Top 20 Web Application Security Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction: Web Application Security

In this world full of severe hacking professionals who are looking out for their next chances to find their prey in order to fulfill their hunger for some quick money by sending the datasets of your sensitive information into the black market.  As a result, this world needs more proactive web application security professionals who can nicely track down all the vulnerabilities possessed in the web apps in order to mitigate them in time to avoid any mishappening.  In simpler words, to avoid any hacking incidents from taking place, we sincerely need more expert individuals in the trade of web application security.

Thus, in this blog post by Craw Security, you will encounter the most famous top 20 web application security interview questions and answers that will certainly help job seekers in the background of web application security to know what possible questions could be fired on them during the face-to-face interactions with the hiring executives/ managers.

Henceforth, the top 20 web application security interview questions and answers are mentioned below:

1: What is web application security?

The practice of defending websites and web applications against malicious assaults and online dangers is known as web application security. To prevent data from being accessible, altered, or stolen by malicious threat actors, it comprises the creation and execution of security mechanisms such as encryption, authentication, access control, input validation, secure code, and vulnerability assessment.

2: What are the common types of web attacks?

The common types of web attacks are as follows:

• SQL Injection
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Denial of Service (DoS)
• Phishing
• Malware
• Brute Force

3: What is SQL injection?

An attack known as SQL injection takes place when a malicious script is injected into a SQL statement in a web application to access private data. In order to access a database without authorization, unscrupulous users can insert SQL commands into a web form’s input or URL.

4: What is cross-site scripting (XSS)?

A particular kind of computer security flaw called cross-site scripting (XSS) is frequently discovered in web applications.  In addition, XSS allows the attacker the ability to insert client-side scripts into web pages that most other users are seeing.

Moreover, this attack has the potential to deface websites, hijack user sessions, or drive users to dangerous websites.

5: What is cross-site request forgery (CSRF)?

A malicious website, email, blog, instant message, or software can persuade a user’s internet browser to carry out an undesirable activity on a reputable website to which the individual has not yet authorized. This is known as cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and it is a sort of attack.

Moreover, in a CSRF attack, the malicious threat attacker successfully convinces the target’s browser to carry out an unwelcome action, such as sending money, changing the user’s email address, or making purchases on a website to which the victim has already been authenticated.

6: What is a web application firewall (WAF)?

By observing and regulating HTTP traffic, a web application firewall (WAF) is a sort of security solution that aids in shielding web applications from harmful activities.  It operates by screening incoming requests and preventing malicious requests and those that violate security standards.  Also, it aids in defending against malicious behavior such as cross-site scripting, SQL injection attacks, and other threats.

7: What is input validation and why is it important for web application security?

Before user input is processed by a web application, it must be validated to make sure it is safe and legitimate.  The prevention of dangerous attacks like SQL injection, which can result in data loss or theft, is made possible due to the authentication mechanism, which is crucial for web application security.  Web applications can make sure that only authentic data is accepted and that harmful data is prohibited by verifying input.

8: What is the OWASP Top 10 and why is it important for web application security?

The top 10 web application security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed by enterprises are listed in the OWASP Top 10.  In addition, the Open Web Application Security Project issues it yearly (OWASP).  By offering advice regarding the most important security issues, the OWASP Top 10 assists enterprises in prioritizing their application security efforts.

Moreover, it is significant because it offers a current overview of the most major application security issues and is a fantastic place for firms to start when attempting to strengthen their application security posture.

9: What is the difference between authentication and authorization?

Before a user is given permission to utilize a system or resource, their authenticity is verified through the authentication process.  After a user’s information has been verified, authorization is the method of allowing or denying them access to a computer system or resource.  The process of authorization begins with authentication.

10: What is session management and why is it important for web application security?

The method for handling user session data for a web application is known as session management.  It is highly crucial for the security of web applications since it makes sure that user data is safe and that users are verified and given the authorization to use the application.  In addition, it aids in preventing illegal access to private data, including passwords.

11: What is encryption and why is it important for web application security?

Data is changed through the procedure of encrypting into an unreadable as well as secure format.  To safeguard data from illegal access, a transformation is performed using an algorithm and a key.  Because it prohibits people without the required credentials from accessing sensitive data, it is crucial for online application security.  Moreover, encryption stops hackers from altering data as it is transmitted over the internet.

12: What is HTTPS and why is it important for web application security?

The Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the primary mechanism used throughout communication on the World Wide Web, now has a secure variant called HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure).  Because it encrypts the data exchanged between both the client (browser) and the web server, HTTPS is crucial for web application security.

13: What is a secure socket layer (SSL) and what is its purpose?

A technique called Secure Socket Layer (SSL) offers safe Internet communications for activities including web browsing, email, instant texting, and other file transfers. In addition to providing authentication to ensure that the two systems interacting are indeed the two intended parties, it employs encryption to safeguard the data being communicated between the two systems.

Furthermore, the basic goal of SSL is to guarantee that data exchanged between two systems is kept private and safe, preventing access from other parties.

14: What is a transport layer security (TLS) and what is its purpose?

An encrypted communication technique called Transport Layer Security (TLS) is utilized between two systems, often a server and a client.  To make absolutely sure that information is intact and unable to be intercepted by outside parties, it is delivered via networks like the internet, encrypted using TLS.

Moreover, TLS offers authentication, which verifies that information originates from the right source and that the two systems are, in fact, talking with one another.

15: What is a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) and what is its purpose?

A network approach termed Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is used for remote file management, file transfers, and secure data access via secure networks.  It employs SSH (Secure Shell) as the foundation protocol and is a secure variant of File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

Moreover, a safe method of transferring files between two computers across an unprotected network is provided by SFTP.  In addition, it is employed to guarantee that information is sent securely and to prevent data from being captured by unauthorized parties.  Also, it serves as a safeguard against data corruption or tampering during transfer.

16: What is a virtual private network (VPN) and what is its purpose?

A virtual private network (VPN) allows remote users and websites to securely connect with one another across a public network, such as the internet.  In addition, it proposes a method for safely connecting to private networks via the open internet.

Even when using a public network, VPNs enable users to view websites and other content as if they were on a private network.  Moreover, they also offer a means of preventing user data from being viewed by networks that might be acting maliciously.  Using encryption and other security measures, a VPN connects two or more computers or networks securely to make sure that only authorized users can use the information and services.

17: What is two-factor authentication and why is it important for web application security?

A user must submit two distinct authentication methods to gain entry to a system or application using two-factor authentication (2FA).  Moreover, the same user is required to enter anything they know (such as a username and password) as well as something they have as an additional layer of security (like a physical token or a mobile device).  This kind of additional security measure guards against hostile actors accessing user accounts and the information and data of users.  Phishing attacks, account takeovers, and data breaches can all be prevented using 2FA.

18: What is password hashing and why is it important for web application security?

The method for transforming a password from plain text into such a scrambled code is called password hashing.  In addition, this particular type of code is known as a hash, adds an extra layer of security for online applications, and is incredibly challenging to decipher.

Due to the fact that it stops intruders from acquiring user passwords in plain text, it is crucial for web application security.  Additionally, it makes sure that even if an adversary gets their hands on the password’s hashed version, they cannot use it to enter the system.

19: What is salting and why is it important for web application security?

Passwords can be secured utilizing the salting approach, which includes adding random data (the salt) before the password is hashed.   As a result, it is more challenging for attackers to deduce credentials employing pre-generated hash tables.

Moreover, rainbow tables, which seem to be tables containing a list of credentials and their related hash values, are also avoided by salting.  The hash values remain unique and are unable to be utilized to deduce passwords when a salt is added.

Because it helps prevent login credentials from being compromised as a result of bad passwords or brute-force assaults, salting is crucial for web application security.

20: What is a security token and why is it important for web application security?

An electronic identification, known as a security token, is employed to verify a user’s identity and allow permission to use a web application. Since it assists in guaranteeing that only authorized individuals may access the program, it is crucial for web application security.

Moreover, security tokens are more highly safe than passwords since they are often created cryptographically and are challenging to forge. Security tokens may additionally be employed to store user information that can be used to customize the user’s experience, like preferences and settings.

21: What is a web application?

A web application is a piece of software that you can run on a web server and then view over the internet with a web browser. Web applications are different from desktop apps in that they do not require to be downloaded or installed on your computer. Email services like Gmail, social media sites like Facebook, online banking tools, and shopping websites like Amazon are all examples.

22: Why is web security important?

Web security is very important because it keeps private information safe from people who shouldn’t have access to it, theft, or damage. Web applications are being used more and more for personal and business purposes. Protecting these applications helps stop cyberattacks that can cause identity theft, financial loss, and damage to a company’s image.

23: What are common security threats to web applications?

Common security threats include:

• Phishing Attacks,
• Malware,
• SQL Injection,
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS),
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks, etc.

24: What is phishing and how can I avoid it?

Cybercriminals use phishing to get people to give up personal information like usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers by pretending to be a real company. To stay away from phishing:

• Be careful of emails or texts that you didn’t ask for that ask for personal information.
• Check the email address of the writer and look for errors.
• Do not click on links that look sketchy or download attachments from sites you don’t know.
• Keep your security software up to date and use tools that stop scams.

25: How do strong passwords enhance security?

It’s important to have strong passwords because they make it harder for hackers to guess or crack your login information. Usually, a strong password is:

• Has at least 8 characters.
• It has a mix of capital and small letters, numbers, and special symbols.
• Not containing information that is simple to figure out, like your name, date of birth, or popular words.

If you use strong, unique passwords for each account, it’s less likely that multiple accounts will be hacked if one password is stolen.

26: What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and why should I use it?

With two-factor authentication, you need to prove your identity in two different ways before you can access your account. This adds an extra layer of security. Usually, this means:

• Your password is something you know.
• An app or a code sent to your phone that lets you prove who you are.

If you turn on 2FA, someone who knows your password will still not be able to get into your account without the second step of proof.

27: How does encryption protect my data online?

Your data is encrypted into a file that can only be read by someone with the right decryption key. When you visit websites that have encryption (shown by “https://” and a padlock icon in the search bar), your passwords and credit card numbers are sent safely, so people who aren’t supposed to can’t see them while they’re being sent.

28: What is malware and how can it affect my computer?

Any program that is made to harm a computer, server, or network is called malware. It can:

• Steal sensitive information.
• Monitor your activities.
• Display unwanted advertisements.
• Encrypt your files and demand a ransom (ransomware).

29: What are firewalls and how do they work?

A firewall is a type of security system that checks and manages all network data, coming in and going out, based on rules that have already been set. It puts up a wall between your internal network and outside sources, like the internet. This wall stops bad traffic like viruses and hackers but lets good contact through.

30: How can I safely use public Wi-Fi networks?

Most public Wi-Fi networks are not safe, which makes it easier for hackers to steal your information. To keep them safe:

• Don’t go to sites that have private information on them, like banking websites or personal emails.
• To protect your internet link, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
• Make sure the security on your device is turned on.
• Forget the network when you’re done using it to stop it from connecting automatically again.

Conclusion

Readers who wish to learn more about Web Application Security can join a valuable Web Application Security Course by Craw Security.  At Craw Security, there is a bunch of world-class cybersecurity experts by whom you can take your demo session over various Web Application Security fundamentals and decide on their own whether to take a training program or not.

You will also be able to take the guidance of Mohit Yadav, an eminent cybersecurity professional and media spokesperson for cybersecurity matters.

To get more info on the same, all readers can contact the hotline mobile number +91-9513805401 and have a word with our highly efficient educational counselors.