What is Application Security?

The need for information security has surged the demand for professionals who can develop and manage the organization's information security. One such professional is Information Security Manager. This blog will cover the top 10 Information Security Manager interview questions and answers. 

Question 1: What is the difference between an event and an incident?

Answer: Any observable occurrence that is significant to information security is referred to as a security event. It can involve attempted attacks or failures in security that reveal security vulnerabilities. In contrast, a security incident is a security event that causes harm or puts information security assets and operations at risk.

Question 2: What is your prominent strength, and how will it benefit you as an Information Security Manager?

Answer: Take note of some of your strengths. Consider times when you were able to shine at work because of specific attributes. Perhaps your problem-solving abilities have aided you in avoiding a threatening situation at work, or maybe your ability to communicate and listen. Discuss your strength, how you have polished it, and how the quality will assist you to succeed in this role if you are hired.

Question 3: How would you figure out how many personnel are needed to perform a Vulnerability Assessment program for a client?

Answer: The expectation is that you will respond by asking questions such as "What is the scope? What is the total number of endpoints? Is it only an internal scan, or does it also include an external scan? Is it enough to scan and deliver a report, or do we need to follow up with remediation?” etc.

Question 4: What is the CIA triad?

Answer: The CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) is a model for guiding information security policy inside an organization. The model is often known as the AIC triad to avoid any confusion with the Central Intelligence Agency.

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability are the basic foundation of information security.

• Confidentiality: Confidentiality refers to the security of personal information and sensitive data from unauthorized users and processes.
• Integrity: Integrity refers to the assurance that the data has not been tampered with and can be trusted. Data should be consistent, accurate, authentic, and trustworthy throughout its existence.
• Availability: The notion of availability relates to the necessity for an authorized user to obtain access to a resource as rapidly as possible, based on the network's capabilities.

Question 5: What is your management style as an Information Security Manager?

Answer: Consider the areas of management in which you shine. However, the situational style is a safe way to respond to this question since it states that you would manage based on the scenario rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, "I believe in team formation, each team member should understand their function, know where they fit in and are self-assured in their capability to rely on one another."

Question 6: What is the difference between the White Box and Black Box Testing?

Answer: White Box Testing is a software testing method in which the tester is aware of the software's internal structure, design, and implementation. In contrast, Black Box Testing is a software testing method in which the tester has no knowledge of the thing being tested, internal structure, design, or implementation. 

Question 7: What is the difference between vulnerability and threat?

Answer: A threat is a negative event, such as a vulnerability being exploited. On the other hand, a vulnerability is a flaw that exposes you to threats and raises the possibility of a negative event.

Question 8: Disseminate efficient strategies for preventing breaches of computer security procedures.

Answer: Some of them are:

• Use passwords that are difficult to decode
• Limit who has access to the ultimate sensitive information
• Conduct security awareness training for employees
• Update software regularly
• Create a cyber-breach reaction strategy
• Installing centralized firewalls

Question 9: What is the difference between a switch and a hub?

Answer: Both a switch and a hub are network connectivity devices. Switches enable connection establishment and termination based on necessity. In contrast, hubs act at the physical layer and transmit signals to ports to respond where the signal was received.

Question 10: Why do internal threats frequently outpace external threats?

Answer: Internal threats are particularly dangerous and more successful because, unlike external threats attempting to infiltrate the business, they usually have legitimate access to computer systems and networks, which they require to complete their everyday tasks.

Bonus Questions:

1. What strategies do you employ to stay focused during long or overnight shifts?
2. Our field is constantly evolving. For that reason, what have you done in the last 12 months in terms of personal growth about our advertised Information Security Manager position?
3. Provide a successful method for monitoring the use of data files and regulating access to protect the information in computer files that you have utilized.

How can InfosecTrain help?

InfosecTrain is focused on providing world-class IT security training. It will assist you in developing an understanding of risk management, information security governance, and the development of security policies and strategies to meet organizational objectives. You can enroll in our CISM certification training course to prepare for and ace your Information Security Manager interview.