Top 25 Incident Responder Interview Questions And Answers

In this blog, we will share the top 25 incident responder interview questions and answers. An incident responder is solely taking care of executing different security protocols to ensure that damage from a data breach is as low as possible. They’re basically the first form of counterattack to stop the attacker on its way and protect business data.

Today, there are several opportunities for incident responders around the world. Businesses are investing heavily in protecting their information and systems from all kinds of attacks. It certainly comes with a great career opportunity.

But, before everything, you need to ensure that your incident response analyst interview goes well. This is why we are here to help you with a few of the incident responder interview questions that can assist you in getting ready for the big day that can help you grab the opportunity that comes your way.

So, why wait? Let’s move on to the incident responder interview questions and answers that can assist you in cracking the job!

Top Incident Responder Interview Questions and Answers

1. What made you pursue a career as an incident responder?

This type of question can be a surprise. But, the answers here are supposed to be simple and convincing. You just need to let the interviewer know about the reasons that attracted you to have a career as an incident responder. You can share your experience, achievements, and goals to convince the interviewer about the reason you considered working as an incident responder.

2. What is the role of an incident responder?

In this incident response interview question, you need to answer the responsibilities that you are ready to undertake to be an incident responder. Make sure that you answer about all the actions that you are going to take to resolve any security-related issues. You also need to let the interviewer know about the basic tasks that you are performing in terms of inspection and analysis.

3. Explain the ways to take care of an outage on operation-critical systems?

Here you need to explain the steps to be taken to handle outages on operation systems. The first and the most important aspect here is stating the backup link and whether it is working or not. Then you need to explain why all the other systems need to be checked to assess the impact and accordingly move ahead with the right strategy to get things back up and functioning.

4. What are the different kinds of cybersecurity breaches that one needs to take care of?

In this incident responder interview question, you need to share the knowledge you have about the different cybersecurity breaches and how to deal with them. You can mention here about SQL injection, DDoS, man-in-the-middle-attacks, and many more to make your answer convincing. But, also make sure to mention the ways to get rid of it.

5. What is the importance of checking file changes on a system?

There are many reasons why the files can get modified. But, if there is something that was not bound to happen then it needs to be addressed. There might be a probability of having malware or virus in the system that is causing all the changes.

6. How would you restore a system that is not working?

To restore the system that has failed, one would need the assistance of a disaster recovery document. With the help of this document, you can get all the possible steps that can make it easy for you to recover your system in no time.

7. What is port scanning?

Port scanning is a process that assists in scanning the system or server. It helps you in the assessment of the communications ports that are currently open, not working, or active. This can help an incident responder to troubleshoot the problems of an application.

8. Are you a team player?

Here you need to let the interviewer know how good a team player you have been over the years. As you need to work with different teams being an incident responder, you need to convince them that you have always been a team player throughout your life.

9. Explain the cybersecurity incident?

When it comes to a cybersecurity incident, it is basically an experience where the systems and data have been compromised. Incidents like data breaches or phishing attacks have become quite common these days.

10. What is your first step in responding to an incident?

There are many ways with which one can respond to an incident. You can let the interviewer know about the different ways so that they can believe in your abilities and understanding of taking a different approach as per the demand.

11. Explain HIDS and NIDS?

HIDS and NIDS are two different detection systems that are taken into use by incident responders for specific situations. When it comes to HIDS, it only operates on computers and servers, while NIDS only works on networks to check suspicious behavior, if any.

12. Explain automated incident response?

The Incident Response systems can help you with the solution automatically to ensure that the damage is light. It assists in reducing the time taken to find a threat and get it out at the quickest possible time.

13. Explain SIEM?

SIEM or Security Information and Event Management systems aggregate data from different sources and use them to come up with important information. From detecting potential threats to blocking access, it can take care of all the aspects that can boost security.

14. What are the steps to detect incoming threats?

At first, SIEM helps in the process of detection of strange and suspicious activity. The next step is to check the source of the activity and then plan the strategy accordingly. This can help in the process of incoming threats that can pave the way for complete protection.

15. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of information security?

In this question, you need to let the interviewers know about the source from which you constantly take the information. You need to explain the importance of getting all the latest details about cybersecurity and how it can improve overall business IT protection. You can share the newsletters, forums, blogs, and other channels from where you collect all the information.

16. Which operating system are you familiar with?

In this incident response interview question, you need to explain the operating systems you can work with. Make sure that you have a good understanding of Windows and Linux to enhance your chances of selection.

17. Explain vulnerability assessment?

Vulnerability assessment is a process that helps in finding different vulnerabilities available in the system. This process takes place daily to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities to worry about. This assessment is done with the help of SIEM.

18. Explain documentation and procedural responses?

Here you need to explain the understanding of procedures and their documentation. You need to share the details about the steps taken to update the procedures and how you are going to prepare the documents related to it.

19. What steps are you going to take after an incident?

The first and most important step is an analysis of the entire incident. Here the expert needs to review every single aspect related to the incident and then accordingly strategize the next move. This can help in the process of loss recovery as well.

20. Share your professional achievements?

In this step, you need to explain more about your professional achievements. It is important that you elaborate on it in detail so that the interviewer understands your contribution to the project and according makes their decision.

21. What is a Pentest?

Pentesting is basically a skill that assists in the process of detection of threats and vulnerabilities. It helps in making the right strategy to stop the attack and keep every single piece of data safe and secure.

22. What are different penetration testing methods?

Here you need to let the interviewer know about the different penetration testing methods that include double-blind testing, blind testing, external testing, and targeted internal testing. You can explain these methods in a line and make your answer convincing.

23. Explain a cross-site scripting attack?

The client-side attack is a process where the hacker injects malicious scripts and code into your server to get hold of the data. With this process, the attacker gains access to the machine and gets hold of your data.

24. Explain APT?

APT or Advanced Persistent Threats are basically groups of cybercriminals who are trying to get access to the network and still be hidden. The primary objective of the group is to get hold of the data from your network.

25. Why Our Company?

Here you need to answer the reason why you would like to work for their organization. You need to go through all the details related to the company to answer this question. Make sure you highlight all the positive pointers that reflect the reason why you would like to be a part of this organization.

Last Words

These are the top incident responder interview questions and answers that you need to keep in mind to crack the job of an incident response analyst. If you still need more support then you can always connect with the experts at Securium Solutions. We have been in this field of service for a long and have made it easier for many to get the opportunity they are looking for to be incident responders. Good luck!