Forensic Analyst I

Arete Event Staffing Firm; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Arete Incident Response is seeking a Forensics Analyst I to support the Senior Analyst and Tiger Team on active projects. You will perform triage-level and deep-dive forensic analysis across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and coordinate with SOC to identify IOCs and TTPs.

You will document findings, develop master timelines, and present findings to diverse audiences. The role requires 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics, or a relevant degree, with preferred DFIR certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience, or a Bachelor's in Information Security, CS, DF, Cyber Security or related field.
• Security+, Network+, SANS GCED/GCFE/GCFA/GCIH/CEH/CHFI certifications preferred.
• Experience analyzing Windows, Linux and Mac artifacts and network logs.
• Ability to deliver findings to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
• Documents forensic findings and builds master timeline and attack map.
• Leverages SOC data and EDR telemetry to identify IOCs and TTPs.
• Delivers clear forensic updates and reports for counsel and clients.
• Uses MITRE ATT&CK and Cyber Kill Chain frameworks to contextualize actions.
• Maintains case notes, tracker, timeline and attack map for collaboration.
• Drafts investigative updates and conclusions on intrusions and data access.

Skills

Forensic analysis

OS forensics

Log analysis

Non-technical communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree in Information Security / Cyber Security / Computer Science

Tools

EnCase

Axiom

FTK

X-Ways

SIFT

Splunk

Volatility

Wireshark

Job description

JOB PROFILE SUMMARYThe 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 & RESPONSIBILITIESPerforms 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 appliancesDocuments 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 eventsIdentifies additional sources (systems, logs, etc.) to collect based on the analysis and identifies gaps based on the lifecycle of attackWorks 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 caseDelivers 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 capabilitiesTracks findings and capture data points related to investigations to enhance and inform our threat intelligenceRaises technical constraints and issues within the Forensics team to identify detail of the incident and escalate to Forensic leadershipMaintains updated case analyst notes, the Forensic tracker, timeline and attack map for collaboration within the team in our centralized case locationDrafts 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 exfiltrationIdentifies, documents, and shares information such as critical IOCs or adversary TTP’s as they uncovered with the Incident Response, Threat Intel, and Security Operations teamsCommunicates identified IOCs to the Tiger Team in furtherance of the investigation, path to restoration/response, and for bolstering of Client’s security postureEmploys 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/IOCsProduces written incident, investigative updates and reports at the explicit direction of counsel partnersCommunicates within the DFIR team and provide routine status updates within our case management platformWorks 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 incidentDrafts reports and appendices based on the findings using the standard report templatesAccurately track and record time for forensic analysisMay perform other duties as assigned by managementSKILLS AND KNOWLEDGEDeep 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 forensicsExperience 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 forensicsNetwork Security Monitoring (NSM), network traffic analysis, and log analysisUnix or Linux disk and memory forensicExperience and understanding of enterprise security controlsExperienced with EnCase, Axiom, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Splunk, Redline, Volatility, WireShark, TCP Dump, and other open-source forensic toolsExperience delivering technical findings to a non-technical audience, preferredProvide findings in a confident, factual manner, preferredKnowledge and experience in handling PII, PHI, sensitive, confidential and proprietary datasets, preferredExperience with Cyber insurance investigations, preferredJOB REQUIREMENTSAssociate’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 fieldPossess One or more of the following CertificationsSecurity +, Network+, SANS GCED, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, CEH, CHFI.DISCLAIMERThe 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.WORK ENVIRONMENTWhile performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: Usual office working conditions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.PHYSICAL DEMANDSNo physical exertion requiredTravel within or outside of the stateLight work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objectsTERMS OF EMPLOYMENTSalary and benefits shall be paid consistent with Arete salary and benefit policy.FLSA OVERTIME CATEGORYJob is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.DECLARATIONThe Arete Incident Response Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYWe’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees’ differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.Arete Incident Response is an outstanding (and growing) company with a very dedicated, fun team. We offer competitive salaries, fully paid benefits including Medical/Dental, Life/Disability Insurance, 401(k) and the opportunity to work with some of the latest and greatest in the fast-growing cyber security industry.When you join Arete…You’ll be doing work that matters alongside other talented people, transforming the way people, businesses, and things connect with each other. Of course, we will offer you great pay and benefits, but we’re about more than that. Arete is a place where you can craft your own path to greatness. Whether you think in code, words, pictures or numbers, find your future at Arete, where experience matters.Equal Employment OpportunityWe’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees’ differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.About UsArete Incident Response is an elite team of the world’s leading cybersecurity and digital forensics experts who combat today’s sophisticated cyberattacks. We work tirelessly to provide unparalleled capabilities and solutions throughout the entire cyber incident life cycle. These include incident response readiness assessments and penetration tests as well as post-incident response, remediation, containment, and eradication services.We work in close collaboration with industry leaders and government agencies along with leading cybersecurity technology platforms to deliver an innovative, intelligence-based approach to solving our client’s toughest challenges.If you want to work with the most talented and experienced people in the industry with the desire to be a cyber hunter and industry expert, we want you to be a part of our team.