Data Protection Analyst

Proofpoint; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible work environment

Job summary

Proofpoint is seeking a Data Protection Analyst in Reading to join a global cybersecurity team. You will perform day-to-day data protection operations, troubleshoot issues, validate policies and rules, and support platform health and configuration changes. You will work with senior engineers to grow into broader engineering ownership.

The role emphasizes hands-on problem solving, learning technology, and providing clear evidence-based guidance to clients and internal teams as you progress.

Qualifications

• Interest in data protection and cybersecurity
• Logical troubleshooting mindset with problem-solving approach
• Basic knowledge of networking, compute, endpoints, identity and SaaS connections
• Ability to read logs and technical docs to form a clear view
• Curiosity, ownership and willingness to learn

Responsibilities

• Monitor and triage alerts across DLP, Insider Risk, endpoint, cloud and email security services
• Investigate policy triggers, gather evidence, record findings and escalate risks
• Perform platform health checks for endpoint connectivity and telemetry
• Verify new/updated rules, check monthly items, accuracy, exceptions and false positives
• Handle Level 1 client requests and troubleshoot using logs and dashboards

Job description

About Us

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

About Us

Proofpoint is a global leader in human- and agent-centric cybersecurity. We protect how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Over 80 of the Fortune 100, 10,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organizations trust Proofpoint to stop threats, prevent data loss, and build resilience across their people and AI workflows. Our mission is simple safeguard the digital world and empower people to work securely and confidently. Join us in our pursuit to defend data and protect people.

How We Work

At Proofpoint you'll be part of a global team that breaks barriers to redefine cybersecurity guided by our BRAVE core values

• Bold in how we dream and innovate
• Responsive to feedback, challenges and opportunities
• Accountable for results and best in class outcomes
• Visionary in future focused problem-solving
• Exceptional in execution and impact

The Role

This is a Data Protection Analyst role with a clear technical development pathway into Information Protection engineering. It combines day-to-day data protection operations with hands-on exposure to troubleshooting, policy and rule validation, platform health, configuration support and technical delivery.

You will work alongside experienced engineers and service teams, taking ownership of first-line technical work and building towards greater responsibility for standard configuration and production changes as your capability grows.

This role suits a curious, hands-on problem solver who enjoys learning technology, breaking issues down step by step and growing into engineering ownership.

Your day to day

• Monitor and triage alerts across DLP, Insider Risk, endpoint, cloud and email security services.
• Investigate policy triggers, gather evidence, record clear findings and escalate risk when needed.
• Complete platform health checks covering endpoint connectivity, agents, telemetry and integrations.
• Verify new and updated rules, including monthly hot items, alert accuracy, exceptions and false positives.
• Handle Level 1 client requests, resolving standard issues or escalating with useful technical evidence.
• Troubleshoot methodically using logs, dashboards and testing to isolate likely root causes.
• Support policy and rule configuration, testing, tuning, validation and handover activities.
• Assist with approved platform changes and progressively own standard changes as capability grows.
• Research product behaviour, known issues and configuration options, then recommend next steps.
• Keep workbooks, runbooks, change records, knowledge articles and customer documentation accurate.
• Work with senior engineers, consultants and service managers to improve repeatable service delivery.

Qualifications

• A genuine interest in data protection, cyber security and developing into a technical engineering role.
• A logical troubleshooting mindset and the patience to work through a problem step by step.
• Basic knowledge of networking, compute, endpoints, identity and how SaaS services connect.
• Confidence reading logs, technical documentation and system information to form a clear view.
• Curiosity, grit and ownership, with the drive to keep learning when the answer is not obvious.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain findings simply.
• Strong attention to detail and an organised approach to evidence, records and follow-up actions.
• A collaborative, customer-focused approach and the judgement to ask for support when needed.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in data protection, security operations, a service desk, technical support or a similar client-facing role.
• Exposure to Proofpoint Data Security, DLP, Insider Threat Management, Email Protection or comparable platforms.
• Experience reviewing alerts, policy matches, endpoint health, agent status or telemetry.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, proxies, firewalls and email flow at a practical level.
• Working knowledge of Windows or macOS endpoints, cloud services, SaaS administration or identity and access.
• Experience testing or tuning policies and rules, validating outcomes or supporting controlled changes.
• Comfort using log search, dashboards, reporting tools, vendor knowledge bases or technical documentation.
• Relevant training or certification in cyber security, networking, cloud, systems or a related discipline.
• Awareness of scripting, APIs or automation concepts, with an interest in developing these skills.

Additional Information

This role is designed to build a strong foundation in Information Protection operations and engineering. With coaching, product learning and demonstrated capability, the role can expand from investigation and validation into greater ownership of configuration, testing, standard changes and technical delivery.

Success will be shaped by how you learn, troubleshoot, communicate and take ownership - not by already being a fully formed engineer on day one.

You do not need to meet every point. We value technical aptitude, learning ability and the right mindset alongside experience.

Why Proofpoint?

At Proofpoint, we believe that an exceptional career experience includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Here are just a few reasons you'll love working with us

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career success on your terms
• Flexible work environment
• Annual wellness and community outreach days
• Always on recognition for your contributions
• Global collaboration and networking opportunities

Our Culture

Our culture is rooted in values that inspire belonging, empower purpose and drive success-every day, for everyone.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to [e-mail].