Forensic Analyst I

Arete IR; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Arete IR seeks a Forensics Analyst I to join the DFIR team, performing triage and in-depth forensic analysis across Windows, macOS, Linux, and networking devices. You will document findings, build timelines and attack maps, and contribute to threat intelligence efforts.

You will collaborate with SOC and Threat Intel teams, delivering concise, audience-appropriate reports and helping restore client operations during incidents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate degree with 4+ years in incident response or digital forensics.
• Certifications such as Security+, Network+, SANS GCED/GCFE/GCFA/CEH/CHFI preferred.
• Experience delivering technical findings to non-technical audiences and handling sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Performs forensic analysis on Windows, macOS, Linux and networking devices.
• Documents findings and develops a master timeline and attack map.
• Identifies data sources and gaps across the attack lifecycle.
• Works with SOC to identify IOCs, TTPs, and indicators of compromise.
• Delivers findings in a clear narrative tailored to audience.

Skills

Forensic analysis

IOCs & TTPs

Timeline construction

Narrative reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Security/CS/Forensics or related field

Associate's degree + 4+ years IR/forensics

Tools

EnCase

Axiom

FTK

X-Ways

SIFT

Splunk

Wireshark

Job description

JOB PROFILE SUMMARY

The Forensics Analyst I supports the Senior Analyst, Forensics Leads and Tiger Team on active projects assigned to the respective Tiger Team, performing triage level analysis of data collected (e.g., operating system files, images, SentinelOne, Logs, etc.), and perform deep-dive advanced forensic analysis. The Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) team works together to support Clients and help restore business operations during an incident through the identification of threat actor behavior and activity.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux based operating systems, in addition to the analysis of networking appliances including but not to, VPN and firewall appliances
• Documents forensic findings in accordance with the standards set forth within the Arete Forensic Tracker and develop a master timeline and visual attack map of the events
• Identifies additional sources (systems, logs, etc.) to collect based on the analysis and identifies gaps based on the lifecycle of attack
• Works with the Security Operations Center (SOC) to leverage data from monitoring and alerts provided by installed applications and deployed EDR solutions to identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for variants related to case
• Delivers Forensics findings and updates to the team in a clear, concise manner through a narrative story outlining the timeline of events. Modifies delivery in-line with the call's audience and technical capabilities
• Tracks findings and capture data points related to investigations to enhance and inform our threat intelligence
• Raises technical constraints and issues within the Forensics team to identify detail of the incident and elevate to Forensic leadership
• Maintains updated case analyst notes, the Forensic tracker, timeline and attack map for collaboration within the team in our centralized case location
• Drafts detailed updates regarding investigative findings and conclusions drawn from analysis regarding the timing and mechanism of the initial intrusion, adversary actions, timeline of activity/lateral movement, and indicators of data access and/or exfiltration
• Identifies, documents, and shares information such as critical IOCs or adversary TTP's as they uncovered with the Incident Response, Threat Intel, and Security Operations teams
• Communicates identified IOCs to the Tiger Team in furtherance of the investigation, path to restoration/response, and for bolstering of Client's security posture
• Employs the usage of incident-mapping frameworks such as MITRE's ATT&CK and Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain to help contextualize identified adversary actions/IOCs
• Produces written incident, investigative updates and reports at the explicit direction of counsel partners
• Communicates within the DFIR team and provide routine status updates within our case management platform
• Works with cross-functional teams and collaborate to leverage threat intel TTPS/IOC's, information from our SOC/Threat Hunting team, and updates from our Negotiations teams to leverage the intelligence as part of the incident
• Drafts reports and appendices based on the findings using the standard report templates
• Accurately track and record time for forensic analysis
• May perform other duties as assigned by management

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Deep understanding of Forensic artifacts, including (but not limited to) the analysis of operating system artifacts and the recovery of deleted items from multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, Mac and RAM/memory forensics
• Experience analyzing network and operating system log files including Windows Event logs, Unified Audit Logs, Firewall logs, VPN logs, etc.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Windows disk and memory forensics
  • Network Security Monitoring (NSM), network traffic analysis, and log analysis
  • Unix or Linux disk and memory forensic
• Experience and understanding of enterprise security controls
• Experienced with EnCase, Axiom, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Splunk, Redline, Volatility, WireShark, TCP Dump, and other open-source forensic tools
• Experience delivering technical findings to a non-technical audience, preferred
• Provide findings in a confident, factual manner, preferred
• Knowledge and experience in handling PII, PHI, sensitive, confidential and proprietary datasets, preferred
• Experience with Cyber insurance investigations, preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Associate's degree and 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience or Bachelor's Degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security or related field

Possess One or more of the following Certifications Security +, Network+, SANS GCED, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, CEH, CHFI.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required personnel so classified.