Cyber Security Specialist

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a dedicated Cyber Security Specialist to protect client data and internal systems. You will monitor, detect, and respond to threats while implementing strong security controls and contributing to security strategy.

The role requires hands-on experience with security monitoring tools, incident response, and policy enforcement, with opportunities for professional certification and development in a professional, integrity-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of cybersecurity operations experience.
• Solid understanding of TCP/IP and network protocols.
• Experience with security monitoring tools and vulnerability scanners.
• Familiarity with security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001).
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and logs from firewalls, IDS/IPS, and SIEM.
• Investigate and respond to security incidents, determine scope and root cause.
• Manage security configurations on servers, workstations, and network devices.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and assist remediation efforts.
• Help develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Conduct security awareness training for staff.
• Maintain security hardware and software, ensure up-to-date protection.
• Contribute to incident response plans and disaster recovery strategies.
• Stay updated on threats and mitigation techniques.
• Support IT projects by embedding security requirements.

Skills

Security monitoring

Incident response

Vulnerability assessment

Networking fundamentals

Communication skills

Team collaboration

CompTIA Security+

CEH

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field

Tools

SIEM tools

Vulnerability scanners

Endpoint protection

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable public sector advisory firm based in Pretoria, Gauteng , is looking for a dedicated and skilled Cyber Security Specialist. This role is essential for protecting the firm's sensitive client data and internal systems from a constantly evolving threat landscape. The Cyber Security Specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing security controls, monitoring for threats, responding to incidents, and contributing to the overall security strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical aptitude, a proactive approach to security, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data protection. This position offers the chance to work within a professional environment focused on integrity and security.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and logs from various security systems, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and SIEM.


• Investigate and respond to security incidents, identifying the scope, impact, and root cause.


• Implement and maintain security configurations on servers, workstations, and network devices.


• Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, and assist in remediation efforts.


• Assist in the development and enforcement of security policies, procedures, and guidelines.


• Conduct regular security awareness training sessions for employees.


• Manage and maintain security hardware and software, ensuring they are up-to-date and functioning correctly.


• Contribute to the development and refinement of incident response plans and disaster recovery strategies.


• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.


• Support IT projects by ensuring security requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in cybersecurity operations, network security, or a related role.


• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, network protocols, and common attack vectors.


• Experience with security monitoring tools, vulnerability scanners, and endpoint protection solutions.


• Familiarity with security frameworks and best practices (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).


• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.


• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.


• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH) are a strong advantage.


• Knowledge of cloud security principles is beneficial.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with your skills and experience.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Opportunities for professional development and obtaining industry certifications.


• A professional and ethical working environment in Pretoria .


• The opportunity to contribute to critical security operations for a respected advisory firm.


• Generous leave policies and public holidays.


• Regular performance reviews and career pathing.


• Supportive management and a collaborative team.