IT Security Specialist - Cybersecurity Analyst

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Fully remote work environment

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development and security‑

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced IT Security Specialist to join their cybersecurity team. This fully remote role allows you to safeguard digital assets from anywhere in South Africa, focusing on threat monitoring, risk management, and incident response.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of IT security experience, a strong understanding of network security, and relevant certifications. You will work with security tools, CI/CD processes, and cross-functional teams to maintain a secure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT security or cybersecurity analysis.
• Hands-on knowledge of network security principles, protocols, and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security systems (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM) for real-time threats.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability scans, and tests.
• Develop security policies and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Respond to incidents, investigate root causes, contain breaches, and coordinate recovery.
• Provide guidance to IT teams on security-related matters.
• Manage and configure security tools to stay up-to-date.
• Deliver security awareness training to employees.
• Stay informed on emerging threats and mitigation strategies.
• Assist in disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Collaborate with external security vendors as needed.

Skills

Network security

Incident response

Threat detection

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/IT/Cybersecurity)

Tools

SIEM

Vulnerability scanners

Endpoint security

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services organization, is seeking a highly skilled and proactive IT Security Specialist to join their cybersecurity team. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for safeguarding the company's digital assets by implementing robust security measures, monitoring for threats, and responding to security incidents. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management, and threat detection technologies. This is a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and maintaining the trust of our clients in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and SIEM platforms, to identify and respond to potential security threats in real-time.
• Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify weaknesses in the IT infrastructure.
• Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Respond to and manage security incidents, including investigating the root cause, containing the breach, and coordinating recovery efforts.
• Provide technical guidance and support on security-related matters to other IT teams and business units.
• Manage and configure security tools and technologies, ensuring they are up-to-date and effective.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees to foster a security-conscious culture.
• Stay informed about emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of the company's disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Collaborate with external security vendors and partners as needed.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT security, cybersecurity analysis, or a related role.
• In-depth knowledge of network security principles, protocols, and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs, encryption).
• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools, vulnerability scanners, and endpoint security solutions.
• Familiarity with common security frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly assess and respond to security incidents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively in a remote team environment.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, or GIAC are highly desirable.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for cybersecurity and continuous learning.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work environment offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and attending cybersecurity conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art security technologies and training.