Cybersecurity Operations Specialist

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid training opportunities

Career advancement in security

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Rustenburg, North West, ZA is seeking a Cybersecurity Operations Specialist to join its security team on site. You will monitor, detect, and respond to real-time cyber threats, protecting our client’s digital assets and sensitive information.

The role involves incident response, threat hunting, and refining SOC procedures, with collaboration across IT and security teams. A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and 1–3 years in a security operations role are required; familiarity

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years in cybersecurity operations or SOC analyst.
• Familiarity with SIEM, EDR, and other security monitoring tools.
• Understanding of cyber threats, attack vectors, and mitigations.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP; Windows and Linux.

Responsibilities

• Monitor alerts from SIEM, IDS/IPS, and network devices.
• Analyze incidents, perform triage, and escalate when needed.
• Respond to breaches following established protocols.
• Conduct threat hunting to identify risks.
• Tune and maintain security monitoring tools.
• Document incidents and investigations thoroughly.
• Assist in developing SOC procedures.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams on threat intel.
• Participate in security awareness and provide basic support.

Skills

Threat detection

SOC operations

Security monitoring

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/CS/IT

Tools

SIEM platforms

EDR solutions

Networking fundamentals

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is looking for a diligent and vigilant Cybersecurity Operations Specialist to join their dedicated security team based in Rustenburg, North West, ZA. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to work directly with a sophisticated security infrastructure and collaborate closely with fellow security professionals. You will be responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time, ensuring the protection of our client's digital assets and sensitive information. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a proactive mindset, and a solid understanding of threat landscapes and security operations center (SOC) procedures. You will play a crucial part in maintaining the operational security of the organization, contributing to incident response efforts, and implementing preventative measures. This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about cybersecurity operations to grow their career in a dynamic industrial hub like Rustenburg, North West, ZA.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from various sources, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, and network devices.
• Analyze security incidents, perform initial triage, and elevate as needed.
• Respond to security breaches and cyber threats according to established protocols.
• Conduct threat hunting activities to proactively identify potential security risks.
• Maintain and tune security monitoring tools and systems.
• Document security incidents, investigations, and resolutions thoroughly.
• Assist in the development and refinement of security operational procedures.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to share threat intelligence and best practices.
• Participate in security awareness initiatives and provide basic support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity operations role, SOC analyst position, or similar.
• Familiarity with security monitoring tools and technologies (e.g., SIEM platforms, EDR solutions).
• Understanding of common cyber threats, attack vectors, and mitigation techniques.
• Knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP) and operating systems (Windows, Linux).
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions during security incidents.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CCNA are advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and a retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from paid training opportunities, career advancement paths within the security department, and a stable work environment.
• This role provides direct exposure to cutting-edge security technologies and the chance to develop critical incident response skills within a team-oriented setting.