Advanced Networking and Cybersecurity Interview

Questions

1. Explain the concept of Network Hardening.

Answer: Network hardening involves applying security measures to reduce vulnerabilities,

such as disabling unnecessary services, updating software, enforcing strong passwords, and
using encryption. Removing unused applications from servers reduces the attack surface.

Example: Think of it as securing a house by locking all doors, closing windows, and installing a
security system.

2. What is Network Segmentation, and why is it important in cybersecurity?

Answer: Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments to
control traffic flow and restrict access. It enhances security by limiting attackers' lateral
movement within a network, reducing the impact of a breach.

Example: Separating financial data from general data limits exposure during a cyberattack.
It’s like having different rooms in a building with locked doors restricting access.

3. Explain the concept of Zero Trust Security.

Answer: Zero Trust is a security model that requires verification of every device and user
attempting to access resources, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network.
It operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify."

Example: An employee accessing a sensitive database would need both password

authentication and device verification. It’s similar to airport security, where every passenger
is checked even if they are frequent travelers.

4. What is Network Access Control (NAC), and how does it enhance security?

Answer: NAC restricts unauthorized devices from accessing a network by verifying device
compliance with security policies. It ensures that only authenticated and compliant devices
are permitted.
Example: If an employee's laptop lacks the latest antivirus update, NAC can block its access.
It’s like a security guard denying entry to visitors without proper identification.

5. What is the difference between Stateful and Stateless Firewalls?

Answer: Stateful firewalls monitor active connections and make decisions based on the state
of traffic, while stateless firewalls filter packets based on static rules without tracking
connection states.

Example: A stateful firewall is like a security guard checking both entry and exit logs, while a
stateless one only checks who enters.

6. How does a Load Balancer improve network performance and security?

Answer: A load balancer distributes network traffic across multiple servers to prevent
overload and ensure reliability. It can also detect and mitigate DDoS attacks by managing
traffic efficiently.

Example: Think of it like multiple cashiers at a grocery store, preventing long lines and serving
customers faster.

7. What is a Honeypot, and how is it used in cybersecurity?

Answer: A honeypot is a decoy system designed to attract attackers, detect malicious

activity, and gather intelligence about threats. It appears as a vulnerable system to mislead
attackers while collecting data on their tactics.

Example: It’s like setting a trap to catch intruders.

8. Define VLAN Hopping and its mitigation techniques.

Answer: VLAN Hopping is an attack where a malicious actor gains unauthorized access to
other VLANs. It can be mitigated using proper VLAN configurations, disabling unused ports,
and implementing port security.

Example: Think of VLANs as separate rooms in a hotel; without proper locks, someone might
enter restricted areas.
9. Explain the concept of Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

Answer: DLP solutions monitor and prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive data. They
enforce policies to ensure data protection in transit, at rest, and in use.

Example: A DLP system can block an employee from emailing customer data to their personal
email. It’s like preventing sensitive documents from leaving an office without permission.

10. What is Network Forensics, and how is it used in cybersecurity

investigations?

Answer: Network forensics involves capturing, analyzing, and investigating network traffic to
detect and respond to cyberattacks. It helps identify attackers, compromised systems, and
attack vectors.

Example: Investigators use tools like Wireshark to trace malicious activities, similar to
detectives examining security footage.

11. Describe the role of DNSSEC in securing DNS.

Answer: DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds authentication to DNS
responses using digital signatures, preventing DNS spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Example: It ensures users are connected to legitimate websites, like adding a digital signature
to a letter to confirm it’s from the real sender.

12. How does a Proxy Server enhance network security?

Answer: A proxy server acts as an intermediary between users and the internet, providing
anonymity, filtering malicious content, and monitoring traffic for threats.

Example: A company may use a proxy to block access to harmful websites. It’s like a
receptionist filtering who can enter a building.

13. What is Network Baselining, and why is it important?

Answer: Network baselining involves monitoring normal network activity to establish

performance benchmarks. It helps detect anomalies and identify potential security incidents.
Example: A sudden spike in network traffic could indicate a DDoS attack, just like a sudden
rush of people at an empty store could indicate something unusual.

14. Explain the difference between Inline and Passive IDS/IPS.

Answer: Inline IDS/IPS actively blocks malicious traffic in real-time, while Passive IDS only
monitors and alerts on suspicious activities without taking action.

Example: Inline IPS is like a security guard who stops intruders, while Passive IDS is a camera
that records incidents.

15. What is the purpose of Network Monitoring Tools in cybersecurity?

Answer: Network monitoring tools like Wireshark and SolarWinds capture and analyze
network traffic to detect performance issues, troubleshoot problems, and identify potential
threats.

Example: They provide visibility into network behavior, similar to how surveillance cameras
monitor for unusual activity.

16. Describe the concept of Port Mirroring.

Answer: Port Mirroring copies network traffic from one port to another, enabling monitoring
tools to inspect and analyze the traffic for troubleshooting and security purposes.

Example: It’s like a CCTV camera mirroring movements for later review.

17. What is MAC Flooding, and how can it be prevented?

Answer: MAC Flooding involves overwhelming a switch with fake MAC addresses to exhaust
its memory, causing it to act as a hub and broadcast all traffic.

Example: Enabling port security and limiting MAC addresses per port can mitigate this. It’s
like filling a parking lot with fake cars to prevent real drivers from parking.

18. Explain the role of EDR in Network Security.

Answer: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) monitors and detects suspicious activities
on endpoints, providing real-time threat visibility and automated responses.
Example: It’s like having a personal security guard for each device.

19. What is Network Redundancy, and why is it important?

Answer: Network redundancy involves deploying multiple network connections, devices, or

servers to ensure continuous operation during failures. It enhances network reliability and
minimizes downtime.

Example: It’s like having a spare tire in your car in case of a flat.

20. Explain the concept of Network Tunneling.

Answer: Network tunneling is the process of encapsulating network packets within other
packets to create a secure communication channel. It is often used in VPNs to protect data in
transit.

Example: It’s like sending a sealed envelope inside another envelope to protect its contents
from being read.

21. What is the purpose of Network Quarantine?

Answer: Network quarantine isolates non-compliant or potentially compromised devices

from the main network until they meet security requirements. This prevents the spread of
malware and unauthorized access.

Example: It’s like placing a sick patient in a separate room to prevent spreading an infection.

22. Describe the importance of Network Access Logs in cybersecurity.

Answer: Network access logs provide detailed records of activities, including which devices
accessed the network, when, and what resources were used. Logs are crucial for identifying
suspicious behavior and investigating incidents.

Example: Similar to CCTV footage, network logs can help trace intruders.

23. What are Shadow IT and its associated risks?

Answer: Shadow IT refers to employees using unauthorized applications or devices within an

organization. It can lead to data leaks, compliance issues, and increased attack surfaces.
Example: An employee using a personal file-sharing service instead of an approved one could
expose sensitive data.

24. What is Network Fabric, and how does it enhance security?

Answer: A network fabric is a dynamic and interconnected network architecture that

simplifies management and enhances performance. It improves security by providing
centralized monitoring and applying uniform security policies.

Example: It’s like a tightly woven net where security gaps are harder to find.

25. Explain the concept of Deception Technology.

Answer: Deception technology uses decoy assets like fake servers, files, or applications to
mislead attackers, detect breaches, and gather intelligence about their methods.

Example: It’s like placing fake valuables in a trap to catch a thief.

26. How does IPv6 enhance network security compared to IPv4?

Answer: IPv6 includes built-in security features like IPsec for encrypted communication.
Additionally, its large address space makes IP spoofing and scanning attacks more difficult.

Example: It’s like using a more advanced lock system that is harder to pick.

27. What is the role of Network Time Protocol (NTP) in cybersecurity?

Answer: NTP synchronizes system clocks across a network to ensure accurate timestamps.
This is essential for incident analysis, correlating events, and preventing replay attacks.

Example: It’s like synchronizing all the clocks in a building to ensure timely responses during
emergencies.

28. What are the best practices for securing network APIs?

Answer: Securing network APIs involves using authentication, encryption, input validation,
and access controls to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Example: Think of it like using a keycard to enter a restricted building.

29. Explain the significance of a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan (IRP).

Answer: An IRP outlines procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering
from cybersecurity incidents. It ensures an organized and effective response to minimize
damage.

Example: It’s like having a fire drill plan to ensure people know what to do in an emergency.

30. What is Network Access Control List (ACL), and how is it used?

Answer: ACLs are rules used to filter network traffic based on IP addresses, protocols, or
ports. They are implemented on routers or firewalls to control who can access specific
resources.

Example: It’s like a bouncer checking IDs and only allowing authorized people into a private
event.