How can you reset a password-protected BIOS configuration?
This is an example of an operational question. The interviewer is asking how you go about accomplishing a specific task. Their primary purpose is to ensure that you understand this procedure and how to execute it. Their secondary purpose is to determine if you are familiar with the procedures currently used by the organization's information security team. They also may be considering adding this process to their current information security practices and want to determine if you can assist them in accomplishing this.
Operational questions, like technical questions, are best answered directly and succinctly. Using this guideline, you ensure that you are providing the interviewer with the information they seek and not confusing them with additional details or embellishments. Shorter answers also ensure that you will not misinform the interviewer or state information that either isn't relevant or may be incorrect.
"There are several methods you can use to reset a password-protected BIOS or UEFI configuration. The first is disconnecting the CMOS battery, which wipes the BIOS settings from its memory. Another method is to use either a switch or jumpers on the motherboard to reset the BIOS. If neither of these methods works, you will need to reprogram the BIOS using a special tool. If the system is new, you can try using the typical factory default password, which is 'password' to access and reset the BIOS."
