10 Must-Ask Interview Questions for Cybersecurity Professionals
When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s not enough to just hire someone with a degree or certification. You need to ensure that your potential candidate knows their stuff and can protect your business from potential threats. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions during an interview. Here are 10 must-ask interview questions for cybersecurity professionals.
1. What motivated you to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
This question may seem basic, but it will give you insight into the candidate’s passion for the field. A cybersecurity professional who is truly passionate about their work will be more motivated to stay up to date on the latest threats and trends.
2. Can you explain a threat scenario you have dealt with?
It’s important to know that the candidate has hands-on experience dealing with real cybersecurity threats. Ask for specifics so you can determine their level of experience.
3. What is your approach to risk management?
Risk management is a critical part of cybersecurity. This question will give you insight into how the candidate approaches risk management and if their philosophy aligns with your company’s values.
4. Can you walk me through your experience with incident response?
Incident response is another critical aspect of cybersecurity. The candidate should have experience with incident response and be able to walk you through the process they follow.
5. How do you stay up to date with the latest threats and trends?
Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field, so it’s important that your candidate stays up to date on the latest threats and trends. Ask how they stay informed, such as attending conferences, reading industry publications, or networking.
6. Can you describe a time when you had to implement security controls for a new system?
Implementing security controls for a new system is essential to protecting your business from potential threats. Ask the candidate to walk you through a scenario where they had to implement controls for a new system.
7. What experience do you have with vulnerability assessments and penetration testing?
Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are essential to pinpointing potential vulnerabilities in your IT system. The candidate should have experience with these tests and be able to explain their role in cybersecurity.
8. Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a security issue for a client.
Client satisfaction is critical in cybersecurity. Ask the candidate to walk you through a scenario where they had to troubleshoot a security issue for a client.
9. How do you think about advancing from cyber security to data protection and security?
Cybersecurity is just the beginning of protecting your business’s data. Ask the candidate how they see cyber security fitting into the bigger picture of data protection and security.
10. Why do you want to work for our company?
This final question will give you insight into whether the candidate has researched your company and understands your values. A candidate who is a good fit for your company will align with your culture and values.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions during an interview can be the difference between hiring a qualified cybersecurity professional who will keep your business’s sensitive data safe and hiring someone who has the degree or certification but lacks the passion and skills necessary to do the job. Use these 10 interview questions as a guide to ensure you are hiring the best candidate for your business.
