DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher

The core responsibilities of a DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher at CyberArk include conducting digital forensics analysis on various evidence types, supporting incident response efforts with technical expertise, proactively hunting for malicious activities across networks, and researching emerging threats and attack vectors. This role requires collaboration with the SOC team and continuous development of tools and scripts to enhance threat-hunting capabilities.

To apply for the DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher role at CyberArk, candidates should have at least five years of proven experience in digital forensics and incident response, preferably in a tech company or security consulting firm. Applicants should be well-versed with forensic tools, threat hunting platforms like ELK and Splunk, and have strong knowledge of network protocols, malware analysis, and cloud security.

Essential skills for success as a DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher at CyberArk include proficiency in digital forensics tools and threat hunting platforms, strong scripting abilities (preferably in Python and JavaScript), excellent communication skills, and a creative mindset for problem-solving. A solid understanding of operating systems, cloud security, and malware analysis is also crucial.

CyberArk fosters a collaborative environment within the Global Information Security Team by encouraging knowledge sharing, regular team meetings, and cross-functional projects. The DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher will work closely with SOC team members, contributing insights derived from threat-hunting efforts and research, thereby creating a supportive culture focused on enhancing collective security practices.

The salary range for the DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher position at CyberArk is between $102,000 and $145,000 per year, plus commissions or discretionary bonuses based on employee performance. Salary may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and CyberArk offers a comprehensive compensation package including various benefits.

When answering this question, be specific about the digital forensics tools you've used, such as EnCase, FTK, or Volatility. Provide examples of how you employed these tools in past roles, along with the types of investigations you conducted and the outcomes achieved. Mention any certifications or ongoing training related to digital forensics that further demonstrate your expertise.

Describe your step-by-step approach to threat hunting, starting with your data sources, such as logs or behavioral analytics. Discuss how you formulate hypotheses based on threat intelligence and elaborate on the tools and queries you employ to test those hypotheses, emphasizing your analytical techniques and ability to adapt to changing threat landscapes.

Share the resources you regularly consult to stay updated, such as industry blogs, newsletters, webinars, and threat intelligence platforms. Highlight your participation in security conferences, workshops, or online courses and explain how you apply what you've learned to enhance your threat hunting and incident response strategies.

When discussing a past incident response scenario, structure your response as STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Explain the context of the incident, what your tasks were, the actions you took, and the outcome. Be specific about the tools and methods you used for containment and recovery, showcasing your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Identify the scripting languages you are proficient in, like Python or JavaScript, and explain how you utilize them for automation in forensics or threat-hunting processes. Provide examples of scripts you've developed or modified that improved operational efficiency, error reduction, or enhanced data analysis.

Discuss your approach to prioritization during urgent incident response situations, emphasizing your ability to quickly assess the severity of incidents. Talk about how you communicate with your team to ensure that critical issues are addressed first and share methods you might use, such as risk assessments or triage processes.

Explain the importance of teamwork in the cybersecurity field, particularly in your role as a DFIR & Threat Hunting Researcher. Provide concrete examples of how you have effectively collaborated with SOC teams, including details on the tools used for communication, sharing findings, and coordinating responses.

Be prepared to discuss specific tools you have experience with, like ELK Stack, Splunk, or QRadar. Describe your methodologies for threat-hunting, including how you establish a baseline of normal behavior and look for anomalies, and provide examples of successful hunts you've conducted and what you discovered.

Discuss your experience with cloud environments, particularly AWS or Azure, focusing on any digital forensics work you've done in the cloud. Describe the challenges that may arise in cloud forensics compared to traditional environments, and provide examples of how you have overcome those challenges.

Highlight a specific skill you believe is critical for the role, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, or continuous learning. Provide examples of how this skill has proven essential in your previous roles and describe situations where it made a significant difference in your work outcomes or team dynamics.