Mid - Level Incident Response Analysts

Job Description: 

XOR Security is currently seeking a  Mid-level IR Analysts to support a federal SOC program.  The program provides comprehensive Security Monitoring and Incident Response support through 24×7×365 monitoring and analysis of potential threat activity targeting the enterprise.  The team conducts event triage and security investigations for potential threat activity identified within the organization, conduct deep-dive forensic investigations (host-based and network), identify and implement countermeasures, as well as track and report on incident activity to senior management.  To support this vital mission, XOR staff are on the forefront of providing SOC Operations to include the development of advanced analytics and countermeasures to protect critical assets from various cyber threats. To ensure the integrity, security and resiliency of critical operations, we are seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds in cyber security systems operations, analysis and incident response. A strong work ethic, diligent time and attendance, written and verbal communications skills are a must. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of cyber threats and information security in the domains of TTP’s, Threat Actors, Campaigns, and Observables. Additionally, the ideal candidate would be familiar with intrusion detection systems, intrusion analysis, security information event management platforms, endpoint threat detection tools, and security operations ticket management.  While the position is primarily remote currently, onsite in Alexandria, VA work may be required in the future. 

This is a 24x7 Operation with 12-hour shifts with 4 days on for one week, and 3 days on the next week:  

Front Half Days:  Week 1: Sun-Wed 7AM-7PM, Week 2: Sun-Tues 7AM-7PM 

Front Half Nights:  Week 1: Sun-Wed 7PM-7AM, Week 2: Sun-Tues 7PM-7AM 

Back Half Days:  Week 1: Wed – Sat 7AM-7PM, Week 2: 7AM-7PM Sun-Tues 

Back Half Nights:  Week 1: Wed – Sat 7PM-7AM, Week 2: 7PM-7AM Sun-Tues 

Core Day:  Mon – Fri 7AM-3:30PM 

Core Mid:  Mon – Fri 3PM-11:30PM 

Core Night:  Mon – Fri 11PM- 7:30AM 

Corporate duties such as solution/proposal development, corporate culture development, mentoring employees, supporting recruiting efforts, will also be required.  The program is currently operating remotely but will be performed onsite in Alexandria, VA when directed to do so by the customer.   

Position is contingent on successfully completing a program-based background investigation. 

Required Qualifications: 

• For Mid-level analysts, 3+ years of experience working in network defense environments.  

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. 
• Strong analytical and technical skills in computer network defense operations, ability to lead efforts in Incident Handling (Detection, Analysis, Triage), Hunting (anomalous pattern detection and content management) and Malware Analysis. 
• Experience with the identification and implementation of counter-measures or mitigating controls for deployment and implementation in the enterprise network environment. 
• Prior experience and ability to with analyzing information technology security events to discern events that qualify as legitimate security incidents as opposed to non-incidents. This includes security event triage, incident investigation, implementing countermeasures, and conducting incident response. 
• Previous hands-on experience with a Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM) platforms and/or log management systems that perform log collection, analysis, correlation, and alerting is required (preferably within IBM Qradar or Splunk). 

• Strong logical/critical thinking abilities, especially analyzing security events (windows event logs, Tanium queries, network traffic, IDS events for malicious intent). 
• Strong proficiency Report writing – a technical writing sample and technical editing test will be required if the candidate has no prior published intelligence analysis reporting, excellent verbal and written communications skills and ability produce clear and thorough security incident reports and briefings. 
• Excellent organizational and attention to details in tracking activities within various Security Operation workflows. 
• A working knowledge of the various operating systems (e.g. Windows, OS X, Linux, etc.) commonly deployed in enterprise networks, a conceptual understanding of Windows Active Directory is also required, and a working knowledge of network communications and routing protocols (e.g. TCP, UDP, ICMP, BGP, MPLS, etc.) and common internet applications and standards (e.g. SMTP, DNS, DHCP, SQL, HTTP, HTTPS, etc.). 
• Ability to support coverage requirements for various shifts during holidays and weekends when required. 

• Ability to work greater than 40 hours per week as needed (occasional night and weekend work required) and/or 12-hour shift in a single day. 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Ability to develop rules, filters, views, signatures, countermeasures and operationally relevant applications and scripts to support analysis and detection efforts. 
• Familiarity with coding, scripting languages (BASH, Powershell, Python, PERL, RUBY etc.) or software development frameworks (.NET). 
• One or more certifications for CND Analysts:  GCIA, GCIH, GCFA, GCFE, GREM, GISF, GMON, GXPN, CHFI, GNFA, OSCP, OSEE, OSCE, OSWP, CISSP, CCFP, LPT, CHFI, CySA. 

Closing Statement: 

XOR Security offers a very competitive benefits package including paid health insurance coverage from first day of employment, 401k with a vested company match, vacation and supplemental insurance benefits. 

XOR Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). M/F/D/V. 

Citizenship Clearance Requirement Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation - Applicants must meet eligibility requirements – US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED.