Sr. Staff, Security Research (Risk Management)

As a Sr. Staff, Security Researcher at Zscaler, your primary responsibilities include conducting risk assessments of third-party vendors, managing vendor compliance documentation, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like procurement and IT. You'll also monitor vendor security, support incident response activities, and continuously improve our Third-Party Risk Management program.

To apply for the Sr. Staff, Security Researcher role at Zscaler, you should possess a minimum of 7+ years of experience in cybersecurity, particularly in risk management and vendor assessments. A broad understanding of security best practices, regulatory compliance standards like NIST and GDPR, and excellent interpersonal skills are also essential.

The hybrid work environment at Zscaler allows Sr. Staff, Security Researchers to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This setup fosters a supportive culture where you can engage with your team regularly while also enjoying the autonomy to work from home, optimizing both productivity and work-life balance.

In the role of Sr. Staff, Security Researcher at Zscaler, you will work with cutting-edge tools and technologies, including AI/ML for security assessments, governance and compliance software, and various information security frameworks. Familiarity with cloud security and incident response tools will enhance your effectiveness in this position.

At Zscaler, there are ample opportunities for career growth for Sr. Staff, Security Researchers. With ongoing training and mentorship from industry leaders, you can advance your expertise in cloud security, risk management, or pursue leadership roles within our innovative engineering team.

When conducting risk assessments, I begin with a comprehensive analysis of the third-party vendor's security posture, reviewing their compliance with standards like NIST and ISO 27001. I ensure that all documentation is reviewed meticulously and collaborate with stakeholders to gather insights that might impact the assessment.

My experience with vendor risk management includes developing comprehensive assessment frameworks, evaluating vendors' cybersecurity protocols, and implementing continuous monitoring strategies to identify potential security risks in real-time, ensuring they align with company policies and regulatory requirements.

I stay updated on cybersecurity regulations and best practices by regularly attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, and following reputable cybersecurity publications. Additionally, I’m actively engaged in cybersecurity communities, which helps me exchange insights with other professionals in the field.

Recently, I managed an incident response situation where a third-party vendor experienced a data breach. I coordinated with internal teams to assess the impact, collaborated with the vendor to implement immediate remedial action, and developed a comprehensive report detailing the incident's root cause and mitigation strategies for future prevention.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Third-Party Risk Management program, I would analyze key performance indicators such as completion rates of vendor assessments, incident response times, and compliance with security standards. Periodic reviews and audits also help identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

I use several methodologies for threat modeling, notably STRIDE and DREAD frameworks. These help identify potential threats based on the classification of assets and vulnerabilities, assessing the likelihood and impact of possible security events, thereby enabling focused risk mitigation strategies.

When dealing with multiple vendors, I prioritize risks by conducting a risk-based analysis, categorizing vendors based on their industry, data sensitivity, and past security incidents. This informs resource allocation and ensures that we focus on mitigating the most critical risks first.

Communication skills are vital in my role as they facilitate collaboration across various stakeholders. Clear communication helps convey risks effectively, aligns teams on security priorities, and fosters a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

I measure the success of a risk management initiative by evaluating metrics such as the reduction in security incidents, completion rates of risk assessments, and feedback from stakeholders. Additionally, consistent improvement in vendor compliance levels indicates a successful initiative.

Soft skills are crucial for a Sr. Staff, Security Researcher as they enhance teamwork and communication, drive collaborative risk assessments, and foster relationships with cross-functional teams. Strong interpersonal skills aid in persuading stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity investments, contributing to the overall security culture.