Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewer

As a Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewer at Peraton, your primary responsibilities include conducting comprehensive cybersecurity reviews on the DODIN, engaging in inspections, evaluations, and audits, as well as supporting robust assessments of network environments. Additionally, you will be actively involved in training and certifying new reviewers, performing vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with security guidelines. Your role is critical in maintaining the integrity and security of our systems, ensuring that all practices align with applicable cybersecurity policies and protocols.

To qualify for the Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewer role at Peraton, candidates typically need a minimum of 12 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, or lesser experience with advanced degrees. Senior Reviewers must possess direct experience in the field. Knowledge of DOD cybersecurity policies and audit tools is essential, along with relevant certifications such as IAT Level II or IAM Level II. Candidates who understand vulnerability assessment techniques and can analyze cybersecurity strategies in various environments will have a strong advantage.

The Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewer position at Peraton involves considerable travel, both CONUS and OCONUS. As the role requires visits to DOD mission partner locations, candidates should be prepared for travel opportunities that could take them worldwide. However, all travel will be conducted following established Task Order guidelines, ensuring that it aligns with project needs while providing candidates with a diverse range of experiences.

Peraton provides a comprehensive benefits package for Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewers that includes heavily subsidized health insurance for you and your dependents, an attractive PTO structure with 25 days accrued annually, and participation in a lucrative bonus plan. We prioritize the well-being of our employees and ensure they are supported throughout their career with us, especially given the critical nature of the work we do in national security.

Peraton values professional growth and offers numerous opportunities for career advancement within the Cyber Systems Operation Research Analyst (CORA) Reviewer position. As you perform impactful work across various cybersecurity initiatives, you will be equipped with the skills and experience necessary to transition into more senior roles. Continuing education and access to advanced training resources are also provided to facilitate your career development within our dynamic organization.

To effectively conduct a vulnerability assessment, you should start by reviewing the existing configurations and policies of the systems in question. Familiarize yourself with security requirements guides and compliance documents. Use automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities, analyze security logs for potential threats, and document deviations from best practices. Lastly, provide actionable recommendations based on your findings.

When answering this question, you should discuss your familiarity with specific DOD cybersecurity regulations, including their development and implementation. Highlight any previous roles where you ensured compliance with these policies and detail any experiences you have had analyzing policy impacts on cybersecurity posture within organizations.

A good approach in training new reviewers would include a mix of hands-on training and theoretical instruction. I would start with mentorship, providing them with resources to understand the necessary policies and procedures. Additionally, I'd involve them in real assessments under supervision to build their confidence, followed by a certification process to ensure they are well-prepared for the field.

In your response, outline a specific instance where your investigation led to the discovery of a critical vulnerability. Discuss the steps you took to remediate the issue, the impact it had on the organization, and how the situation emphasized the importance of rigorous assessment in cybersecurity.

Mention industry-standard tools you are familiar with, such as Nessus, Qualys, or OpenVAS. Explain how you use these tools to detect vulnerabilities, and integrate their findings with manual assessments to provide a comprehensive view of the system's security posture.

To stay informed about current cybersecurity threats, I follow various cybersecurity news sources, forums, and professional organizations. I also attend conferences and webinars, participate in discussion groups, and continuously pursue certifications and training, ensuring that my knowledge and skills are always current and relevant.

An effective process for conducting Security Readiness Reviews begins with gathering necessary documentation and examining existing security controls. I would conduct thorough interviews with the relevant personnel, analyze system vulnerabilities, and cross-check compliance with DOD directives to prepare my final assessment report, ensuring it accurately reflects the security readiness of the reviewed systems.

Discuss any prior experience with security audits, explaining the methodology you employed. Be prepared to outline the various types of audits you have executed, such as internal versus external audits, and how you identified and sought to rectify discrepancies in compliance or security practices.

Discuss your approach to managing multiple tasks by leveraging risk prioritization strategies. Highlight that you assess factors such as the potential impact of vulnerabilities on the organization, importance of timelines, and available resources, ensuring that high-risk issues receive immediate attention while keeping a structured workflow.

Emphasize that teamwork is essential in achieving common cybersecurity goals. You work collaboratively with other cybersecurity professionals to share insights, validate findings, and ensure all assessments reflect consensus understanding of vulnerabilities and mitigations. Building strong partnerships enhances the effectiveness of the cybersecurity reviews.