Senior Information Security Analyst - SOC Operations

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prominent financial institution in Johannesburg in hiring a Senior Information Security Analyst for its Security Operations Center. The role is hybrid, combining in-office collaboration in Johannesburg with remote flexibility, and focuses on monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents to protect digital assets.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years in information security, strong knowledge of SIEM/EDR/firewalls/IDS-IPS, and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in information security with a focus on SOC operations and incident response.
• Deep knowledge of security technologies such as SIEM, EDR, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
• Strong understanding of attack methodologies, threat actors, and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with forensic analysis tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint detection systems.
• Analyze potential security incidents, determine their scope, and initiate appropriate response actions.
• Conduct threat hunting to proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats.
• Develop and refine incident response playbooks and procedures.
• Perform forensic analysis of security incidents to identify root causes and recommend preventative measures.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to implement security best practices.
• Stay abreast of cybersecurity trends, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
• Mentor junior security analysts and share knowledge within the team.
• Generate regular reports on security posture and incident trends for management.

Skills

SOC operations

Incident response

Security monitoring

SIEM

EDR

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Forensic analysis

Threat hunting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/InfoSec

Tools

Forensic tools

EDR tools

Firewall management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution in Johannesburg, is looking for a highly skilled Senior Information Security Analyst to bolster their Security Operations Center (SOC). This role is crucial in protecting the organization's digital assets and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats. The successful candidate will be instrumental in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of our client’s systems. This is a hybrid role, offering a blend of in-office collaboration in the bustling heart of Johannesburg and remote flexibility, fostering a productive and adaptive work environment. You will be a key player in safeguarding our client’s technological infrastructure within Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from various sources, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint detection systems.
• Analyze potential security incidents, determine their scope, and initiate appropriate response actions.
• Conduct threat hunting activities to proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats.
• Develop and refine incident response playbooks and procedures.
• Perform forensic analysis of security incidents to identify root causes and recommend preventative measures.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to implement security best practices.
• Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
• Mentor junior security analysts and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
• Generate regular reports on security posture and incident trends for management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in information security, with a focus on SOC operations and incident response.
• In-depth knowledge of security technologies such as SIEM, EDR, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
• Strong understanding of common attack methodologies, threat actors, and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with forensic analysis tools and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex security issues clearly.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, GCIH, or CEH are highly desirable.
• Experience working in a hybrid remote/on-site model.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and certifications.
• Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment in Johannesburg, access to cutting-edge security tools, and the chance to make a significant impact on the organization’s security posture.
• This hybrid role provides excellent work-life integration.