Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Meysey Hampton; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading intelligence agency as a Cyber Security Analyst, where you'll protect the UK from cyber threats. Collaborate with a dedicated team, utilize cutting-edge technology, and benefit from extensive training and development opportunities. Enjoy a competitive salary and a supportive work environment that values diversity.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave

Employee performance recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities such as gym, restaurant, and coffee bars

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Cyber security certification or 6 months experience required.
• Experience with scripting and understanding of operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Protect the organization against cyber threats.
• Analyze high-priority alerts and develop detection content.
• Support security incidents with Digital Forensics.

Skills

Scripting

Windows

Linux

Python

Problem Solving

Education

CompTIA A+

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Security+

OffSec

SOC200

GSEC

GCIA

GCIH

Tools

AWS

Microsoft Azure

Splunk

Job description

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Job Description

Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £36,408 (includes £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. While hybrid working can be more restricted, due to the nature of the work, around 20% home working may be available depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The Role

As a Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll work with a close-knit team to protect our organisation against a range of cyber threats. From malware outbreaks and insider activity to denial-of-service attacks and phishing, your role will be key in detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks. You’ll work closely with other technical teams, gaining deeper understanding of operational activities across various thematic areas. This will help you develop your skills and expertise in defensive strategies for operational infrastructure.

Typically, your day will start with a review of recent events, followed by a team meeting to coordinate ongoing investigations and set priorities. From there, you might analyse high-priority alerts, dig into logs, network traffic, or endpoint data using tools like Splunk, or develop new detection content to enhance our defences. You’ll also draw on threat intelligence to proactively strengthen our security posture. When incidents occur, you’ll take swift, decisive action to contain and resolve them.

You’ll also have the opportunity to dive into Digital Forensics to support security incidents. Whilst the role is akin to a cybersecurity role in the private sector, the scenarios you’ll face due to the unique nature of the work done by us will be anything but ordinary.

About You

Along with a passion for IT and eagerness to grow in the cyber security space, you’ll bring experience with scripting, along with an understanding of both Windows and Linux operating systems, and familiarity with Python. You’ll be interested in developing your skills with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

You need to hold a cyber security certification or education at a foundation level (e.g., CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, OffSec, SOC200, GSEC, GCIA, or GCIH certification). Alternatively, you will have 6 months experience in a cyber security role.

Beyond your technical skills, you’ll be an effective team worker, communicator and problem-solver. Collaborating is crucial to tackling complex threats and building effective solutions.

Training and Development

We’re committed to helping you develop your skills and reach your full potential. You’ll work with your line manager to identify areas for growth and development, and you’ll have access to formal in-house and on-the-job training as well as external training opportunities, including industry-recognised certifications with SANS Institute and OFFSEC.

From the moment you join us, you’ll be paired with a buddy to help you settle in and provide ongoing mentorship. You’ll gain hands-on experience in cyber security, threat detection, and incident response, supporting your professional growth.

Rewards and Benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £36,408 plus benefits including:

• 25 Days Annual Leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
• Employee performance recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as gym, restaurant, and coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society we serve. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals. More information is available on our website.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to supporting disabled applicants through the recruitment process and ensuring fair opportunities.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based, including:

• Application sift
• Virtual competency and technical interview
• Conditional job offer

The process may take 6-9 months, including vetting. We recommend continuing current employment until final offers are made.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Please consider the implications of security, location, and application procedures before applying.