Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (ISSO Focus)

The primary responsibilities of a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist at NexThreat include leading the development and implementation of cybersecurity plans, conducting vulnerability assessments, managing security control assessments, and overseeing incident response activities. This role also requires mentoring junior staff and acting as a subject matter expert in the Risk Management Framework (RMF), ensuring compliance with DoD and DAF requirements while maintaining a proactive security posture.

To qualify for the Senior Cybersecurity Specialist position at NexThreat, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or have 8 years of relevant experience. Additionally, 7 years of cybersecurity experience with a strong focus on ISSO responsibilities is expected, alongside familiarity with vulnerability management processes and risk management best practices.

Preferred certifications for the Senior Cybersecurity Specialist role at NexThreat include (ISC)² CISSP, ISACA CISM, (ISC)² CAP, and GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC). These certifications demonstrate a candidate's expertise and commitment to the field of cybersecurity, particularly regarding information systems security and risk management.

A Senior Cybersecurity Specialist at NexThreat should ideally have expert-level experience with the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) process and be familiar with tools such as ACAS, SCAP, eMASS, Xacta, Splunk, and Microsoft Sentinel. Proficiency with these tools enhances the individual's ability to conduct security control assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response effectively.

The work environment for a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist at NexThreat is dynamic and collaborative, involving both independent and team-oriented tasks. You’ll engage in hands-on activities related to cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability management, and mentoring junior staff while collaborating with other cybersecurity professionals. The position is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, providing a unique opportunity to support the cybersecurity framework for multiple DAF Bases.

In answering this question, highlight your hands-on experience with the RMF process, detailing specific projects where you've implemented or maintained RMF standards. Discuss your involvement in security assessments, documentation, and oversight of information system authorization processes, emphasizing how you’ve ensured compliance with regulations.

When responding, outline the systematic approach you use for vulnerability assessments, including tools you prefer (like ACAS or Splunk), the steps you take to conduct scans, analyze results, and develop remediation plans. Be sure to mention your ability to prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk assessment.

For this answer, provide specific examples of incidents you’ve managed, outlining the steps you took from detection through recovery. Discuss how you communicated with team members, documented incidents, and followed best practices to mitigate future risks.

In your response, emphasize your commitment to professional development, mentioning resources like training, certifications, cybersecurity forums, and conferences you attend. Highlight any subscriptions to leading cybersecurity publications or online courses that keep you informed.

Discuss how you tailor your mentorship approach to individual needs, providing constructive feedback, conducting training sessions, and offering real-world scenario discussions. Highlight your focus on fostering a culture of learning and support within your team.

Describe your method for balancing stakeholder needs, emphasizing communication and collaboration. Talk about how you actively involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to reach a compromise that ensures security without hampering functionality.

Provide a specific example of a challenge pertaining to vulnerability management or incident response. Detail the situation, your assessment process, the actions you took, and the overall outcome, illustrating your problem-solving skills and resilience.

Express the vital role that documentation plays in cybersecurity, including compliance, communication, and historical analysis. Discuss your practices for maintaining accurate records of assessments, incidents, and policies to enhance organizational security posture.

In your answer, outline how you assess the current cybersecurity landscape and identify areas where training is required. Talk about the collaborative approach you take in formulating policies, ensuring they are practical and effective by incorporating feedback from team members.

Detail the steps you take for conducting site surveys including planning, executing assessments of physical and environmental controls, documenting findings, and providing actionable recommendations. Highlight any tools or frameworks you utilize in the process to ensure thorough evaluations.