for a CSA,
Role-specific skills to look for: Reverse engineering, application design, firewall administration, cryptography, and NIST cybersecurity framework
Soft skills to look for communication skills, curiosity, attention to detail, troubleshooting, and problem-solving.
Pro Tip: Always screen before your interview. Use Online Assessment to screen applicants for a Cyber Security Analyst position before blocking your time for an in-person interview.
Questions to ask while interviewing a Cyber Security Analyst
We have compiled a set of questions with the help of 70+ hiring managers at different organizations.
Top Role-based interview questions for Cyber Security Analyst
What are the steps that you would take to prevent identity theft?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question can be asked to analyze how a candidate assesses and control a security risk.
What to listen for:
- Ideal candidates would highlight their expertise in analyzing and using data that helps you proceed with steps to prevent this risk.
How would you prevent XSS attacks?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question can be asked to understand how a candidate would work to keep their company’s networks and servers secure.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would answer this question by talking about their experiences(if any) and highlighting their approach towards them.
What is a MITM attack?
Purpose of this interview question:
You can ask this question to make sure the candidate knows how to identify different attacks on their system.
What to listen for:
- Listen for the specific terms which explain MITM attacks.
How to screen Cyber Security Analyst for soft skills?
What are the interpersonal skills you have gained from your previous job as a CSA?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is designed to learn about what types of interpersonal traits a candidate has that could enhance their job capabilities at their company.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would show evidence of self-awareness, by discussing their previous experiences.
What is one of your proudest moments as a Cyber Security Analyst so far?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is designed to understand and gain insight into how a candidate thinks and feels within the context of their field.
What to listen for:
- Top candidates would describe what was achieved in the project and how it stack up with what your company does.
How do you handle pressure if you are equipped with multiple tasks at a time?
Purpose of this interview question:
This question is designed to test the candidate’s management skills.
What to listen for:
- Look for evidence of management qualities related to project planning and execution.
Start Optimizing your Cyber Security Analyst Hiring today
Find and hire talent with confidence. If your candidate doesn’t know the answer to the above questions and you’re hiring for a Cyber Security Analyst position, then they’re probably not a great fit.
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