Principal Threat Researcher

As a Principal Threat Researcher at Zscaler, you'll be responsible for researching and developing methodologies for identifying and mitigating threats across various data sources. You'll conduct in-depth entity-based risk analysis to assess risks associated with users and applications and provide actionable recommendations to improve security policies and controls.

To qualify for the Principal Threat Researcher role at Zscaler, you should have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant experience in security research or threat analysis. A master's degree is a plus, along with strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles and experience with various security tools.

Zscaler is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. We believe diversity drives innovation and are dedicated to creating a representative team where everyone belongs. We actively engage in initiatives that promote equality and support our employees’ diverse needs.

In the role of Principal Threat Researcher at Zscaler, you’ll utilize a range of security tools and technologies, including SIEMs, XDR, SASE, and IAM systems. Your expertise in these areas will be crucial for analyzing logs and identifying threat patterns effectively using AI and machine learning.

The work culture at Zscaler is fast-paced and collaborative, emphasizing innovation and teamwork. As a Principal Threat Researcher, you will work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry, contributing to a positive environment where your ideas and insights are valued in making the cloud secure.

In your response, highlight methodologies that you have used in previous roles, particularly in threat detection and risk assessment. Explain how you adapt these methodologies to various contexts, ensuring they are effective and thorough enough to mitigate potential risks.

Discuss a particular instance where you took charge of a risk analysis project. Share your process, the tools you used, and the outcomes of your analysis, emphasizing your ability to draw actionable insights from complex data.

Explain the criteria you use to triage alerts, such as severity level, potential impact, and historical context. Share your experience in implementing procedures to prioritize alerts effectively and how this has impacted overall security response times.

List the security tools and technologies you've worked with, like SIEMs and XDR, and provide examples of how you have used them in your threat research. Show your adaptability to new technologies and express your willingness to learn.

Share a specific example of a complex security threat you've encountered. Walk through your approach to researching it, how you identified key risk factors, and the strategies you implemented to address the threats effectively.

Discuss various methods you use to keep your skills and knowledge current, such as attending conferences, reading industry publications, or participating in online forums. Emphasize your proactive approach to learning new trends and techniques.

Highlight how collaboration with other team members, departments, or external entities contributes to effective security research. Share an example where teamwork led to successfully addressing a significant security issue.

Explain your approach to translating complex technical information into easily understandable language. Discuss the importance of clear communication in ensuring all stakeholders understand risks and potential impacts.

Offer thoughtful suggestions based on your review of Zscaler's current methodologies. Highlight how your experience and innovative thinking can contribute to refining their threat research efforts for better outcomes.

Share your motivations for applying to Zscaler, focusing on the company's mission, work culture, and your passion for contributing to cloud security. Make a strong connection between your personal values and Zscaler’s commitment to innovation and safety.