SOC Analyst/Engineer (Security Analyst)

Job Title: SOC Analyst/Engineer (Security Analyst)

Location: Alameda, CA (Onsite)

Job Type: Contract

Job Description:

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• CISSP, CISM, CEH, OSCP, GIAC or similar cybersecurity certification required.

Experience:

• Security tools such as SIEM, EDR, and IDS/IPS to ensure they are effectively detecting and alerting on potential threats.

• Extensive experience in Palo Alto Cortex XDR and a deep understanding and practical application of XQL

queries is required.

• Extensive experience in a SOC environment, with a strong background in threat detection, incident

response, and threat hunting.

• Experience with threat intelligence platforms and integrating threat intelligence feeds to security tools to

enrich threat detection.

• Experience in proactive threat hunting to identify and neutralize emerging threats.

• Experience or working knowledge of cloud, network, and application security.

• Experience in Biotech/Pharma is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency with SOC tools and technologies such as SIEM (Splunk), EDR (Cortex), and IDS/IPS (e.g., Snort,

Suricata).

• Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell) to automate tasks, enhance detection capabilities, and

develop automation through a SOAR platform.

• Ability to configure and fine-tune security tools to maximize their effectiveness by integrating various log

sources and data feeds to enhance visibility and detection.

• Ability to work with various data sources to create high-fidelity alerting.

• Knowledge of machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify anomalies and potential threats.

• Ability to develop and refine correlation rules within SIEM to detect complex attack patterns, leveraging

the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

• Strong analytical skills to correlate events and make informed decisions based on data.

• Ability to analyze user behaviors and network traffic to detect suspicious activities.

• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with security vendors.

• Extensive knowledge of DNS, network protocols, firewalls, VPNs, web application firewalls, email security,

IPS/IDS, SIEM, DLP, cryptography, application whitelisting, and endpoint protection

• Excellent communication skills.

• Resourceful and proactive to find innovative solutions to challenges.

• A mindset focused on continuous learning and improvement.

• Outstanding judgment and problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution.

• Ability to work in a team environment, create timelines, and continually make necessary adjustments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the end-to-end threat management process, from initial detection and analysis to containment,

eradication, and recovery. Ensure that all incidents are thoroughly investigated and documented, and that

lessons learned are incorporated into future threat management strategies.

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of detection mechanisms and make necessary adjustments to improve

accuracy and coverage. This includes conducting regular threat hunting exercises to identify gaps and

areas for improvement.

• Create and refine correlation rules within the XDR Platform (Cortex XDR) to identify complex attack

patterns and reduce false positives. This involves analyzing security events and developing rules that

accurately detect malicious activities.

• Incorporating threat intelligence feeds into the team’s detection capabilities to stay updated on the latest

threats and attack techniques. Use this intelligence to enhance detection rules and response strategies.

• Utilize machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify anomalies and potential threats that

traditional signature-based tools might miss. This includes analyzing user behaviors and network traffic to

detect suspicious activities.

• Regularly review and fine-tune the configurations of current security tools such as SIEM, EDR, and IDS/IPS

to ensure they are effectively detecting and alerting on potential threats.

• Work with various log sources and data feeds to enhance the visibility and detection capabilities of the

team. This includes integrating logs from network devices, servers, applications, and cloud environments.

• Co-create and maintain playbooks to standardize and automate threat response procedures. This includes

developing automated workflows to streamline incident response, reduce response times, and improve

the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the cybersecurity operations team.

• Stay current with the latest threat landscape and emerging trends in cybersecurity to proactively identify

and mitigate potential security risks.

• Contribute to the overall information security strategy.