Job Description
Apex Defense Systems is a premier technology firm protecting the nation's critical infrastructure. We are currently seeking a highly motivated Junior Cybersecurity Analyst to join our elite Los Angeles team. This is a unique opportunity for recent graduates or career changers to launch a career in one of the most dynamic sectors of the tech industry.
In this role, you will be immersed in real-world security operations, working alongside senior engineers to defend against sophisticated cyber threats. We prioritize continuous learning and provide extensive training on the latest security frameworks and tools.
What You Will Do:
- Monitor and analyze security alerts using SIEM platforms to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time.
- Assist in conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing support for internal and external networks.
- Support the implementation and maintenance of security controls, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNs.
- Contribute to the documentation of security policies, incident reports, and compliance procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust security posture across the organization.
- Participate in red team/blue team exercises and security awareness training programs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Fundamental knowledge of networking concepts (TCP/IP, OSI Model, DNS, HTTP).
- CompTIA Security+, Network+, or similar entry-level certification is preferred but not required.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting findings to stakeholders.
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.
Responsibilities
- Monitor security alerts and events using SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar) to identify potential intrusions.
- Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing support under supervision.
- Assist in the implementation and maintenance of security policies and compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001).
- Conduct basic network analysis to ensure traffic integrity and detect anomalies.
- Document security incidents and create detailed technical reports for stakeholders.
- Support the incident response team during active security events.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
- Familiarity with networking concepts including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, and firewalls.
- Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, or CEH are a plus.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance (if applicable).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.