Host Based Systems Analyst II

DigiFlight, Inc.; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DigiFlight, Inc. is seeking a Cyber Defense Analyst in Columbia, Maryland. The role requires careful analysis of network traffic to identify threats and involves responsibilities in incident reporting and validation. Candidates must have a BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience. Skills in intrusion detection, cyber defense analysis, and experience with tools like Snort are essential. A TS/SCI clearance is mandatory. The position offers an opportunity to engage in complex cybersecurity tasks within a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship and Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• 5+ years in cyber defense analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Experience with incident handling methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Analyze network traffic to identify threats.
• Document incidents and provide trend analysis.
• Validate IDS alerts and conduct packet analysis.

Skills

Cyber defense analysis

Intrusion detection

Incident handling

Packet-level analysis

Trend analysis

Education

BS in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Snort

Arcsight

Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite

Job description

Responsibilities

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 elevate 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

Additional Responsibilities

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

Required Skills/Clearances

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
• 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

Desired Skills

• 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.

Required Education

BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of network investigations experience.

Desired Certifications/Education

• One or more of the following professional certifications: GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC, CASP+, CySA+, PaLMS, FedVTE