Hack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roles , Second Edition

I had the opportunity to review this book, and I must admit this may be the most informative and comprehensive book that will help you conquer cybersecurity interviews. From start to finish, I was impressed with the layout and explanation of the different positions that exist in the cybersecurity field. The interview questions are designed to allow you to present yourself in a very professional manner. Not only does this book supply you with mock interview questions but it also goes Indepth into how to answer them with confidence. The introduction section shows general interview questions, then as you navigate through the rest of the chapters it becomes tailored to the specific position that you want to apply for. It not only supplies the answers to questions but also explains the technology and procedures that allows you to come to that conclusion.If you're looking to break into the cybersecurity field this book will help you nail the interview and get the position you want.

I’m liking it. More information than the first version and I like the ideas of how you can find a job. I’m so tired of people just telling me to “network.” It’s good to have other ideas for finding jobs not posted to job boards.

GoodFirst, many cybersecurity jobs are poorly defined with overlapping roles. This book is a breath of fresh air, bringing order to the chaos. Each chapter outlines a cybersecurity role with a clear job description, recommended certifications, salary ranges, and practice interview questions with answers. This clarity is crucial because people want to know what a job entails before diving in.Second, I appreciated the book's organization, reminiscent of the Dummies series, where sections stand alone. This format allows readers to focus on key areas without needing to read cover to cover. I truly appreciated this format.Third, I was glad to see Cybersecurity Sales Engineer included. People often think cybersecurity is just offense versus defense, red team versus blue team. But selling cybersecurity products and services is a legitimate career—I’ve done it myself. For those with the right personality and skills, it’s lucrative.Fourth, the interview practice questions in each section were excellent. They were clear, well-thought-out, and technical enough to assess candidates effectively. When I interviewed for cybersecurity roles in the past, questions were often either too easy or absurdly difficult. Some weren’t even relevant to the role. I was once asked to describe TLS 3.0. The best questions let candidates showcase their knowledge and shine. Now, interviewers can use this book to ask clear, relevant questions. It’s a win-win.Finally, the book reveals the missing piece that can make the difference between an offer letter and the cold heartless generic rejection email: a personal brand. A personal brand defines an interviewee and makes them stand out among hundreds of applicants. It’s a competitive advantage—a true game changer.Now for the stuff I did not like…BadFirst, a section on disabilities and accommodations would have been valuable. Some estimate that up to 50% of tech professionals are neurodivergent. Such a section could highlight that having a disability doesn’t exclude you from working in cybersecurity. Interview accommodations are also available. Examples include requesting interview questions in advance, breaking a long interview into shorter sessions, asking for extra time to answer, or opting for an online interview. These adjustments make the interview process work for the interviewee, not against them.Second, the book combines the roles of GRC and Privacy Analyst. When I worked as a GRC Analyst, privacy was not part of my role, and many organizations kept these roles separate. However, with shrinking budgets and smaller teams, I understand why some organizations combine them. In my view, these roles should remain separate, as the GRC Analyst role can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with PCI-DSS, one of the toughest security standards in cybersecurity. Managing PCI-DSS compliance and privacy responsibilities would be a nightmare for one person.Finally, although Cybersecurity Architect is mentioned in the Cybersecurity Engineer chapter, it deserves its own chapter. Many cybersecurity professionals today are Cybersecurity Architects, especially in the cloud domain. This is crucial because not all cybersecurity professionals want to manage people. The role of Cybersecurity Architect is a legitimate technical career path, distinct from management. I was a Cybersecurity Architect myself in the past.Final ThoughtsI thoroughly enjoyed reading Hack the Cybersecurity Interview and commend the authors for crafting such an outstanding book. The practice interview questions are well-crafted and impactful. This book is not just for job seekers; it is a valuable resource for organizations to ask better questions and streamline the interview process. I highly recommend it to both individuals and organizations.Disclaimer: Preview copy was provided.