34 SAP Security Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)

A career in SAP security can be challenging and equally rewarding, considering the opportunities and the benefits. If you are about to appear for a SAP security interview, preparing for it in advance can be beneficial. It may help you remember information to answer the interview questions correctly. In this article, we discuss some common SAP security interview questions and review their sample answers that may help you prepare better for your interview.

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SAP security interview questions and answers

Here are some common SAP security interview questions that you may experience, along with their sample answers that can guide you through answering them:

What is a role in SAP security?

Hiring managers might ask this question for an entry-level SAP security role. It tests the candidates' basic knowledge of the technical module. You can answer this question by explaining what roles mean and their functions.

Example: 'Roles in SAP security are the privileges given to a user in an SAP system. It allows them access to specific functionality in the system. A user may have multiple roles but can only access privileges assigned to their roles.'

What is the difference between USOBX-C and USOBT-C?

Knowing the difference between the two tables can be essential. It may help you determine which table is suitable for different situations. You can answer this question by highlighting the specific differences between them.

Example: 'Table USOBX-C defines the authorisation checks to perform and those not to perform within a transaction. It also determines the authorisation check to maintain in the profile generator. Table USOBT-C defines the default value for each authorisation object created in the profile generator.'

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What are the types of tabs present in PFCG?

The interviewer might ask this question to determine how much you know about SAP security. Answer it by listing the different tabs. Also, take a step further to explain the function of each tab.

Example: 'There are four types of tabs present in the PFCG, which are the description tabs, the menu tabs, the authorisation tab and the user tab. The description tabs describe any changes you made to the transactional codes and authorisation objects. The menu tab designs the user menu, and the authorisation tab maintains the authorisation profile and data. You also use the user tabs to adjust the main user record and assign users to roles.'

What are the most commonly used transactional codes in SAP security?

This question is usually for a mid-level SAP security engineer or an administrator. It aims to test the extensiveness of your knowledge in the technical module. Answer by listing the standard transactional codes you know.

Example: 'The commonly used t-codes in SAP Security are analysis authorisation code, trace transactional code, reports transactional code, user display transactional code, bulk changes transactional code, roles maintenance transactional code and transactional code for creating and changing user.'

How do you create a user group in the SAP system?

The interviewer might ask this question to determine your technical expertise. As a candidate applying for an SAP security administrator, it is necessary to know primary roles like creating a user group. You can answer this question by explaining the steps to create the group.

Example: 'To create a user group in the SAP system, you first execute the t-code SUGR, then you provide a name for the user group in the text box provided and click on the create button. After that, you add the group description and click on the 'Save' button. You now have a new user group created.'

What does profile version mean in SAP security?

This is a straightforward question. Interviewers might ask entry-level professionals to test their theoretical knowledge. You can provide a brief explanation of the term.

Example: 'When you modify any parameter within a profile, there is an update to the profile. Each update becomes saved within the system database. The updates have unique versions, which are known as profile versions.'

How do you check the table logs?

Working as an SAP security engineer requires you to know the different functions of the technical module. This question tests that knowledge. You can answer by describing the procedure for checking the table logs.

Example: 'Before you check for the table logs, you first check if logging for that table is active. You can do this by using the transactional code, SE13. If the logging is active, you can check for the table logs using the transactional code, SCU3.'

How does the composite role work?

The composite role helps simplify user administration. The hiring manager might ask this question to determine if you are familiar with how to ease some security processes. Answer the question by providing a detailed explanation of how the role works.

Example: 'The composite role is a collection of single roles. They do not store authorisation data for their components role, so with a modification, one can maintain the authorisation data at the components role level. A user assigned to a composite role switches to an elementary role during comparison. Composite roles are only necessary when there is a need for users to manage their authorisation.'

What is the difference between the authorisation object class and the authorisation object?

Another question the hiring manager might ask is the difference between the two authorisation objects. This tests your practical knowledge of SAP security. Providing a detailed answer to the differences is a way to answer the question.

Example: 'The authorisation object class is a group of authorisation objects defined by a similar security rule. The administrator usually groups them. An authorisation object is an object under the authorisation object class. It is easier to configure objects grouped into a class collectively.'

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What is the difference between a role and a profile?

The interviewers want to see if you can differentiate between the two terms. Being able to do this shows knowledge of their different functions. Answer the question by highlighting their specific differences.

Example: 'Roles are lists of authorisations and combinations assigned to a profile. A profile is the term generated when you create roles. The profile encompasses a list of roles.'

What is a user buffer?

This is a straightforward question that requires a concise answer. Give a brief definition of a user buffer. You can also include some of its functions in the technical module.

Example: 'A user buffer is built when a user logs into SAP R/3. The buffer contains the user authorisation. Every user has a unique buffer.'

What is SOD in SAP security?

Hiring managers might ask for the definition of terms to be sure you have a working knowledge of the role. They usually ask this question during entry-level interviews. Knowing the meaning can show you have done your research.

Example: 'SOD means segregation of duties. It helps make every transaction unique. One can implement it in SAP to prevent fraud during business transactions.'

22 other commonly asked questions

Other SAP security questions interviewers might ask include:

• How do you assign a logical system to a client?

• What transactional code do you use to create authorisation groups?

• What do you use to regenerate the SAP_ALL profile?

• Which parameter do you use to see the number of filters within the SM19?

• How do you display a user buffer?

• Which SAP table do you use to determine single roles assigned to a specific role?

• What parameter do you use to control excessive entries in the user buffer?

• What do you use users comparison for in SAP security?

• How do you delete all the old security audit logs?

• What are role templates?

• What is the maximum number of roles added to a SAP user?

• How do you lock every user in the SAP security system simultaneously?

• What steps do you take before you execute the run system trace?

• How many objects can be in a role?

• How do you lock a transaction or separate the execution from the transaction?

• How do you go through the summary of authorisation objects and profile?

• What is PFCG time dependency?

• How many transactional codes can a particular role get?

• What table do you use to store illegal passwords?

• How do you delete more than one role from production systems, DEV and QA?

• What are the required steps to take before assigning a task for users regardless of if it has approval from authorised controllers?

• What is the difference between a single and a derived role?

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