Ethical Hacking Interview Questions — Flashcards | inGrade

Question 1

What is ethical hacking?

Accepted Answer

Ethical hacking involves identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks to strengthen their security, with explicit permission from the owner.

Question 2

What are the key phases of ethical hacking?

Accepted Answer

The five phases are: Reconnaissance (information gathering), Scanning (identifying open ports and services), Gaining Access (exploiting vulnerabilities), Maintaining Access, and Covering Tracks.

Question 3

What are the different types of hackers?

Accepted Answer

White-hat hackers work ethically to improve security. Black-hat hackers exploit systems maliciously. Grey-hat hackers operate between the two. Hacktivists hack for social or political agendas. Script kiddies use pre-written tools without deep knowledge.

Question 4

What is penetration testing?

Accepted Answer

Penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack to evaluate the security of a system or network. Its phases include planning, reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting.

Question 5

What tools are commonly used in ethical hacking?

Accepted Answer

Tools like Nmap (network scanning), Metasploit (exploitation), Burp Suite (web app testing), and Wireshark (packet analysis) are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and testing security.

Question 6

What is vulnerability research?

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability research involves identifying weaknesses or flaws in software, hardware, or networks. Ethical hackers use CVSS scores to prioritize vulnerabilities and tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, and Qualys.

Question 7

What is SQL injection?

Accepted Answer

An SQL injection attack exploits vulnerabilities in a database query by injecting malicious SQL code, allowing unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Question 8

What is network scanning and what are its challenges?

Accepted Answer

Network scanning identifies active devices, open ports, and services on a network. Challenges include detecting stealthy devices, handling large networks, and avoiding detection by firewalls and IDS.

Question 9

What is Google hacking?

Accepted Answer

Google hacking uses advanced search operators (site:, intitle:, filetype:) to find sensitive information exposed on the internet. Ethical hackers use it to identify exposed files and misconfigured servers.

Question 10

What certifications are useful for ethical hackers?

Accepted Answer

Key certifications include CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), and GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester).

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