What are the most common Ethical Hacking interview questions for juniors?

All answers to this question.

Expect a mix of theory and "Scenario-based" questions. You’ll definitely be asked to explain the 3-way handshake of TCP and what happens during a DNS lookup. They will likely ask: "If you found an open port 80, what would be your first three steps?" (Answer: Banner grabbing, directory brute-forcing, and checking for common web vulnerabilities). They also love to ask about the "CIA Triad" (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability). Be ready to explain a time you found a bug in a lab and how you would suggest a developer fix it. They want to see your logic and communication style more than just your ability to run a script.

   Answered 2025-03-14 by Pamela Johnston

How much focus should I put on "Social Engineering" during the interview, or is that considered too "non-technical" for a junior role?

   Answered 2025-03-18 by Scott Henderson

• Scott, mentioning Social Engineering shows you understand that security isn't just about code! Mention it when they ask about "The biggest threat to an organization." However, don't let it overshadow your technical skills. A good answer is: "Technically, I’d look for software vulnerabilities, but I also know that a simple phishing email is often the easiest way into a secure network." This proves you have a holistic view of security. If you can explain how a phishing attack leads to a technical exploit like a reverse shell, you’ll definitely impress the hiring manager.

     Commented 2025-03-21 by Jason Fletcher

Learn the difference between Encoding, Encryption, and Hashing. It’s a classic "trap" question that almost every junior candidate gets wrong at least once!

   Answered 2025-03-24 by Kelly Weaver

• Kelly is right! I was asked that in my first three interviews. If you can explain why you can't "decrypt" a password hash, you're already ahead of half the candidates.

     Commented 2025-03-27 by Aaron Brooks