Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; North East Derbyshire; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intelligence and security agency is seeking a Cyber Security Analyst to join their team in Cheltenham. The role involves protecting the organization from cyber threats, collaborating with technical teams, and developing skills in defensive strategies. Candidates should have a passion for IT and cybersecurity, experience with scripting, and a foundational cybersecurity certification. The agency offers comprehensive training, competitive salary, and benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

On-site facilities

Parental leave

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats.
• Collaborating with technical teams on operational activities.
• Developing detection content and improving security measures.

Skills

Scripting

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

CompTIA A+

Network+

Security+

OffSec

SOC200

GSEC

GCIA

GCIH

Tools

Splunk

AWS

Microsoft Azure

Windows

Linux

Python

Job description

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 emphasizes teamwork.

The Role

As a Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll work with a close-knit team to protect our organisation against various cyber threats. Your responsibilities include detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks from malware outbreaks, insider activities, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing. You’ll collaborate with technical teams to understand operational activities, develop skills in defensive strategies, analyze alerts, logs, network traffic, or endpoint data using tools like Splunk, and develop detection content. You will also utilize threat intelligence to proactively improve security measures and respond swiftly to incidents.

About You

You should have a passion for IT and cybersecurity, experience with scripting, and understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems, with familiarity with Python. Interest in developing skills in AWS and Microsoft Azure is also desirable. You need to hold a cybersecurity certification or education at a foundation level (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, OffSec, SOC200, GSEC, GCIA, GCIH) or have at least 6 months of experience in a cybersecurity role. Effective teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.

Training and Development

We offer in-house and external training, including industry-recognized certifications from SANS Institute and OFFSEC. You will be paired with a mentor and gain hands-on experience in threat detection, incident response, and operational strategies. Opportunities for travel, conferences, and staying updated with cybersecurity innovations are available but not mandatory.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary of £36,408 plus benefits including 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), public holidays, performance recognition, interest-free season ticket loan, pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. More details are available on our website.

Disability Confident

We are a Leader within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to supporting disabled applicants through the recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments.

What to Expect

The recruitment process involves application review, virtual interviews, and a security clearance check, which may take 6-9 months. Applicants should continue their current employment until a final offer is made.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be UK citizens or hold dual British nationality and be eligible for Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Consider practicalities such as residence in Cheltenham, as relocation costs are not covered. Apply from within the UK; applications from abroad are not accepted. Maintain confidentiality about your application process.