Cloud Forensic Analyst IV with Security Clearance

Nightwing; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental insurance

401k plan

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics Analyst to support a U.S. Government client with onsite incident response, evidence collection and forensic analysis across cloud and on-prem environments.

You will triage devices, image systems, document state information, and produce forensic write-ups for inclusion in official reports. The role requires US citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance, with extensive cyber forensics experience.

Qualifications

• Must have US citizenship and an active TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience in cyber forensics investigations using leading edge technologies and industry standard tools.
• Strong understanding of cloud environments (SaaS/PaaS/IaaS) and evidence handling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Acquire/collect computer artifacts in support of onsite engagements.
• Triage devices and assess evidentiary value.
• Correlate forensic findings to network events and intrusion narratives.
• Document system state information prior to imaging.
• Perform forensic triage to determine scope and urgency.
• Track and document forensic analysis from start to finish.
• Collect, process, preserve, analyze and present evidence.
• Coordinate with Government staff to validate findings.
• Produce forensic write-ups for reports and written products.
• Assist with publishing CND guidance and incident findings.

Skills

US Citizenship

Active TS/SCI clearance

Cloud forensics

SaaS/PaaS/IaaS knowledge

Evidence handling

Digital forensics reporting

Windows/Linux expertise

Forensic tools experience

Education

BS in Computer Science/Cybersecurity/Engineering

Tools

Forensic tools

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Forensics Analyst to support this critical customer mission. The CFA is a recently identified position for the HIRT and affords ample opportunities for training and career growth within the Cloud Forensics field.

Responsibilities

• Acquire/collect computer artifacts (e.g., malware, user activity, link files) in support of onsite engagements
• Triage electronic devices and assess evidentiary value
• Correlate forensic findings to network events in support of developing an intrusion narrative
• Collect and document system state information (e.g. running processes, network connections) prior to imaging, as required
• Perform forensic triage of an incident to include determining scope, urgency and potential impact
• Track and document forensic analysis from initial participation through resolution
• Collect, process, preserve, analyze and present computer related evidence
• Coordinate with Government staff and customer personnel to validate/investigate alerts or additional preliminary findings
• Conduct analysis of forensic images, and available evidence in support of forensic write-ups for inclusion in reports and written products
• Assist with documenting and publishing Computer Network Defense (CND) guidance and reports pertaining to incident findings

Required Skills/Clearances

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
• 10 years of direct relevant experience in cyber forensic investigations using leading edge technologies and industry standard forensic tools
• In depth understanding of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS in the Cloud Environment
• Ability to create forensically sound duplicates of evidence (forensic images)
• Ability to author cyber investigative reports documenting digital forensics findings
• Proficiency with analysis and characterization of cyber attacks
• Proficiency with proper evidence handing procedures and chain of custody protocols
• Skilled in identifying different classes of attacks and attack stages
• Understanding of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities
• Understanding of proactive analysis of systems and networks, to include creating trust levels of critical resources- Able to work collaboratively across physical locations
• Action-oriented and have a proactive approach to problem solving
• Proficiency with common operating systems (e.g., Linux/Unix, Windows)

Desired Skills

• Ability to provide knowledge of strategies/architectures involved in implementing M365/Azure authentication, how these hook to a federated identity solution and a fundamental understanding of how threat actors would target identity to compromise an environment
• Advanced experience and proficiency across various aspects of IT operations (e.g. networking, virtualization, identity, security, business continuity, disaster recovery, data management, governance)
• Experience and understanding in acquisition, processing and analysis of digital evidence from onsite enterprises and cloud native platforms
• Fundamental understanding of APIs and proficiency with PowerShell/PowerShell modules leveraged to conduct API queries as they relate to Azure/M365
• Proficiency with scripting languages (e.g. Bash, Python, Powershell, JS) for automation of hunt tools used in commercial cloud environments- Ability to develop tools, architecture and configurations in Azure environment to support identifying threat activity.
• Understanding of Azure administration, M365 administration and/or development/DevOps, with advanced level skills in at least one of these domains
• Understand of how Azure/M365 platform protection is implemented and security operations available

Required Education

• BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma 10 years of host or digital forensics experience.

Desired Certifications/Education

• GCFA
• GCFE
• GCIH
• EnCE
• CCE
• CFCE
• CISSP
• AWS Practitioner
• AWS Certified Developer
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
• AWS Certified Architect
• Kubernetes Security Specialist
• MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security Administration
• AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
• AZ-500: Azure Security Technologies
• AZ-303: Azure Architect Technologies
• AZ-304: Azure Architect Design
• MS-100: Microsoft 365 Identity and Services
• MS-101: Microsoft 365 Mobility and Security
• AZ-104: Azure Administrator
• SANS SEC 510, Public Cloud Security: AWS, Azure, and GCP
• SANS FOR509: Enterprise Cloud Forensics and Incident Response (BETA)
• SEC 541: Cloud Monitoring and Threat Detection
• SEC 584: Cloud Native Security: Defending Containers and Kubernetes
• SEC 588: Cloud Penetration testing
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate or AWS Certified Developer Associate or AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional

Salary & Benefits

• The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
• Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.