What are the common authentication and access control mechanisms?

 Theme: Authentication, Access Control  Role: Cybersecurity Analyst  Function: Technology

  Interview Question for Cybersecurity Analyst:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect systems and data from cyber threats and breaches. 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 Authentication, Access Control with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Authentication Mechanisms: 1. Password-based authentication: Users provide a unique password to verify their identity.2. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as a password, fingerprint, or security token.3. Biometric authentication: Uses unique physical characteristics like fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition to verify identity.4. Certificate-based authentication: Relies on digital certificates issued by a trusted authority to authenticate users.5. Token-based authentication: Users provide a physical or virtual token, such as a smart card or mobile app, to authenticate their identity.6. Single sign-on (SSO): Allows users to authenticate once and access multiple systems or applications without re-entering credentials.7. Federated authentication: Enables users to use their credentials from one trusted identity provider to access multiple systems or applications.8. Risk-based authentication: Analyzes various factors, such as user behavior or location, to determine the level of authentication required
  •  Access Control Mechanisms: 1. Role-based access control (RBAC): Assigns permissions based on predefined roles or job functions.2. Mandatory access control (MAC): Uses security labels and clearances to determine access rights based on sensitivity and classification levels.3. Discretionary access control (DAC): Allows users to control access to their own resources by granting or revoking permissions.4. Attribute-based access control (ABAC): Evaluates various attributes, such as user attributes or environmental conditions, to determine access rights.5. Rule-based access control (RBAC): Uses a set of rules to determine access rights based on conditions and actions.6. Time-based access control: Grants or restricts access based on specific time periods or schedules.7. Role-based access control with separation of duties (SoD): Enforces additional restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest or fraud.8. Access control lists (ACL): Lists of permissions associated with specific resources or objects, determining who can access them

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Knowledge & understanding: Assessing your knowledge and understanding of common authentication and access control mechanisms in cybersecurity
  •  Experience: Evaluating your practical experience in implementing authentication and access control mechanisms in real-world scenarios
  •  Problem-solving skills: Assessing your ability to identify and address security vulnerabilities related to authentication and access control
  •  Awareness of industry best practices: Determining your familiarity with industry-standard authentication and access control mechanisms and your ability to apply them effectively

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of knowledge: Not being able to provide a comprehensive list of common authentication and access control mechanisms
  •  Confusion: Mixing up authentication and access control mechanisms or not clearly understanding the difference between the two
  •  Inability to explain: Not being able to explain how each authentication and access control mechanism works or their purpose
  •  Outdated information: Providing outdated or incorrect information about common authentication and access control mechanisms
  •  Overconfidence: Being overly confident and not open to discussing limitations or vulnerabilities of authentication and access control mechanisms
  •  Lack of examples: Not being able to provide real-world examples or scenarios where authentication and access control mechanisms are commonly used

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Cybersecurity Analyst in Technology function. View details for the Cybersecurity Analyst here