Cybersecurity Analyst (SOC)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance included

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a vigilant Cybersecurity Analyst to join the Security Operations Center in Polokwane. The role blends hybrid on-site and remote work, focusing on monitoring, detection, and response to threats.

You will work with SIEM, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and vulnerability tools; require strong incident handling, scripting is a plus; a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is expected.

Qualifications

• Proven cybersecurity experience in SOC or incident response.
• Hands-on with SIEM tools.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and firewalls.
• Familiarity with IDS/IPS and malware analysis.
• Experience with vulnerability assessments and security testing methodologies.
• Scripting skills (Python/PowerShell) are a plus.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Hybrid work environment ability.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from SIEM, IDS/IPS, and firewalls.
• Analyze incidents to determine scope, impact, and root cause.
• Perform real-time threat detection and incident response.
• Contain, eradicate, and recover from incidents.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Develop and maintain security playbooks and SOPs.
• Keep abreast of threats, vulnerabilities, and trends.
• Collaborate with IT to implement security best practices.
• Participate in security awareness and reporting to management.

Skills

SOC experience

SIEM

Network security

IDS/IPS

Threat intelligence

Vulnerability assessment

Scripting (Python/PowerShell)

Analytical thinking

Communication

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/CS or related field

Tools

SIEM

IDS/IPS

Firewalls

Vulnerability scanners

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading enterprise in the technology sector, is seeking a vigilant and skilled Cybersecurity Analyst to join their Security Operations Center (SOC) team. This role operates on a hybrid model, offering a blend of remote work flexibility and essential in-office presence at their Polokwane facility. You will be responsible for monitoring, detecting, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats and incidents. This is a critical position where you will employ advanced tools and techniques to safeguard our client's digital assets against evolving threats. We are looking for individuals with a strong understanding of security principles, threat landscapes, and incident response protocols. The hybrid structure ensures you can maintain focus while also benefiting from team collaboration and direct access to critical infrastructure and support within the Polokwane office. Your proactive approach will be key to maintaining a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from various sources (SIEM, IDS/IPS, firewalls, etc.).
• Analyze security incidents to determine scope, impact, and root cause.
• Perform real-time threat detection and analysis using security tools and technologies.
• Execute incident response procedures, including containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Develop and maintain security documentation, playbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and trends.
• Collaborate with IT teams to implement security best practices and remediation efforts.
• Participate in security awareness training and contribute to a security-conscious culture.
• Provide reports on security incidents, trends, and recommendations to management.

Requirements

• Proven experience in cybersecurity, particularly in a Security Operations Center (SOC) or incident response role.
• Hands-on experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.
• Knowledge of network security principles, protocols, and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls).
• Familiarity with intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Understanding of common attack vectors, malware analysis, and threat intelligence.
• Experience with vulnerability scanning tools and security assessment methodologies.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH) are advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth. This hybrid role provides flexibility while ensuring necessary in-office collaboration at our Polokwane site. You will have access to continuous professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and exposure to advanced security technologies. Our client fosters a collaborative and proactive work environment where security is paramount. We provide excellent health coverage and support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join a critical team dedicated to protecting our organization from cyber threats and advancing your career in cybersecurity.