Host Based Systems Analyst II

ARSIEM; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions company in Arlington, VA, is seeking a Cyber Network Defense Analyst to provide front-line response for digital forensics and incident response. The candidate will monitor network activity, analyze for evidence of suspicious behavior, and develop effective signatures to combat cyber threats. This crucial role requires a degree in a related field or significant experience, as well as strong skills in cyber defense analysis and incident handling methodologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in cyber defense analysis.
• Experience with intrusion detection technologies.
• Ability to conduct packet-level analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor network activity for suspicious behavior.
• Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff.
• Analyze network traffic to identify potential threats.
• Provide daily summary reports of network events.
• Validate intrusion detection system alerts.

Skills

Cyber defense analysis

Network traffic analysis

Packet-level analysis

Incident handling methodologies

Signature development

Trend analysis

Education

BS in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or related degree

HS Diploma & 7-9 years experience

Tools

Snort

Cyber defense tools

Packet analysis tools

Carnegie Mellon SiLK

Job description

About ARSIEM Corporation

At ARSIEM Corporation we are committed to fostering a proven and trusted partnership with our government clients. We provide support to multiple agencies across the United States Government. ARSIEM has an experienced workforce of qualified professionals committed to providing the best possible support.

As demand increases, ARSIEM continues to provide reliable and cutting‑edge technical solutions at the best value to our clients. That means a career packed with opportunities to grow and the ability to have an impact on every client you work with.

Cyber Network Defense Analyst (CNDA)

Provide front‑line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunt for malicious cyber activity. This position will support one of our Government clients in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• The Computer Network Defense Analyst uses information collected from a variety of sources to monitor network activity and analyze it for evidence of suspicious behavior. Monitoring and analysis are performed to identify and report events that occur, or might occur, within the network, in order to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats. CNDAs review data collected to analyze cyber events, and the network environment, to find trends, patterns or anomaly correlations that indicate more serious attacks or future threats. The CNDAs will recommend proactive measures to contain the incident. These proactive measures include, but are not limited to, identification of intruder local changes/suspect interactions, isolation, in-depth digital media analysis, consultation with law enforcement or counterintelligence organizations, development of signatures to detect this malicious behavior and development and deployment of eradication tools.
• The majority of the CNDA’s time (75%) will be spent executing the following tasks:
• Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources
• Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts
• Document and escalated incidents (including event's history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment
• Perform cyber defense trend analysis and reporting
• Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources within the enterprise to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack
• Provide daily summary reports of network events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices
• Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of alerts
• Provide timely detection, identification, and alerting of possible attacks/intrusions, anomalous activities, and misuse activities and distinguish these incidents and events from benign activities
• Use cyber defense tools for continual monitoring and analysis of system activity to identify malicious activity
• Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information
• Determine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for intrusion sets
• Examine network topologies to understand data flows through the network
• Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
• Conduct research, analysis, and correlation across a wide variety of all source data sets (indications and warnings)
• Validate intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using packet analysis tools
• Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic
• Reconstruct a malicious attack or activity based off network traffic
• Identify network mapping and operating system (OS) fingerprinting activities
• Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the network environment or enclave
• Notify designated managers, cyber incident responders, and cybersecurity service provider team members of suspected cyber incidents and articulate the event's history, status, and potential impact for further action in accordance with the organization's cyber incident response plan
• Approximately 25% of the CNDA’s time will be spent executing the following tasks:
• Prepare and update manuals, instructions, and operating procedures
• Evaluate established methods and procedures and prepare recommendations for changes in methods and practices where appropriate
• Plan and carry out difficult and complex assignments and develop new methods, approaches, and procedures
• Conduct analyses and recommend resolution of complex issues affecting the specialty area
• Ensure optimal use of commercially available products
• Prepare and present reports
• Evaluate the effectiveness of installed systems and services

Minimum Qualifications

• BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of network investigations experience.
• 5+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis using leading edge technologies and industry standard cyber defense tools Experience successfully developing and deploying signatures
• Experience detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies (e.g., Snort)
• Experience implementing incident handling methodologies
• Experience implementing protocol analyzers
• Experience collecting data from a variety of cyber defense resources
• Experience reading and interpreting signatures (e.g. snort)
• Experience performing packet-level analysis
• Experience conducting trend analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• GSEC (SANS401), Arcsight (or other SEIM solution), Network+, Security+ and Python programming experience would be ideal.
• Strong math and science background.
• Experience with Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite.
• One or more of the following professional certifications: GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC, CASP+, CySA+, PaLMS, FedVTE

Clearance Requirement

This position requires an Active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ARSIEM is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and 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.