Senior Information Security Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Information Security Specialist to lead security operations, incident response, and risk mitigation. You will implement controls, monitor systems, and drive security improvements across the organization.

The ideal candidate will have a strong IT security background, hands-on experience with SIEM and network defenses, and a proactive approach to threat management. Join a growing tech community with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in information security with emphasis on incident response.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM, firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, and vulnerability scanners.
• Strong understanding of network protocols, OS security, and common attack vectors.
• Scripting skills (Python or PowerShell) are a plus.
• Knowledge of security frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent communication and teamwork.
• Certifications such as Security+, CySA+, or CEH are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Implementing, managing, and monitoring security infrastructure, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and endpoint security.
• Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify weaknesses.
• Analyzing security logs and alerts using SIEM to detect and respond to incidents.
• Developing and maintaining security policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Assisting in the development and execution of incident response plans.
• Providing security awareness training and guidance to employees.
• Staying up-to-date with cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Collaborating with IT teams to integrate security into system design and deployment.
• Participating in security audits and compliance activities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Tools

SIEM

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Endpoint protection

Vulnerability scanners

Python

PowerShell

Job description

About the Role

Our client, located in the vibrant academic and tech hub of **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Information Security Specialist to join their dedicated security team. This role is instrumental in protecting the organization's digital assets from evolving threats. You will be responsible for implementing and managing security controls, monitoring systems for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in cybersecurity, excellent analytical skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a growing organization and develop your career in a challenging and rewarding environment. Your expertise will be key in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Implementing, managing, and monitoring security infrastructure, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and endpoint security solutions.
• Conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
• Analyzing security logs and alerts using SIEM tools to detect and respond to potential security incidents.
• Developing and maintaining security policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Assisting in the development and execution of incident response plans.
• Providing security awareness training and guidance to employees.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.
• Collaborating with IT teams to ensure security best practices are integrated into system design and deployment.
• Participating in security audits and compliance activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in information security, with a strong focus on operational security and incident response.
• Hands-on experience with security technologies such as SIEM, firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, and vulnerability scanners.
• Solid understanding of network protocols, operating system security, and common attack vectors.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation is a plus.
• Knowledge of security frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Relevant security certifications such as Security+, CySA+, or CEH are advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• The role is based in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, providing a dynamic work environment and the chance to work with cutting-edge security technologies.