Prepare for your Application Security Engineer interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question is a great way to test your knowledge of application security and how it works. You can answer this question by describing an application security architecture, its components and how they work together.
Answer: “An application security architecture is a framework that helps organizations ensure their applications are secure. It includes several components, such as a threat detection system, vulnerability scanner and authentication system. These components work together to identify threats, scan for vulnerabilities and ensure users are authenticated before allowing them access to the application.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of application security and how you apply it. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise in this field.
Answer: “The two most common vulnerabilities in applications are cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. XSS occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a website or application, which allows them to steal sensitive data or gain access to users’ accounts. SQL injection is similar to XSS, but instead of injecting code into a website, it injects it into a database. This vulnerability allows attackers to access and modify data stored in databases.”
This question allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of the application security process and how you would apply it in the workplace. Describe the steps you would take to identify and resolve a vulnerability in an application, including any tools or software you would use during this process.
Answer: “I would first identify the vulnerability by conducting a scan of the application. I would then analyze the results of the scan to determine what type of vulnerability it is and what impact it could have on the application. Next, I would resolve the vulnerability by implementing a patch or other security measure to protect the application from further attacks. Finally, I would test the application again to ensure that the vulnerability has been completely resolved.”
This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of security testing techniques. Your answer should include definitions for both terms, as well as an example of when each would be used in an application security audit.
Answer: “A penetration test is a form of security testing that involves attempting to breach an organization’s security measures in order to identify vulnerabilities. This type of test typically involves actively attacking a system or network in order to find weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious actors. A vulnerability scan, on the other hand, is a passive method of identifying weaknesses in an application or system. It typically involves running an automated script that searches for specific vulnerabilities in the code.”
This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you apply them to the job. Use examples from previous work experiences where you identified a bug in an application, identified the cause of the bug and fixed it.
Answer: “In my last role as an application security engineer, I was working on a project where we were building a new application from scratch. During the development process, I noticed that there were some issues with the code that could potentially allow attackers to gain access to sensitive data.”
This question allows you to show the interviewer that you have a clear understanding of what the role entails and how you plan to fulfill it. Your answer should include a few examples of what you would focus on as an application security engineer, such as:
Answer: “My primary focus would be to ensure that all applications within the company are secure. To do this, I would implement various security measures such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and code review. I would also ensure that all applications are up-to-date with the latest patches and bug fixes. In addition, I would work closely with development teams to ensure that they are following best practices when it comes to security. Finally, I would monitor the network for any suspicious activity and respond quickly if any issues arise.”
This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and how you would react in a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to take responsibility for your work, are able to identify flaws and know how to fix them.
Answer: “If I discovered a major security flaw in an application I designed, my first step would be to assess the severity of the issue. If it was a minor vulnerability that could be easily fixed, such as by updating software or changing passwords, I would immediately take action to resolve the problem. If the flaw was more serious, such as a breach in security protocol, I would work with the team to develop a plan of action to rectify the issue. This may include implementing additional security measures or even rebuilding parts of the application.”
The OWASP top ten is a list of the most common security vulnerabilities that exist in application software. It’s a great way to test your knowledge of application security and how well you can apply it in real-world situations. To answer this question, try to list as many of the top ten as you can.
Answer: “The OWASP top ten is a great resource for anyone working in application security. I’ve been working in this field for five years now, so I’m very familiar with each vulnerability listed. Here’s a quick rundown of the top ten:”
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with writing security policies and procedures. If you have previous experience, share an example of how you helped implement security policies in your organization. If you don’t have experience writing security policies, consider sharing other types of writing experience that are relevant to this role.
Answer: “Yes, I have extensive experience writing security policies. In my current role as an Application Security Engineer, I am responsible for creating and maintaining the organization’s security policies and procedures. I utilize my knowledge of industry best practices and current regulations to ensure that our systems are secure and compliant.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of application security and how you apply it. Use examples from your experience that show you can use API security effectively in the workplace.
Answer: “API security is important for any organization that uses third-party applications or APIs. This includes many of the most popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as well as many business applications like Salesforce.com. It’s important to ensure that all of your applications have secure APIs so that data isn’t compromised.”
This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of application security and how you would apply it in the workplace. You can answer this question by describing a few steps you would take to ensure the security of an application, including what tools you would use and why they are important.
Answer: “To ensure that an application is secure from both external and internal threats, I would first perform a thorough security assessment of the application. This includes scanning the code for any vulnerabilities, as well as testing the application for any potential weaknesses or flaws. I would also ensure that all patches and updates are installed on a regular basis to keep the system up-to-date.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific process in application security. Code review is a method of ensuring that the code an engineer writes is safe and secure. Your answer should include a specific example of when you conducted a code review and what the results were.
Answer: “I have extensive experience with code review. I have been involved in a variety of projects where code review was required, including both client-side and server-side code. In my current role, I am responsible for conducting code reviews on all new development projects and ensuring that they meet security standards. I also regularly conduct code reviews on existing code to identify potential vulnerabilities and ensure they are fixed quickly.”
This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your unique skills and how they can benefit their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a skill or experience that makes you stand out from other applicants.
Answer: “I believe my experience and skills make me stand out from other application security engineers. I have over 5 years of experience in application security, with a focus on web applications. During my time as an Application Security Engineer, I have developed a deep understanding of the various vulnerabilities that exist in modern applications.”
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise with different programming languages. Use this opportunity to highlight any unique or advanced skills you have with specific languages, such as Java or Python.
Answer: “I have extensive experience with Java, C++, and Python. I have been working with Java for over 5 years now, and I am very familiar with its syntax and libraries. I also have a deep understanding of its security vulnerabilities and how to fix them. In addition, I have developed several applications using Java EE, Spring framework, and MVC architecture.”
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. You can answer by identifying a skill from the job description, such as “I think the most important skill for an application security engineer is the ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team. This role involves working closely with developers, project managers and other security professionals, so it’s important to be able to share ideas and insights with others.”
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This question can help the interviewer understand your level of involvement in the application security process. It can also show them how often you perform penetration tests and whether you have experience doing so. In your answer, highlight any specific skills or knowledge you have related to penetration testing applications.
Answer: “I perform penetration tests on applications I designed at least once every six months. During these tests, I use black-box and white-box techniques to identify any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses. I then create a report detailing my findings and recommendations for how to fix these issues.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach problems and solve them. Your answer should show that you are able to analyze issues, make decisions and take action to solve them.
Answer: “When I encounter a bug in an application I designed, my first step is to determine what caused it. This involves analyzing the code thoroughly to identify any potential vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that could have caused the bug. Once I have identified the root cause of the bug, I can then work on fixing it.”
This question allows you to show your knowledge of application security and how you apply it in your work. You can answer this question by listing the methods you use to ensure application security, such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and code review.
Answer: “I use a combination of methods to ensure application security. First, I perform regular vulnerability scans on the application to identify any potential weaknesses in the code. Then, I use penetration testing to simulate an attack on the system to see if anyone can break into it. Finally, I review the code itself to look for any issues or vulnerabilities.”
A interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work under pressure. Use examples from previous jobs where you had to complete a project quickly while still ensuring that it was of high quality.
Answer: “I recently worked on a tight deadline while maintaining high-quality work. I was tasked with developing an application security framework for an enterprise-level web application. The project required me to develop secure coding practices, implement automated testing, and conduct penetration testing on the application.”
This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to identify issues within an application. Use examples from past experiences where you diagnosed issues, identified their root cause and implemented solutions to fix them.
Answer: “When diagnosing an issue that is causing an application to become unresponsive, I would first assess the severity of the problem. If it is a minor issue, I would wait until it is fixed before taking any action. If it is a major issue, I would immediately begin investigating the cause of the problem.”
This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your ability to adapt and learn new things. It can also show them how you prioritize your work and manage deadlines. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had to learn something new quickly and what steps you took to do so.
Answer: “I was recently hired as an Application Security Engineer for a company that was in the process of transitioning from legacy systems to modern ones. This meant that I had to learn a variety of new technologies and techniques in order to ensure the security of the company’s applications.”
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your comfort level with security automation tools and how you might use them in the role. Use your answer to highlight your experience with these types of tools, as well as any other automation tools you’ve used in the past.
Answer: “I am very comfortable working with OWASP Zed and Burp Suite. I have been using both tools for several years now, and have become quite proficient at using them to perform application security assessments. In my current role, I use these tools daily to test applications for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. I also have experience writing custom scripts and plugins for both tools to automate common tasks.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you have applied your skills to improve the security of applications. You can answer this question by describing a time when you received positive feedback about your work and how it helped improve the application’s security.
Answer: “I have received positive feedback from both my clients and managers about the security of my applications. In my previous role as an application security engineer, I was responsible for ensuring that all applications were secure and met compliance standards. My manager would often ask me for feedback on the security of our applications, which helped us improve our processes and procedures.”
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle stressful situations and whether you have experience handling security breaches. In your answer, try to describe a time when you helped prevent a security incident from becoming worse.
Answer: “In my last role as an application security engineer, I was responsible for monitoring the servers for any unusual activity. One day, I noticed that there was an increase in failed login attempts on one of our databases. After investigating further, I determined that someone had tried to hack into the system but failed due to our strong security measures. I then reported the incident to my supervisor so we could take further action.”
