ISSO - Information System Security Officer

As an Information Systems Security Officer at Planet Technologies, your responsibilities will include drafting and updating risk management framework artifacts for FISMA compliance, coordinating with operational teams to ensure adherence to security controls, and engaging with System Owners to create actionable Plans of Actions & Milestones (POA&Ms) for addressing security findings. Moreover, you will provide guidance on cybersecurity best practices and be a key point of contact for security-related inquiries.

Qualified candidates for the ISSO position at Planet Technologies should possess strong knowledge of the Risk Management Framework, experience with NIST SP 800-53, and familiarity with the FISMA accreditation process. Education requirements include an Associate's degree in a related field (which can substitute for 2 years of experience) or a Bachelor’s degree (substituting for 3 years). An active DOE Q or DOD Top-Secret Clearance is also mandatory.

Planet Technologies is committed to the professional development of its ISSOs. We provide opportunities for ongoing training and certifications relevant to cybersecurity and information security best practices. With access to resources and a collaborative team environment, you’ll be positioned to enhance your skills while contributing to meaningful projects that make an impact.

Salaries for an Information Systems Security Officer at Planet Technologies typically range from $130,000 to $190,000. Several factors will influence the final offer, including the candidate's type and years of relevant experience, clearance level, and educational qualifications. Our competitive compensation package reflects the importance we place on this critical role.

At Planet Technologies, ISSOs can expect a collaborative and dynamic work environment. This role involves working primarily on-site in Germantown, Maryland, or Washington, DC for four days a week. You will engage with various teams to tackle cybersecurity challenges and ensure compliance, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to project success with a supportive team by your side.

The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is essential for systematically managing cybersecurity risk. In the ISSO role, you'll need to describe how RMF guides the secure processing of information, helps in compliance with FISMA, and aids in the development and implementation of security controls. Understand and articulate the steps of RMF, including categorization, selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and monitoring of controls.

When answering this question, illustrate your direct experience using NIST SP 800-53 to document compliance and manage security controls. Talk about any specific projects where you've implemented controls and how you ensured their effectiveness in meeting federal standards. Emphasize your familiarity with different revisions and their implications for security practices.

Start by explaining the importance of a POA&M in tracking and managing remediation efforts for identified security weaknesses. Outline the steps you would take to draft a POA&M, including identifying vulnerabilities, setting realistic milestones for remediation, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure accountability and timely completion of actions.

To effectively answer this, discuss your strategies for professional development, such as attending cybersecurity conferences, participating in online webinars, reading industry publications, and collaborating with peers. Highlight any memberships in professional organizations that keep you informed about the latest trends and changes in cybersecurity legislation.

Discuss your methodical approach to vulnerability management, starting with regular assessments to identify vulnerabilities. Explain how you prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk potential and develop remediation plans in collaboration with IT teams. Also, mention the importance of continuous monitoring and periodic reviews to ensure that vulnerabilities are managed effectively.

Share a specific incident where you successfully identified, responded to, and mitigated a cybersecurity threat. Detail the steps you took during the incident response, including the coordination with incident response teams, communication with affected parties, and lessons learned that enhanced your organization's future security posture.

Explain how security awareness training is a crucial element in mitigating human error, which is often a leading cause of security incidents. Discuss your experience in developing training content tailored to specific audiences and your approach to fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

Discuss your approach to prioritization based on a risk assessment to determine the potential impact and likelihood of threats. Explain how you consider compliance requirements, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals when making these decisions. Highlight the importance of stakeholder communication in the prioritization process.

List specific cybersecurity tools and technologies with which you have experience, such as SIEM solutions, vulnerability scanners, endpoint protection platforms, and access management systems. Discuss how you’ve utilized these tools effectively in previous roles to enhance security posture and meet compliance requirements.

This question is an opportunity to express not only your interest in the specific role but also your alignment with Planet Technologies’ mission. Talk about your passion for public sector work, your admiration for the company's impact on improving cybersecurity, and your enthusiasm for contributing to a collaborative environment dedicated to excellence in service delivery.