Cybersecurity Operations Analyst

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Training and certifications

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a proactive Cybersecurity Operations Analyst to monitor security alerts, investigate incidents, and deploy countermeasures from the SOC. The role emphasizes threat hunting, malware analysis, and rigorous incident documentation in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years in cybersecurity operations, SIEM experience (Splunk/QRadar/ArcSight), and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity operations role or SOC analysis.
• Familiarity with SIEM systems (Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight).

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and logs using SIEM and other security tools.
• Investigate and analyze potential security incidents, determine scope and impact.
• Respond to alerts and incidents per established procedures, including containment and eradication.
• Perform threat hunting to identify APTs and other malicous activity.
• Analyze malware behavior and attack vectors.
• Document security incidents and remediation steps clearly.
• Contribute to SOC playbooks and procedures.
• Stay updated on cybersecurity threats and trends.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams for effective incident management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Incident response knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline

Tools

Splunk

QRadar

ArcSight

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic financial services provider located in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Cybersecurity Operations Analyst. This role is integral to the daily security operations of the organization, focusing on monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats. You will work within the Security Operations Center (SOC) to analyze security alerts, investigate potential incidents, and implement appropriate countermeasures. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in security principles, experience with SIEM tools, and a passion for cybersecurity. This is an office-based position in Bloemfontein , providing a hands-on opportunity to protect critical systems and data. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining a robust security posture against evolving threats. The role requires strong analytical skills, a methodical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for individuals eager to grow their careers in cybersecurity operations within the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and logs from various sources using SIEM and other security tools.
• Investigate and analyze potential security incidents, determining scope and impact.
• Respond to security alerts and incidents according to established procedures, including containment and eradication.
• Perform threat hunting activities to proactively identify advanced persistent threats (APTs) and other malicious activities.
• Analyze malware behavior and understand attack vectors.
• Document security incidents, investigations, and remediation steps thoroughly.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of SOC playbooks and operational procedures.
• Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and trends.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to ensure effective security incident management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity operations role, SOC analysis, or a similar field.
• Familiarity with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems (e.g., Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight).
• Understanding of networking concepts, operating systems, and common cybersecurity threats.
• Basic knowledge of incident response procedures and digital forensics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, or GIAC GSEC are advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in an office-based environment in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

• Competitive salary of R per annum.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for specialized training and certifications in cybersecurity.
• Supportive team environment and mentorship programs.
• Stable career path within a growing financial institution in Bloemfontein .