Cyber Analyst, Junior

As a Junior Cyber Analyst at Leidos, your primary responsibilities include monitoring and securing networks, systems, and data against cyber threats. You'll work with senior analysts to implement security measures, investigate incidents, and analyze system logs using tools like SIEM for effective threat detection. Your role will also involve documenting incidents and preparing security reports, contributing significantly to the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

To qualify as a Junior Cyber Analyst at Leidos, candidates must have an active Top Secret/SCI clearance, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and 2 to 4 years of relevant experience. Understanding of the Incident Response lifecycle, experience with cybersecurity tools, and familiarity with OS operations are essential. Prior experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, making this an inclusive opportunity for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Leidos prioritizes the professional development of its Junior Cyber Analysts by providing access to valuable training resources, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to work on exciting, high-impact projects. This nurturing environment helps enhance your skills and knowledge, allowing you to grow in your cybersecurity career while contributing to vital missions.

As a Junior Cyber Analyst at Leidos, you'll leverage industry-standard cybersecurity tools, primarily Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools such as Splunk and Elastic. Additionally, you might work with endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR) tools, enabling you to analyze threats effectively and respond to incidents as they arise.

At Leidos, as a Junior Cyber Analyst, you'll collaborate with a diverse team of skilled professionals, including senior analysts, security engineers, and system administrators. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing and teamwork, enabling you to gain valuable insights and contribute to the collective cybersecurity efforts of the organization.

For a Junior Cyber Analyst position at Leidos, it’s crucial to understand the Incident Response lifecycle, which typically includes preparation, detection, investigation, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned. During the interview, highlight your understanding of each phase and how you would apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills.

In response to a security incident as a Junior Cyber Analyst at Leidos, you would start by collecting relevant logs and data to identify the nature of the incident. Analyze these data points using SIEM tools to trace the incident's origin, determine the extent of the breach, and escalate the issue if necessary. Show your ability to work methodically and collaboratively throughout the investigation.

Prioritizing alerts from a SIEM tool involves analyzing each alert's context, severity, and potential impact on the organization. As a candidate for the Junior Cyber Analyst role at Leidos, emphasize your method of evaluating alerts, considering factors like threat intelligence and historical data to effectively categorize and address alerts based on their urgency.

In the interview, share a specific instance where you collaborated with a team to resolve a cybersecurity issue, focusing on your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively within the team dynamics. Highlight how your contribution led to successful problem-solving and how this experience aligns with the collaborative culture at Leidos.

Describe your understanding and experience with cybersecurity best practices, such as regular software updates, secure coding, and employee security training. Provide examples that showcase your knowledge and commitment to adhering to these practices in previous roles, reinforcing your suitability for the Junior Cyber Analyst position at Leidos.

A solid response to a phishing attempt is crucial for a Junior Cyber Analyst. Discuss your immediate response steps, such as verifying and isolating the suspicious email, informing the relevant stakeholders, and implementing measures to mitigate future risks. Emphasize your analytical skills in assessing the situation and taking appropriate actions.

Mention any relevant cybersecurity certifications you have or are in the process of obtaining, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or others. Certifications reflect your commitment to the field and your readiness to undertake the Junior Cyber Analyst role at Leidos, showing your dedication to ongoing learning.

As a candidate for the Junior Cyber Analyst role, discuss your methods for staying informed on cybersecurity trends, such as subscribing to industry blogs, attending webinars, or participating in forums. Show enthusiasm for continuous learning and how this aligns with the innovative spirit at Leidos.

Understanding the Cyber Kill Chain is essential for the Junior Cyber Analyst position at Leidos. Describe the seven stages: reconnaissance, weaponization, delivery, exploitation, installation, command and control, and actions on objectives. Illustrate how this framework assists in detecting and stopping threats at various stages, emphasizing your analytical skills in threat management.

Highlight key qualities such as strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. Explain how these traits contribute to effective incident response and how they describe you, supporting your fit for the Junior Cyber Analyst role at Leidos.