Security Operations Specialist

Position: Security Operations Specialist (Entry‑Level, Hands‑On) Responsibilities Monitoring and triaging security alerts across SIEM, EDR, email security, cloud, and identity platforms. Performing initial analysis and investigation of security events, escalating incidents as appropriate. Assisting with incident response activities, including evidence collection, timeline development, and documentation. Supporting threat hunting efforts by executing queries, validating hypotheses, and documenting findings. Contributing to detection engineering by testing, tuning, and helping maintain detection rules and alerts. Assisting red team and purple team activities through log review, detection validation, and exercise support. Supporting threat intelligence workflows, including indicator research, enrichment, and operationalization. Participating in DLP and insider threat monitoring, helping identify potential data misuse or policy violations. Documenting procedures, playbooks, and lessons learned to improve operational consistency. Collaborating with engineering and operations teams to improve alert quality, visibility, and response outcomes. Participating in on‑call or shift‑based SOC coverage as part of a team‑based rotation. Qualifications 1‑2 years of experience in system administration, IT, helpdesk or similar roles. Strong interest in cybersecurity operations and a desire to learn across multiple security domains. Foundational understanding of security concepts, such as networking, operating systems, authentication, and common attack techniques. Familiarity with at least some security tooling or data sources (e.g., logs, alerts, endpoint telemetry) gained through coursework, labs, internships, or self‑study. Analytical thinking skills and the ability to follow structured investigative processes. Curiosity and persistence when researching unfamiliar behaviors or technologies. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation of findings. Ability to work effectively in a team‑based, fast‑paced operational environment. Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or a related field—or equivalent practical experience. You’ll Really Stand Out With Hands‑on experience from internships, labs, home projects, capture‑the‑flag exercises, or security competitions. Exposure to scripting or query languages (e.g., basic Python, PowerShell, KQL, SQL, or similar). Familiarity with attacker techniques or frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK. Demonstrated interest in threat hunting, detection engineering, or red teaming through self‑directed learning. Strong documentation habits, including writing clear investigation notes or technical summaries. A growth mindset and eagerness to rotate across different security functions before specializing. Relevant entry‑level certifications (e.g., Security+, Blue Team Level 1, or similar)—though not required. Benefits and Perks Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages. Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days, and annual community service days. Flexible, hybrid work environment with a four‑day in‑office model. Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services. 2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire. Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Health Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation. Employee referral bonus program. Volunteer opportunities and charitable giving company match. Complimentary lunch, snacks and coffee in any Cboe office. Paid tuition assistance and education opportunities. Paid parental leave and fertility benefits. On‑site gyms and discounts to other fitness centers. Equal Employment Opportunity & Legal Notice We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any legally protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cedar Cares, Inc