Sample interview questions: Have you ever faced challenges related to data security or cyber threats during a research project? How did you mitigate the risks?
Sample answer:
Data Security Challenges and Risk Mitigation
During research projects involving sensitive data, I have encountered challenges related to data security and cyber threats:
Challenges:
- Unsecured data storage and transmission: Data stored on local computers or network drives could be vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches.
- Weak access controls: Unrestricted access to sensitive data by multiple users or third parties increased the risk of data theft or misuse.
- Malware threats: Malware, such as viruses or ransomware, could compromise data integrity or confidentiality by encrypting or deleting files.
- Cyberattacks: External cyberattacks, such as phishing attempts or hacking, could target research networks and data systems.
Risk Mitigation Measures:
Data Storage:
- Implemented encrypted data storage solutions (e.g., AES-256) to protect data at rest.
- Utilized cloud-based data repositories with robust security protocols and access controls.
- Regularly backed up critical data to secure off-site locations.
Data Transmission:
- Encrypted data before transmitting over networks or the Internet.
- Implemented secure file transfer protocols (e.g., SSH, HTTPS) to protect data in transit.
- Used virtual private networks (VPNs) to establis… Read full answer