Sr Application Security Engineer

As a Sr Application Security Engineer at Stifel, you will be engaged in secure software design and testing processes. Your primary responsibilities will involve conducting application security testing using automated tools, evaluating risk levels, and guiding development teams in remediating security vulnerabilities. You will also document best practices, mentor junior engineers, and stay updated on emerging cybersecurity threats. This role is pivotal in integrating security throughout the software development life cycle.

To qualify for the Sr Application Security Engineer role at Stifel, candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, alongside 6+ years of combined experience in information security and software development. Familiarity with application security principles, threat modeling, cloud computing security risks, and experience with languages like C#, Angular, and Python will be advantageous.

At Stifel, we understand the importance of continuous professional development. As a Sr Application Security Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, providing guidance and constructive feedback. Stifel also encourages you to stay current with evolving cybersecurity threats and methodologies, ensuring you have the resources and support needed for your growth in the industry.

In the role of Sr Application Security Engineer at Stifel, you will utilize various application security testing tools like SAST, DAST, and SCA. Additionally, experience with automation tools, cloud platforms like AWS or Microsoft Azure, and programming languages, such as C# and Python will be beneficial in driving your projects forward and enhancing security measures.

The company culture at Stifel is built on inclusivity, innovation, and a commitment to success. As a Sr Application Security Engineer, you will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment that values collaboration and encourages creative problem-solving. At Stifel, we are invested in our associates' careers and offer a supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are appreciated.

In approaching application security testing, I begin by understanding the full scope of the application being tested, followed by selecting appropriate automated tools like SAST and DAST. It's crucial to analyze the results to identify vulnerabilities and communicate these effectively to the development team, ensuring that fixes are prioritized based on risk.

Certainly! My experience with threat modeling involves identifying potential threats to an application during the design phase. I conduct risk assessments to prioritize these threats and work collaboratively with development teams to devise effective mitigation strategies that enhance the overall security of the application.

My process for remediating security vulnerabilities typically starts with conducting a thorough analysis of the identified issue. I then prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk levels and collaborate with the development team to implement effective fixes. After remediation, I perform retesting to ensure that vulnerabilities are effectively closed.

In a previous role, I encountered a critical vulnerability that could lead to data exposure. I immediately collaborated with my team to perform a root cause analysis and identified the flaw within the code. By guiding the team toward implementing a secure coding practice and conducting thorough testing, we successfully mitigated the risk and improved our security framework.

To stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, I regularly read industry blogs, participate in webinars, and attend conferences. Engaging with professional networks and forums also helps me exchange knowledge and insights with other security professionals, allowing me to adapt to the ever-evolving security landscape.

I am proficient in programming languages such as C#, Angular, and Python. These languages are beneficial in security engineering as they allow me to understand application behaviors deeply and create scripts for automated security testing. This proficiency enables me to identify vulnerabilities effectively and contribute to the development of secure systems.

When communicating security issues to non-technical stakeholders, I prioritize clarity and simplicity. I avoid jargon and focus on explaining the impact of the vulnerability in business terms. Using visuals and analogies can also help convey the significance of these issues, ensuring stakeholders understand the risks and the importance of mitigation strategies.

Automation plays a vital role in my security practice, particularly in application security testing. By employing automated tools for SAST, DAST, and SCA, I can efficiently conduct repetitive security assessments. This allows me to focus on critical issues that require manual intervention while enhancing the overall accuracy and speed of security processes.

When evaluating new security tools, I consider several factors such as the tool’s capabilities, compatibility with our existing systems, user-friendliness, and support from the vendor. Conducting proof-of-concept tests helps determine the tool’s effectiveness in addressing our specific security challenges and fits within our overall security strategy.

Best practices for secure coding include conducting regular code reviews, implementing input validation, avoiding hard-coded secrets, and applying the principle of least privilege. Ensuring comprehensive testing and keeping security documentation updated can significantly enhance code security, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster a security-conscious development culture.