How do you handle data validation and sanitization in your code?
Theme: Security Role: Back End Developer Function: Technology
Interview Question for Back-End Developer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Back-End Developer: Manages server-side logic and databases for software applications. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Security with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Data Validation: Example response detailing data validation
- Data Sanitization: Example response detailing data sanitization
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Technical skills: Assessing the candidate's knowledge and understanding of data validation and sanitization techniques in code
- Problem-solving abilities: Evaluating the candidate's ability to identify and handle potential data vulnerabilities and security risks
- Attention to detail: Determining the candidate's approach to ensuring data integrity and accuracy through validation and sanitization
- Best practices: Assessing the candidate's familiarity with industry-standard techniques and frameworks for data validation and sanitization
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Not being able to explain the importance of data validation and sanitization in code
- Inadequate knowledge: Not being familiar with common techniques and best practices for data validation and sanitization
- No mention of input validation: Not discussing how input data is validated to ensure it meets the expected format and constraints
- No mention of output sanitization: Not discussing how output data is sanitized to prevent security vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS)
- No mention of data type validation: Not addressing how data types are validated to ensure compatibility and prevent errors