OT/ICS Security Interview Tips and Techniques

If you are interested in pursuing a career in OT/ICS security, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in protecting these systems from cyber risks. A successful OT security interview requires a solid understanding of the field, relevant experience, and the ability to communicate your skills effectively.

In this article, I will share some tips and techniques on how to prepare for an interview in this field.

Research the company and the industry: Before the interview, you should do some research on the company you are applying to and the industry they operate in. Find out what kind of OT/ICS systems they use, what are their main challenges and goals. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs and expectations. These details can be found in the job description.

Review your resume and portfolio: Your resume and portfolio should highlight your relevant experience and achievements in OT/ICS security. Make sure they are updated and accurate, and that they showcase your skills in areas such as industrial network and architecture design, risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, incident response, compliance auditing, and security awareness training. You should also be prepared to explain how you applied these skills in your previous projects or roles.

Prepare for technical questions: Technical questions are common in OT/ICS security interviews, as they test your knowledge of the systems and technologies involved. Interviewers will likely probe your technical acumen through scenario based or problem solving questions.You should be familiar with the basic concepts and terminology of OT/ICS security, such as SCADA, PLC, RTU, HMI, DCS, SIS, OPC, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, IEC 62443, NIST SP 800-82, etc. You should also be able to answer questions about common threats and vulnerabilities affecting OT/ICS systems, such as ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, unauthorized access, data tampering, configuration errors, etc. Anticipate questions about your experience with various tools and technologies, such as network monitoring solutions, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.

Prepare for behavioral questions: Behavioral questions are also important in OT/ICS security interviews, as they assess your soft skills and personality traits. You should be able to demonstrate your communication skills, teamwork skills, problem solving skills, analytical skills, ethical standards, and passion for learning. You should also be ready to share examples of how you handled different situations or scenarios related to OT/ICS security, such as how you communicated with stakeholders, how you collaborated with other teams or departments, how you solved a security issue or incident, how you learned from a mistake or feedback, etc.

Practice your answers and ask questions: Before the interview day, you should practice your answers to common or possible questions that you may encounter. You can use online resources or books to find sample questions and answers or ask a friend or mentor to conduct a mock interview with you. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. This will show your interest and enthusiasm for the role and the company. You can ask questions about the company culture, the expectations and responsibilities of the role, the opportunities for growth and development, the current or future projects or initiatives related to OT/ICS security etc.

Final Note: Always thoroughly review a job description and prepare yourself to address the requirements outlined. Familiarize yourself with the skills and experiences mentioned in your resume, as these will likely be the basis for interview questions.

Remember, it is not essential to fulfill 100% of the job description; however, being able to answer most probable questions related to the role, showcasing a willingness to learn, and demonstrating enthusiasm for exploring new opportunities are crucial for success.

By following these tips and techniques, you will be able to ace your interview for an OT/ICS security role. Remember to be confident but humble; honest but tactful; professional but friendly; and most importantly; show your passion and curiosity for OT/ICS security.

All the best!!!!