Job Description
Job Description
The Information Security Analyst is a technical role within the Information Security (InfoSec) group of Information Technology Services (ITS), responsible for defending the data assets through policy controls, security operations, incident response, and AI-assisted tooling. As a primary network defender, the analyst works at the intersection of threat detection, vulnerability management, and forensic investigation within a Security Operations Center (SOC).
The role requires hands-on experience across several domains: SOC operations including alert triage, log analysis, and network traffic interpretation using tools such as Splunk, Kibana, or Microsoft Sentinel; Python 3 scripting for automation and detection support; firewall management for ruleset maintenance and network security enforcement; Microsoft Entra ID administration including identity architecture and PowerShell scripting; Linux system administration across mixed-OS environments; and digital forensics at a first-responder level, including breach assessment, evidence preservation, and containment.
This role is responsible for developing and overseeing SOC employees. The SOC functions as both a live security operation and a learning environment, requiring the analyst to serve as senior practitioner and mentor.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in information security/Cybersecurity, Information Management, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
Experience
- Five (5+) plus years of experience in Information Technology, with a minimum of two (2) years in Information Security/Cybersecurity.
- Prior experience working in a functioning SOC or equivalent security operations environment is valued, including hands-on work triaging live alerts, investigating active incidents, and operating security tooling in a production setting.
Required Experience (2+ years each):
- SOC operations: IDS/EDR alert triage, log analysis, and network traffic interpretation using Splunk, Kibana, or Microsoft Sentinel
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: alert triage, investigation, and response
- Python 3 scripting for automation and SOC workflow support
- Firewall operation and network security fundamentals
Required Experience (1+ years each):
- Windows/Active Directory, endpoint log analysis, PowerShell, and group policies
- Linux system administration
- Digital forensics at a first-responder level
- AI-assisted security tools (e.g., Copilot, AI-enhanced SIEM features)
- Broader Technical Knowledge: Network protocols; IDS/IPS platforms; MITRE ATT&CK and Cyber Kill Chain; vulnerability scanning; cloud security fundamentals; SOAR and scripting-based automation; Microsoft security stack (Defender XDR, Sentinel, Purview, Entra ID) with KQL proficiency.
- Active use of AI tooling across all operational functions and the application of AI as a solution is a core expectation.
- Soft Skills: Cross-functional collaboration; SOC mentorship; multi-source analytical precision; clear written and verbal communication to technical and non-technical audiences; composure during active incidents; commitment to continuous learning.
Security Monitoring & Alert Triage
- Monitor network, endpoint, and identity telemetry continuously using open-source and enterprise SIEM platforms including Splunk, Elastic/Opensearch, and Kibana.
- Review IDS alerts, system logs, and network traffic captures; triage for relevance and severity; distinguish genuine threats from false positives.
- Provide second-level analysis of alerts escalated by SOC employees, with final disposition and escalation authority resting with this position.
SOC Tools Operations & Engineering
- Operate, tune, and recommend enhancements to the SOC’s monitoring and detection platforms including Microsoft Defender and SIEM tools; leverage AI-assisted tooling to improve detection and response workflows.
- Implement threat hunting and detection strategies; identify new data sources to augment detection capability; integrate new tools and applications as needed.
- Write Python and PowerShell scripts to automate detection, response, and data analysis workflows.
- Assist in maintenance of firewall rulesets.
Incident Response & Investigation
- Serve as first responder for security incident investigation, conducting log and system-level analysis to determine potential scope and impact. Assist with containment, eradication, and recovery efforts.
- Perform digital forensic analysis at the first-responder level to determine whether a breach has occurred and what steps are required to contain it.
- Provide written and verbal summaries of incident findings to be shared with ITS leadership and relevant stakeholders.
Vulnerability Management
- Assist in maintaining and operating the vulnerability assessment program, including scan configuration, finding analysis, risk prioritization based on exploitability and business impact, and remediation coordination with system owners.
- Track patching effectiveness and validate closure of critical findings.
Employee Development
- Assist in the hiring, continuous training, mentoring, and operational oversight of SOC employees. Develop and maintain the SOC processes, runbooks, and escalation procedures that analysts follow.
- Provide direct coaching on alert investigation techniques, log analysis, and documentation standards.