Cloud Security Operations Engineer

Job Description:

The Cloud Security Operations Center (CSOC) is responsible for maintaining the security posture of cloud-based environments and responding to security incidents. Below are the key roles and responsibilities of a CSOC:

Threat Monitoring and Detection

• Monitor Cloud Environments:

• Continuously monitor cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for potential security threats.

• Identify Anomalies:

• Detect unusual activity using tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, cloud-native monitoring tools, and AI/ML-based analytics.

• Track Security Metrics:

• Maintain metrics like incident frequency, time-to-detection, and compliance adherence.

Incident Response

• Respond to Security Incidents:

• Investigate, analyze, and respond to incidents like unauthorized access, data breaches, and DDoS attacks.

• Root Cause Analysis:

• Perform post-incident reviews to identify vulnerabilities and implement preventative measures.

• Automated Responses:

• Leverage automation (e.g., playbooks, SOAR tools) to speed up incident containment and remediation.

Vulnerability Management

• Cloud-Specific Vulnerabilities:

• Regularly assess vulnerabilities in cloud assets, including virtual machines, containers, APIs, and serverless functions.

• Patching and Updates:

• Ensure timely application of patches and updates to mitigate risks.

• Configuration Management:

• Use tools to detect misconfigurations in cloud services like S3 bucket permissions, IAM policies, or firewall rules.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure Regulatory Compliance:

• Maintain adherence to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and cloud-specific frameworks like CSA STAR.

• Audit Readiness:

• Prepare for regular security audits and provide necessary documentation and evidence.

• Policy Enforcement:

• Implement and enforce security policies across all cloud environments.

Proactive Threat Hunting

• Identify Emerging Threats:

• Perform threat intelligence gathering to stay ahead of new attack vectors targeting cloud environments.

• Advanced Analysis:

• Use proactive techniques to discover advanced persistent threats (APTs) and insider threats.

Cloud Access and Identity Management

• Monitor Privileged Access:

• Oversee and restrict access to sensitive resources in cloud environments.

• IAM Best Practices:

• Enforce strong IAM practices like least privilege, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC).

• Key and Secret Management:

• Securely manage encryption keys, API keys, and other credentials.

Data Protection

• Encrypt Data:

• Ensure encryption of data at rest and in transit in compliance with policies.

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

• Use tools to monitor and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.

• Backups:

• Regularly verify that backup procedures are secure and effective.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with Teams:

• Work with IT, DevOps, and business units to align security strategies with organizational goals.

• User Training:

• Provide training to employees on best practices for cloud security.

• Incident Reporting:

• Maintain clear communication channels for reporting and resolving incidents.

Tool Management and Optimization

• Cloud-Native Security Tools:

• Manage and configure tools like AWS GuardDuty, Azure Security Center, and Google Cloud Security Command Center.

• Third-Party Tools:

• Integrate and optimize third-party security tools for enhanced visibility and threat detection.

• Automation:

• Leverage automation to streamline processes like log analysis and threat mitigation.

Continuous Improvement

• Security Posture Reviews:

• Regularly assess the security architecture and identify areas for improvement.

• Stay Updated:

• Keep up with the latest cloud security trends, technologies, and threats.

• Simulated Attacks:

• Conduct penetration testing and red team/blue team exercises to evaluate and strengthen defenses.

Job Qualifications:

ducational Qualifications:

1. Degree:

2. Cybersecurity

3. Information Technology
4. Computer Science

5. Other related technical fields.

6. Bachelor's Degree in:

7. Equivalent experience may suffice in lieu of formal education.

8. Certifications:

9. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

10. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
11. Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
12. Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
13. CompTIA Security+
14. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
15. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
16. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
17. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

18. GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)

19. Cloud Security:

20. General Security:
21. SOC-Specific:

Technical Skills:

Cloud Security Knowledge:

• Expertise in cloud security tools and practices (AWS IAM, Azure Security Center, Google Cloud Security Command Center).
• Understanding of cloud compliance frameworks (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, NIST, HIPAA).

Monitoring and Threat Detection:

• Splunk, QRadar, Elastic SIEM, or Azure Sentinel.

• Proficiency with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools:

• Experience with threat detection systems, IDS/IPS (e.g., Snort, Suricata).

Incident Response:

• Knowledge of incident response processes and workflows.
• Familiarity with playbook development and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response) tools.

Cloud Platforms:

• AWS: Security Hub, GuardDuty, CloudTrail
• Azure: Defender, Sentinel, Key Vault

• Google Cloud: Security Command Center, Chronicle

• Strong familiarity with at least one major cloud provider:

• Hands-on experience in managing and securing multi-cloud or hybrid environments.

Vulnerability Management:

• Ability to assess vulnerabilities and implement fixes.
• Knowledge of tools like Nessus, Qualys, or Rapid7.

Automation and Scripting:

• Python, PowerShell, or Bash.

• Proficiency in scripting languages for automating tasks:

• Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation).

Networking and Firewalls:

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, and VPN technologies.
• Experience with cloud-native firewalls and network security tools.

Endpoint Security:

• Managing endpoint security tools (e.g., CrowdStrike, Carbon Black).
• Knowledge of EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions

Soft Skills:

1. Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze logs and patterns to detect potential security breaches.
2. Communication: Skills to articulate findings to stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
3. Problem-Solving: Quick response to security incidents with effective solutions.
4. Attention to Detail: Essential for identifying subtle security threats.
5. Teamwork: Ability to work with other security professionals and operational teams

Experience:

• Entry-level: Some positions may accept candidates with 1-2 years of experience if they hold relevant certifications and demonstrate strong technical aptitude.

Job-Specific Expectations:

• Monitoring cloud environments for security events and anomalies.
• Investigating and responding to cloud security incidents.
• Implementing cloud-native security tools and practices.
• Collaborating with DevOps and IT teams to improve security posture.
• Ensuring compliance with security and privacy regulations.

Additional Skills (Bonus):

• Familiarity with zero-trust architecture principles.
• Hands-on experience with DevSecOps pipelines.
• Knowledge of advanced persistent threats (APTs) and threat hunting.
• Familiarity with encryption and cryptography in cloud environments.
• Know how to drive manual cars
• Works 24/7 including holidays and weekend
• On call as needed
• Willing to extend working hours

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