Senior Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Badsey; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intelligence agency is seeking a Senior Cyber Security Analyst to defend against cyber threats. The role involves investigating alerts, analyzing logs, and improving operational processes. The candidate should have a background in cyber security and strong communication skills. Benefits include a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for training and development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental/adoption leave

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Defend against cyber threats such as malware, insider threats, and DDoS attacks.
• Investigate alerts and analyze logs and network traffic.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

Splunk

Job description

Job Title: Senior Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £44,044 (including £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Working Arrangements: Flexible working options including full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. Around 40% home working may be available depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe. We use advanced technology and partnerships to identify, analyze, and disrupt threats, working alongside MI5 and MI6 to protect against terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. Join us for varied, fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment emphasizing teamwork.

The Role

As a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, you will be vital in defending our organization against cyber threats such as malware, insider threats, DDoS attacks, and phishing. Your daily tasks may include investigating alerts, analyzing logs and network traffic using tools like Splunk, monitoring security alarms, creating detection content, utilizing threat intelligence, and responding to breaches. You will lead efforts to improve operational processes, mentor junior analysts, and support digital forensics and security incident response. Staying current with cybersecurity tools and techniques and reviewing past alerts will also be part of your responsibilities.

About You

You should have a background in cyber security analysis and a passion for IT. Experience with host intrusion detection analysis and a solid understanding of Windows and Linux OS are preferred. A minimum of 6 months experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst is required. You should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, with strong communication and problem-solving skills, and able to work closely with IT teams and network administrators.

Training and Development

We support your growth through internal and external training, opportunities to work across various cybersecurity specialisms, and pursuit of industry certifications like SANS and CISSP. Travel opportunities, conferences, and staying updated with cybersecurity innovations are also available, though travel is infrequent and not mandatory.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary of £44,044 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 paid parental/adoption leave.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented groups. More information is available on our website.

Disability Confidence

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader, committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and development practices for disabled applicants. We offer support throughout the recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments.

Application Process

The process includes application review, virtual competency and technical interview, and a conditional offer. It may take 6-9 months, so we advise continuing current employment until final acceptance.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must be UK citizens or hold dual British nationality, and obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Consideration of previous drug use, setting up a separate email for applications, and living within a commutable distance to Cheltenham are advised. No relocation costs are provided, and applications from outside the UK are not accepted until visiting the UK.

Additional Information

We reserve the right to close the application process early once sufficient applications are received.