Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Northleach; Hybrid; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intelligence agency is seeking a Cyber Security Analyst to protect against cyber threats. The role involves detecting risks, collaborating with teams, and enhancing security measures. Opportunities for training and development are provided, alongside a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities (gym, restaurant)

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Cybersecurity certification or foundation-level education required.
• At least 6 months of experience in a cybersecurity role.

Responsibilities

• Detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats.
• Collaborating with technical teams to develop defensive strategies.

Skills

Scripting

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

CompTIA A+

Network+

Security+

OffSec

SOC200

GSEC

GCIA

GCIH

Tools

Splunk

AWS

Microsoft Azure

Job description

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Job Description

Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £36,408 (including £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 emphasizes 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. Your responsibilities include detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks from malware outbreaks, insider activity, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing. You’ll collaborate with technical teams to understand operational activities and develop defensive strategies.

Your day will typically start with reviewing recent events, followed by team meetings to coordinate investigations. You may analyze alerts, logs, network traffic, or endpoint data using tools like Splunk, and develop detection content to improve defenses. You’ll also use threat intelligence to proactively enhance security and respond swiftly to incidents. Opportunities to explore Digital Forensics and support security incidents are also available.

About You

You should have a passion for IT and an eagerness to grow in cybersecurity, with experience in scripting, understanding Windows and Linux OS, and familiarity with Python. Interest in developing skills with AWS and Microsoft Azure is desirable.

You need a cybersecurity certification or foundation-level education (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, OffSec, SOC200, GSEC, GCIA, GCIH), or at least 6 months of experience in a cybersecurity role. Beyond technical skills, effective teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Training and Development

We support your growth through formal in-house and external training, including industry-recognized certifications with SANS Institute and OFFSEC. You’ll be paired with a buddy for mentorship, gaining hands-on experience in threat detection and incident response, with opportunities for travel, conferences, and staying updated on cybersecurity innovations.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary of £36,408 plus benefits such as:

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
• Recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Learn more at our website.

Disability Confidence

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

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes:

1. Application sift based on motivation and skills
2. Virtual competency and technical interview
3. Conditional offer if successful

The process may take 6-9 months, including vetting. Continue current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Review eligibility criteria and the vetting process on our website.

Note: No recreational drugs are permitted during the application process. Use a separate email for contact, avoiding personal identifiers. The role is based in Cheltenham; relocation costs are not covered. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted until visiting the UK.

Right to Withdraw

We may close the application earlier if sufficient applications are received. Apply early to avoid missing out.