Cyber Defense Analyst

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Network Operations and Security Center (NOSC) team is seeking an enthusiastic, IT minded individual looking to begin or further advance their career in Network Security within an enterprise level Security Center. You would be responsible for monitoring the State network, varying systems, and the State of Montana Data Center (SMDC) in Helena. You would provide 1st and 2nd level network and security support to ensure proper and continuous operation of all facilities and systems. You will be the first line of defense against cybersecurity threats, proactively monitoring and defending information systems. Training for staff is encouraged and provided to gain additional security knowledge and certifications.
This position currently has shared duties monitoring network operations and security. As the State of Montana moves towards IT centralization, this position will transition into a dedicated security monitoring role. The candidate will spend time learning the processes and procedures within the NOSC and help transition the security functions to a Security Operations Center (SOC).
A Cyber Defense Analyst is a technical security position in the NICE Framework. While we require IT knowledge, WE OFFER BOTH FORMAL TRAINING AND ON-THE-JOB TRAINING TO DEVELOP THE NEEDED SKILLSETS. If you are a little short of the education, experience, or the certification requirements listed below; but you can meet them within six months, then we may consider hiring you as a training assignment.
The State of Montana Data Center (SMDC) is a 24x7x365 facility. We are currently hiring for Day shift, working the below schedule:
Monday-Friday 7 am – 4 pm

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in networking / cyber security or similar.
• Two years’ experience in an IT related occupation.
• Security+ or the ability to achieve the certification within a year of hire.
• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Ability to utilize documentation to resolve IT issues.
• Ability to monitor and mitigate IT issues.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data from multiple sources.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a broad and non-technical audience.
• Ability to adapt to shifting business requirements.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and be a self-starter.
• Ability to take ownership of new business process and incorporate it into SITSD’s mission.
• Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles.
• Knowledge of authentication, authorization, and access control methods.
• Knowledge of vulnerability information dissemination sources.
• Knowledge of threat hunting principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of various operating systems.
• Knowledge of new and emerging information technology (IT) and cybersecurity technologies.
• Knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training and on-the-job training to develop the needed skillsets.
• If you are a little short of the education, experience, or the certification requirements listed below; but you can meet them within six months, then we may consider hiring you as a training assignment.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring the State network, varying systems, and the State of Montana Data Center (SMDC) in Helena.
• Provide 1st and 2nd level network and security support to ensure proper and continuous operation of all facilities and systems.
• Be the first line of defense against cybersecurity threats, proactively monitoring and defending information systems.
• Respond to and triage reported security alerts.
• Analyze network traffic, intrusion attempts, activity logs, and system alerts for trends and anomalies to identify potential compromise or breaches.
• Notify designated managers and cyber incident responders of suspected cyber incidents and articulate the event's history, status, and potential impact for further action in accordance with the organization's cyber incident response plan.

Benefits

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level