Principal/Cybersecurity & Incident Response (Forensic Services practice)

To apply for the Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response position at Charles River Associates, you will need at least a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field. Additionally, candidates should have over 10 years of experience in cyber intrusion investigation, digital forensics, or incident response analysis. Strong leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST CSF, HIPAA, and SOC2 are also crucial for success in this role.

As a Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response professional at Charles River Associates, your main responsibilities will encompass leading investigations related to data security, overseeing forensic analysis of digital information, and serving as the primary point of contact for incident response activities. You will also supervise project teams, ensure quality assurance in deliverables, and work collaboratively with teams and clients to enhance incident response capabilities.

Charles River Associates is deeply committed to career growth and skill development. For the Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response role, employees can expect to participate in robust training programs that offer 100 hours of development annually. This includes formal technical training, seminars, and mentorship opportunities that foster individual and team growth, ensuring that you continue to enhance your expertise in cybersecurity.

The work environment at Charles River Associates emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. As a Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response expert, you'll typically work in the office 3 to 4 days per week, fostering synergy with your team while also enjoying the ability to work remotely when needed. CRA values community and inclusivity, making it a supportive place for its employees.

In the Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response role at Charles River Associates, you'll work with a variety of forensic analysis tools and evidence handling techniques. You'll also stay updated on the latest cybersecurity software, protocols, and systems relevant to incident response, such as network defense strategies and malware detection tools, to ensure you can effectively respond to incidents.

Charles River Associates prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As a Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response professional, you will participate in a fair hiring process designed to celebrate diversity and create a collaborative atmosphere where all employees feel valued and empowered.

The Principal Cybersecurity & Incident Response position at Charles River Associates has a significant impact on clients by enhancing their resilience against cybersecurity threats. Through expert investigations and proactive measures, you will help clients mitigate risks related to fraud and misconduct, leading to more secure operations and increased trust in their business integrity.

When answering this question, consider discussing specific past incidents where you led an incident response team. Highlight the strategies you implemented and the outcomes achieved. Make sure to emphasize your leadership skills and how you adapted to emerging challenges during the incident.

In your response, mention the specific forensic tools and software you have used, such as EnCase, FTK, or Sleuth Kit. Discuss how you apply these tools in your investigations and cite any instances where they were pivotal in solving a case.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning through attending conferences, taking additional courses, or following cybersecurity blogs and forums. Be sure to share any certifications you hold that pertain to cybersecurity as evidence of your proactive approach.

Choose a specific example where you faced difficulties, detailing the steps you took to overcome them. Reflect on the lessons learned and how you applied them to future incidents, demonstrating your growth and adaptability in the field.

Discuss your management style during crises, focusing on communication, delegation, and maintaining morale. Highlight how you motivate your team and ensure everyone’s strengths are utilized effectively.

Outline the steps you would take to evaluate a client’s current controls, such as conducting risk assessments, reviewing policies, and testing technology security. Make sure to link your approach to industry frameworks like NIST or ISO.

If relevant, share an experience where collaboration with law enforcement was necessary. Describe how you managed those interactions and the outcomes of the cooperation.

Provide an example of how you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines. Discuss any tools or methodologies, like Agile or Kanban, that you deploy to keep projects on track without compromising quality.

Share specific experiences where you contributed to business growth, such as drafting proposals or pitching to clients. Highlight the skills and strategies that led to successful partnerships or projects.

Discuss critical qualities such as strong analytical skills, leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication. Reflect on how these qualities have served you and would benefit the role at Charles River Associates.