White Hat Hacking

If you are looking for a job in Ethical Hacking, then do checkout these interview questions in White hat hacking to prepare for the job interview. The questions cover various areas like Cryptography, Footprinting, and Social Engineering etc.

Q.1 What is the purpose of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

SIEM systems collect and analyze security event data to provide real-time threat detection and incident response.

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Q.2 Explain the concept of a security patch in software security.

A security patch is a software update that fixes vulnerabilities and enhances security, often released by software vendors.

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Q.3 How do you protect against ransomware attacks in an organization?

Protection includes regular backups, user education, and implementing email filtering to detect malicious attachments.

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Q.4 What is the role of network access control (NAC) in network security?

NAC restricts access to network resources based on the user's identity and the security posture of their device.

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Q.5 Explain the concept of a security incident in White Hat Hacking.

A security incident is an event that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data or systems, requiring investigation and response.

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Q.6 How do you conduct a security risk assessment for a new software application?

A risk assessment involves identifying potential threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and determining the impact and likelihood of security incidents.

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Q.7 What is a security token, and how does it enhance authentication?

A security token is a physical or virtual device used for two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to access control.

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Q.8 How do you ensure the security of sensitive data stored in databases?

Security measures include encryption, access controls, auditing, and regular patching of database systems.

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Q.9 Explain the concept of a security policy violation in White Hat Hacking.

A security policy violation occurs when an individual or system fails to adhere to established security policies and procedures.

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Q.10 How do you ensure secure coding practices in software development?

Secure coding practices include input validation, output encoding, and using secure libraries to prevent vulnerabilities.

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Q.11 What is a security awareness training program, and why is it essential?

Security awareness training educates employees and users about security best practices, reducing the risk of social engineering attacks.

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Q.12 How do you detect and prevent insider threats in an organization?

Insider threat detection involves monitoring user behavior and access patterns, with the use of data loss prevention (DLP) tools and access controls.

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Q.13 Explain the concept of network traffic analysis in White Hat Hacking.

Network traffic analysis involves monitoring and analyzing network packets to detect anomalies or suspicious activity.

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Q.14 What is a security incident response plan, and how does it work?

An incident response plan outlines procedures for identifying, managing, and mitigating security incidents effectively.

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Q.15 How do you handle a security breach once it's been detected?

Handling a breach includes containment, investigation, notification, recovery, and communication with stakeholders.

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Q.16 What is the role of a Security Operations Center (SOC) in White Hat Hacking?

A SOC is responsible for continuous monitoring, incident detection, and response to security threats.

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Q.17 Explain the concept of security information sharing and analysis centers (ISACs).

ISACs are industry-specific organizations that facilitate the sharing of cybersecurity threat intelligence and best practices among members.

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Q.18 How do you ensure the security of remote workers and their devices?

Security measures include VPNs, endpoint security, multifactor authentication (MFA), and secure remote access policies.

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Q.19 What is a security token service (STS), and how is it used in identity management?

STS issues security tokens for authentication and authorization purposes, enabling single sign-on (SSO) and federated identity.

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Q.20 Explain the concept of a security breach notification in White Hat Hacking.

A security breach notification informs affected individuals or organizations about a data breach, often required by data protection regulations.

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Q.21 How do you conduct a security assessment of a third-party vendor's services or products?

Vendor security assessments involve evaluating their security practices, policies, and compliance with security standards.

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Q.22 What is a security key, and how is it used for strong authentication?

A security key is a hardware or software token used for two-factor authentication, providing enhanced security during login.

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Q.23 How do you ensure the security of data backups and disaster recovery plans?

Security measures include encrypting backups, storing them offsite, and regularly testing disaster recovery procedures.

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Q.24 Explain the concept of a security incident report in White Hat Hacking.

A security incident report documents the details of a security incident, including its nature, impact, and actions taken in response.

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Q.25 How do you use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) together for network security?

IDS detects suspicious activity, while IPS actively blocks or mitigates threats, combining detection and prevention capabilities.

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Q.26 What is the role of continuous monitoring in White Hat Hacking?

Continuous monitoring involves real-time tracking of security events and network activity to detect and respond to threats promptly.

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Q.27 State the difference between Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking.

Ethical Hacking is practiced by Ethical Hackers to get and give a report based on the insights obtained during the hack. Cyber Security is maintained by Cyber Security experts whose obligations is to guard the system from malicious actions and attacks.

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Q.28 Is hacktivism a crime?

"Hacktivism" is a contentious term with different meanings. But just as hack can seldom mean cyber crime, hacktivism can be applied to mean activism that is hateful, destructive, and threatening the security of the Internet as a economic, technical, and political platform.

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Q.29 What do you understand by IP address and Mac address?

IP address: To each device to an IP address is specified , so that device can be found to the network. MAC address: A MAC (Machine Access Control) address is the individual serial number allotted to the each network interface on each device.

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Q.30 What is White hat hacking?

White hat hackers apply the same techniques of hacking as black hats, with one exception. They do it with support from the proprietor of the system first, which makes the method completely legal.

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Q.31 What are the various types of hackers?

Black Hat Hackers or Crackers: Illegally, they hack systems to obtain unlawful access and cause interruptions in operations or remove sensitive data. White Hat Hackers or Ethical Hackers: These hackers hack regularities and networks for the assessment of possible vulnerabilities or threats legally and with prior permission. Grey Box Hackers: They evaluate the security vulnerability of a computer system or network without the owner’s consent but bring it to their attention later.

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Q.32 Explain the six phases of ethical hacking.

The steps a hacker tracks can be widely divided into 6 phases, which include pre-attack and attack points, Performing Reconnaissance, Scanning and enumeration. Gaining access.

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Q.33 What is Red Hat hacker?

A red hat hacker is someone who targets Linux systems. Nevertheless, red hats have been described as vigilantes. Rather than hand a black hat over to the professionals, red hats will start threatening attacks against them to take them down, often slaughtering the black hat's computer and resources.

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Q.34 Who is the number 1 hacker in the world?

Kevin Mitnick is the earth’s authority on hacking, social construction, and security awareness training. In fact, the world's most practiced computer-based end-user security knowledge training suite carries his name.

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Q.35 What are the various types of ethical hacking?

• Social engineering.
• Web application hacking.
• Hacking wireless networks.
• Web server hacking.
• System hacking.

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Q.36 List out some common devices used by Ethical hackers.

• MetaSploit
• WireShark
• NMAP
• John The Ripper
• Maltego

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Q.37 What code do hackers use?

Hackers practice C programming to reach and manage system resources and hardware elements such as the RAM. Security specialists mostly practice C when they are expected to manage system support and hardware. C also supports penetration inspectors write programming scripts.

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Q.38 How can we avoid ARP poisoning?

• Using Packet filtering
• Keeping away from trust relationship
• Utilize ARP spoofing software

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Q.39 Which kind of hacker expresses the highest risk?

• Black-hat hackers.
• Grey-hat hackers.
• Script kiddies.
• Disgruntled employees.

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Q.40 Who are Script kiddies?

The script kiddies are hacker “wannabes.” They have little, if any, programming skill and therefore must rely on tools written by others. Script kiddies do not target specific networks but, instead, scan for any system that is vulnerable to attack. They might try to deface a Web site, delete files from a target system, flood network bandwidth with unauthorized packets, or in some other way commit what amounts to cyber vandalism. Script kiddies typically don't want to keep their exploits secret. In fact, many of those who are caught are trapped because they have been bragging about what they have done.

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Q.41 Explain the footprinting in ethical hacking.

Footprinting refers to accumulating and uncovering information about the target network before gaining to access into any network.

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Q.42 Why would a hacker practice a proxy server?

• To make a ghost server on the network.
• To hide malicious activities on the network.
• To obtain a remote access connection.

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Q.43 Explain Brute Force Hack.

Brute force hack is a method for the hacking password and obtain access to the system and network resources, it takes much more time, it requires to hacker to learn about the JavaScripts.

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Q.44 What is the main purpose of penetration testing?

The purpose is to recognize security weaknesses in a network, machine, or piece of software.

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Q.45 What is the DOS (Denial of service) attack?

Denial of Service is a malicious attack on network that is done by flooding the network with useless to traffic. Although, DOS does not cause any theft of the information or security breach, it can cost the website owner is great deal of money and time.

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Q.46 Do hackers practice VPN?

VPNs can be hacked, but it's difficult to do so. Also, the chances of being hacked without a VPN are importantly greater than being hacked with one.

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Q.47 Explain a blue hat hacker.

Blue hat hackers are security specialist that works outside of the organization. Companies usually invite them to test the new software and obtain security vulnerabilities before releasing it. That's why some blue hats are known as blue hats Microsoft hackers.

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Q.48 Why is Python appropriated for hacking?

The most widely used scripting language for Hackers is Python. Python has some critical highlights that make it valuable for hacking, most significantly, it has some pre-assembled libraries that give some serious functionality.

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Q.49 Describe the hacker code of ethics.

Codes of ethics or conduct for ethical hacking are concentrate on the responsibilities, duties, and limits of the ethical hacker in doing his job. The ethical hacker makes certain that the client's system or network is evaluated for security issues and vulnerabilities.

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Q.50 What are Pharming and Defacement?

Pharming is the strategy the attacker includes the DNS servers or on the user PC with the purpose that traffic is pointed towards malicious site Defacement is the strategy by which the attacker replaces the firm’s site with an alternate page. It includes the hacker’s name, images and may even include messages and background music.

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Q.51 What is Phishing?

Phishing technique includes sending of false mails, chats, or website to the impersonate real system with the purpose of stealing data from the original website.

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Q.52 What are hacker ethics and hacker manifestos?

Hacker ethic is the moral values and philosophies that are general in the hacker community. On the other hand, the hacker manifesto is a guideline that serves as an ethical foundation for hacking.

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Q.53 Define Network Sniffing.

A network sniffer observes data flowing over the network links. By allowing us to capture and see the packet to level data on our network, the sniffer tool can help us to find network problems. Sniffers can be utilized for both stealing data off the network and also for legitimate network management.

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Q.54 Explain a ghost hacker.

A ghost hacker never practices the same name for everything. He continuously modifies alias and, doesn't stay in one place for too long, which gives him many benefits such as the FBI not knowing where or who to look for.

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Q.55 What is Cowpatty?

Cowpattyis implemented an offline dictionary attack against WPA/WPA2 networks utilizing PSK-based verification. Cowpatty can implement an increased attack if a recomputed PMK document is accessible for the SSID that is being assessed.

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Q.56 What is CIA Triad?

Confidentiality: Keeping the data secret. Integrity: Keeping the data unaltered. Availability: Data is available to the authorized parties at all times.

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Q.57 What are GREY areas in the company?

All companies have gray areas where the border between wrong and right behavior is blurred, but where a broad part of organizational decision-making takes place. While gray areas can be resources of problems for organizations, they also have benefits.

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Q.58 Define firewall.

A firewall could be a mechanism that allows/blocks traffic as per outlined collection of rules. These are situated on the boundary of trusted and untrusted networks.

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Q.59 What is cryptography in security?

Cryptography gives secure communication in the presence of malicious third parties which is known as adversaries. Encryption practices an algorithm and a key to transform an input (i.e., plaintext) into an encrypted output (i.e., ciphertext).

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Q.60 What is MAC Flooding?

MAC Flooding is a technique wherever the protection of a given network switch is endangered. In MAC flooding, the hacker floods the switch with sizable frames, than what a switch can handle.

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Q.61 What are the 3 types of cryptography?

The three 3 types of cryptography are a

• public key,
• secret-key,
• hash function.

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Q.62 What is Defense in Depth?

(DiD) Defense in Depth in Cybersecurity includes a collection of defensive devices that are layered for the objective of achieving valuable data and information.

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Q.63 What are block and stream ciphers?

Stream ciphers convert 1 symbol of plaintext straight into a symbol of ciphertext. Block ciphers encrypt a group of plaintext symbols as one block. Simple substitution is an example of a stream cipher.

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Q.64 What is Burp Suite?

Burp Suite is an integrated platform utilized for attacking net applications. It includes all the tools a hacker would require for attacking any application.

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Q.65 What are the various types of spoofing?

• ARP Spoofing Attack.
• DNS Spoofing Attack.
• IP Spoofing Attack.

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Q.66 What is the first phase of hacking?

Reconnaissance - It is also called as Footprinting and information gathering Phase. It is both a type of an attack and a phase of the attack. 

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Q.67 How does traceroute work?

It uses the TTL value in an ICMP message to determine the number of hops from the sender to the router.

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Q.68 What is footprinting?

Accumulation of data by gathering information on a target

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Q.69 Which port number does FTP use?

21

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Q.70 What is enumeration?

Identifying users and machine names

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Q.71 What is a null session?

A null session occurs when you log in to a system with no username or password. NetBIOS null sessions are a vulnerability found in the Common Internet File System (CIFS) or SMB, depending on the operating system.

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Q.72 What is White Hat Hacking (Ethical Hacking)?

White Hat Hacking is the legal and authorized practice of probing systems and networks for security vulnerabilities to protect them from malicious attacks.

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Q.73 What is the primary goal of a White Hat Hacker?

The primary goal is to identify and remediate security weaknesses to improve the overall security posture of a system or network.

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Q.74 How does White Hat Hacking differ from Black Hat Hacking?

White Hat Hacking is legal and aims to improve security, whereas Black Hat Hacking is illegal and seeks to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain.

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Q.75 What is penetration testing, and why is it important?

Penetration testing involves simulating cyberattacks to identify and address security flaws, ensuring proactive security measures are in place.

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Q.76 Explain the concept of responsible disclosure in White Hat Hacking.

Responsible disclosure is the practice of reporting security vulnerabilities to the affected organization before disclosing them publicly, allowing time for a fix.

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Q.77 What is vulnerability assessment in White Hat Hacking?

Vulnerability assessment involves identifying and quantifying vulnerabilities in a system or network to prioritize security improvements.

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Q.78 How do you stay updated with the latest security threats and vulnerabilities?

Staying updated involves continuous learning, following security blogs, attending conferences, and participating in security communities.

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Q.79 What is a security audit, and what are its objectives?

A security audit assesses an organization's security controls, policies, and procedures to ensure they meet security objectives and compliance requirements.

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Q.80 Explain the difference between active and passive reconnaissance.

Active reconnaissance involves direct interaction with a target, while passive reconnaissance collects information without directly engaging the target.

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Q.81 What is footprinting in the context of White Hat Hacking?

Footprinting is the process of gathering information about a target's systems, infrastructure, and online presence to plan an attack.

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Q.82 How do you perform network scanning in White Hat Hacking?

Network scanning involves using tools to identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities on a network.

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Q.83 What is social engineering, and why is it a security concern?

Social engineering manipulates individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security.

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Q.84 Explain the concept of password cracking in White Hat Hacking.

Password cracking attempts to uncover weak or easily guessable passwords by using various techniques, such as dictionary attacks or brute force.

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Q.85 How do you protect against phishing attacks in an organization?

Protection measures include employee training, email filtering, and implementing two-factor authentication (2FA).

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Q.86 What is the purpose of ethical hacking methodologies like CEH or OSCP?

Ethical hacking methodologies provide structured approaches to conducting security assessments and penetration tests.

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Q.87 How do you conduct a vulnerability assessment on a web application?

Steps involve identifying vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS, assessing their impact, and recommending remediation.

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Q.88 What is a firewall, and how does it enhance network security?

A firewall is a security device that filters network traffic, allowing or blocking it based on predefined rules, enhancing network security.

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Q.89 Explain the importance of keeping software and systems updated.

Keeping software updated is crucial to patch known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation.

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Q.90 What is a security policy, and why is it essential in an organization?

A security policy outlines rules and guidelines for protecting an organization's assets, ensuring consistency and compliance with security practices.

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Q.91 How do you conduct a risk assessment in White Hat Hacking?

A risk assessment involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing security risks to make informed decisions about security measures.

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Q.92 What is network segmentation, and why is it used for security?

Network segmentation divides a network into isolated segments, limiting the potential spread of security breaches.

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Q.93 Explain the concept of zero-day vulnerabilities in White Hat Hacking.

Zero-day vulnerabilities are unknown and unpatched security flaws, making them a high-risk target for attackers.

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Q.94 How can you prevent SQL injection attacks in web applications?

Prevention measures include input validation, using parameterized queries, and implementing web application firewalls (WAFs).

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Q.95 What is the role of intrusion detection systems (IDS) in White Hat Hacking?

IDS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and generates alerts when potential attacks are detected.

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Q.96 How do you ensure the security of wireless networks (Wi-Fi) in an organization?

Securing Wi-Fi networks involves using strong encryption, disabling unnecessary services, and regularly updating firmware.

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Q.97 What is the difference between vulnerability scanning and penetration testing?

Vulnerability scanning identifies vulnerabilities, while penetration testing attempts to exploit them to assess their impact.

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Q.98 Explain the concept of privilege escalation in White Hat Hacking.

Privilege escalation is the process of gaining unauthorized access to higher-level privileges or systems, often used by attackers to gain control.

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Q.99 How do you use cryptography to enhance data security?

Cryptography involves encrypting data to protect it from unauthorized access or tampering, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

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Q.100 What are the common challenges faced by White Hat Hackers in their work?

Challenges include evolving attack techniques, adapting to new technology, and overcoming resistance from organizations.

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Q.101 How do you conduct a security audit of an organization's IT infrastructure?

A security audit involves reviewing configurations, policies, and controls to assess compliance and identify weaknesses.

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Q.102 Explain the concept of incident response in White Hat Hacking.

Incident response involves planning and executing actions to address and recover from security incidents efficiently.

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Q.103 What is a digital certificate, and how does it work in web security?

A digital certificate is a cryptographic credential used to verify the authenticity of a website, ensuring secure communication.

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Q.104 How do you protect sensitive data in transit over the internet?

Protection is achieved through the use of secure protocols like HTTPS and VPNs to encrypt data during transmission.

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Q.105 What is a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack, and how can it be prevented?

A MitM attack intercepts communication between two parties. Prevention includes using encryption and ensuring secure key exchange.

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Q.106 How do you identify and mitigate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks?

DDoS attacks can be mitigated by using DDoS protection services, load balancing, and rate limiting.

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Q.107 What is a firewall rule, and how do you configure it for network security?

A firewall rule defines what traffic is allowed or denied based on source, destination, and protocol, enhancing network security.

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Q.108 Explain the concept of network segmentation in the context of security.

Network segmentation isolates different parts of a network, reducing the attack surface and containing potential breaches.

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Q.109 What is the role of an intrusion prevention system (IPS) in network security?

IPS monitors network traffic, detects and prevents known threats, and provides real-time protection against attacks.

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Q.110 How do you ensure the security of IoT devices in an organization?

IoT security measures include changing default passwords, updating firmware, and implementing network access controls.

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