Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

As a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst at Leidos, you will engage in numerous responsibilities including monitoring security events, conducting incident response, performing vulnerability scans, and implementing strategic security measures. Additionally, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance overall security posture, conduct real-time analysis of potential threats, and create detailed incident reports. Your work will be critical in ensuring the security and integrity of our systems, which makes your role vital to our mission.

To qualify for the Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst position at Leidos, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree along with at least 8 years of related experience, or a master's degree with 6 years of experience. Alternatively, candidates may substitute up to 12 years of experience in lieu of a degree. Additionally, it’s crucial to have relevant technical experience in system administration, database management, or network engineering, along with proficiency in Windows and Linux operating systems.

Preferred skills for the Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst role at Leidos include expertise in network and host-based analysis, familiarity with SIEM platforms, and experience with enterprise vulnerability scanners. Additionally, having strong knowledge of network security devices such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, and proxies, along with familiarity in both Windows and Linux environments will be beneficial. Desired certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CCNA-Security will also enhance your candidacy.

A typical career path for a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst at Leidos may involve advancing to senior analyst roles, security architect positions, or even managerial roles within the security operations team. With experience, you may have opportunities to lead teams, shape security policies, and influence cyber security strategies on a larger scale. Continuous professional development and obtaining relevant certifications can further enhance career progression.

The pay range for a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst at Leidos typically falls between $104,650 and $189,175 per year. It's important to note that this range serves as a general guideline and actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, education, and internal equity. The company evaluates each candidate's background and skills closely to determine appropriate compensation.

In responding to this question, you should detail your direct experiences with incident detection and response. Discuss specific tools you've used, the methodologies you employed, and examples from your past roles where you successfully identified and managed security incidents. Touch on the importance of collaboration with other team members during the incident response process.

When answering, describe your process for assessing threats based on factors like severity, potential impact, and the vulnerability of systems. Explain your use of threat intelligence, risk assessments, and how you collaborate with other teams to prioritize these threats effectively. Providing an example where you successfully prioritized tasks will further demonstrate your capabilities.

In your response, list the specific cyber security tools and technologies you’re familiar with, such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners, and network security devices. Additionally, discuss how you've used these tools in past roles and the outcomes from those experiences. Give emphasis to your adaptability in learning new technologies.

Here, it’s essential to share a specific situation where you faced a security incident. Describe the context, your role in responding to the incident, the actions you took, and the result of those actions. Highlight any lessons learned and how you would apply that knowledge to future incidents, which shows your growth and commitment to improvement.

When answering, emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Mention specific resources you utilize such as cybersecurity publications, webinars, or relevant social media channels. Discuss any communities or forums where you interact with other professionals and how these efforts help you stay informed about emerging threats.

Explain the methodologies you apply in vulnerability assessments—this might include automated scans, manual checks, and risk analysis. Discuss tools you prefer for these assessments and how you analyze findings to prioritize remediation activities based on severity and business impacts.

This question seeks to evaluate your stress management skills. Share an experience where you had to act quickly in a high-pressure situation, detailing your approach to maintain composure, the steps you took to address the situation, and the eventual results of your actions.

Your response should highlight the importance of thorough documentation for security incidents. Discuss your process for documenting incidents, the types of information you include, and how this documentation fosters knowledge sharing, compliance, and continual improvement in security practices.

In your answer, focus on the significance of teamwork within a SOC environment. Provide examples where collaboration with other teams (like IT, development, or management) was essential in threat detection and response processes, enhancing investigations, or improving security frameworks.

Discuss the various metrics that are crucial for evaluating SOC performance, such as incident response time, number of incidents triaged, reduction in vulnerabilities over time, and user awareness training effectiveness. Explain how these metrics help gauge the SOC's efficiency and impact on the organization's overall cybersecurity posture.