Security Operations Center​/SOC Lead

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Lead at Leidos has an array of critical responsibilities, primarily focused on managing the day-to-day activities of the SOC, planning incident response efforts, and ensuring adherence to cybersecurity processes. This role entails driving the implementation of new tools and methodologies, overseeing staffing for 24/7 operations, and producing high-quality reporting related to cybersecurity incidents.

To qualify for the SOC Lead position at Leidos, candidates must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance, a bachelor's degree, and over 10 years of prior cybersecurity experience. Additionally, a minimum of 4 years in a supervisory or management role and 5 years of intrusion detection or incident handling experience are required. Relevant certifications such as DoD 8570 IAT III and CSSP Incident Responder are mandatory.

A successful SOC Lead at Leidos must exhibit strong leadership capabilities in managing diverse teams and be well-versed in incident response, cybersecurity analysis, and operational best practices. Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication abilities, analytical thinking, and troubleshooting skills, alongside a deeper understanding of industry standards and cybersecurity technologies.

Leidos emphasizes the importance of adhering to documented processes and procedures for incident response within their Security Operations Center. The SOC Lead plays a vital role in instilling best practices and in implementing automation and process efficiencies, ensuring that the SOC is ready to detect, respond, and recover from cybersecurity threats effectively.

Working as a SOC Lead at Leidos is appealing due to the unique opportunity to lead a team responsible for national security. The role offers involvement in innovative cybersecurity practices, access to advanced technologies, and the chance to collaborate with top professionals in the field, all while executing missions that protect critical national infrastructure.

To enhance effectiveness, I would focus on automation of repetitive tasks, implementing thorough training programs for staff, and continuously evaluating the tools we use for incident detection and response. It's vital to adopt frameworks like the MITRE ATT&CK to guide our incident response strategies.

Certainly! In my previous roles, I led incident response teams through various cybersecurity incidents, ensuring adherence to industry standards. I implemented structured processes for triage and analysis, which resulted in reduced response times and improved outcomes for our operational environment.

I manage stress by staying organized and maintaining open communication with my team. Establishing a clear action plan beforehand means that when incidents occur, we can respond promptly without panic. Regular debriefs post-incident help in learning and improving future responses.

My approach to team management involves fostering an environment of trust and accountability, where team members feel empowered to share insights and suggest improvements. Consistent feedback and recognition of individual achievements also play key roles in maintaining morale and motivation.

Compliance is critical in SOC operations as it ensures we adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating risks to the organization. Effective reporting not only documents incidents for accountability but also provides valuable insights for improving processes and strategies against future threats.

I stay current with evolving threats through continual education—subscribing to industry publications, joining webinars, and participating in cybersecurity forums and networks. Engaging with peers and thought leaders in the field also provides insights into trends and emerging threats.

I have extensive experience with a variety of cybersecurity tools, including SIEM systems for real-time analytics, intrusion detection systems, and forensic tools for incident investigations. My hands-on experience has allowed me to select and implement the most effective technologies for our operational needs.

In the event of a significant breach, the first step would be to execute our incident response plan, ensuring all relevant personnel are notified. I would lead the team in gathering evidence, containing the breach, and conducting a full analysis to understand the root cause and impact, followed by reporting and remediating the vulnerabilities.

To implement process improvements, I would first gather feedback from my team about current challenges. Using data from incidents, I would identify patterns or recurring issues, and then collaborate with team members to brainstorm solutions, testing and refining approaches to best meet our operational goals.

The most important quality for a SOC Lead is the ability to lead with a calm and focused demeanor in high-stress situations. This quality ensures that team members feel supported and instills confidence in our processes during critical incidents, enabling us to respond effectively.