Responsibilities:
- Assist customer with coordinating preliminary incident response investigations
- Assist customer interface with external customers
- Determine appropriate course of action in response to identified and analyses anomalous network activity
- Assesses network topology and device configurations identifying critical security concerns and providing security best practice recommendations
- Collect network intrusion artifacts (e.g., PCAP, domains, URI’s, certificates, etc.) and uses discovered data to enable mitigation of potential Computer Network Defense incidents
- Analyze identified malicious network activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information
- Collect network device integrity data and analyze for signs of tampering or compromise
- Assist customer with real-time CND incident handling (i.e., forensic collections, intrusion correlation and tracking, threat analysis, and advising on system remediation) tasks to support onsite engagements
Required Skills:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
- Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
- 8+ years of directly relevant experience in network investigations
- In depth knowledge of CND policies, procedures and regulations
- In depth knowledge of TCP/IP protocols
- In depth knowledge of standard protocols – ICMP, HTTP/S, DNS, SSH, SMTP, SMB, NFS, etc.
- In depth knowledge and experience of Wifi networking
- In depth knowledge and experience of network topologies - DMZ’s, WAN’s, etc.
- Substantial knowledge of Splunk (or other SIEM’s)
- Understanding of MITRE Adversary Tactics, Techniques and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK)
- Knowledge of Computer Network Defense policies, procedures, and regulations
- Knowledge of defense-in-depth principles and general attack stages with respect to network security architecture
- Ability to characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources
- Ability to identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
- Experience with reconstructing a malicious attack or activity based on network traffic
- Experience examining network topologies to understand data flows through the network
- Must be able to work collaboratively across physical locations
Desired Skills:
- Substantial knowledge of network device integrity concepts and methodologies
- Experience with or knowledge of two or more of the following tools: WireShark, Splunk, Snort, Corelight, Suricata, Arkime
- Experience with EDR Tools (Crowdstrike, Carbon Black, Etc)
- Proficiency with virtualized environments
- Proficiency with conducting all-source research.
- Proficiency with carving and extracting information from PCAP data
- Proficiency with non-traditional network traffic (e.g. Command and Control)
- Familiarity with ICS/SCADA protocols
- Familiarity with Python or other scripting languages
Required Education:
BS Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or related degree; or HS Diploma and 10+ years of network investigation experience
Desired Certifications:
GCFA, GCFE, EnCE, CCE, CFCE, CISSP, IASAE II, GCIA, GCIH, CSSP Analyst, CSSP Incident Responder, CEH, SANS GIAC GNFA preferred
Freqently Asked Questions
Unlike entry-level systems analyst roles, the Host Based Systems Analyst IV demands over eight years of specialized experience in network investigations and advanced knowledge of TCP/IP protocols. This senior position requires handling complex network defense incidents and collaborating across multiple locations, reflecting a higher responsibility level in Reston's cybersecurity landscape.
Mastery of TCP/IP protocols, familiarity with standard network protocols like HTTP/S and DNS, and hands-on experience with SIEM tools such as Splunk are critical. Additionally, a deep understanding of MITRE ATT&CK tactics and the ability to analyze anomalous network traffic are essential for effective threat mitigation.
In Reston’s robust cybersecurity sector, professionals at this level often advance into roles such as cybersecurity architects, incident response managers, or senior threat analysts. The region's proximity to federal agencies offers unique opportunities for specialization in defense network operations and classified environments.
Base-One Inc actively seeks candidates with active TS/SCI clearance and DHS suitability due to the sensitive nature of projects. Their hiring emphasizes collaborative skills alongside technical expertise, reflecting a trend towards multidisciplinary teams in Reston’s defense contracting market.
At Base-One Inc, the role involves direct coordination of incident response investigations and real-time forensic collections, emphasizing hands-on network defense. This contrasts with more advisory roles found elsewhere, highlighting Base-One's operational focus within secure government environments.
Host Based Systems Analyst IV roles in Reston typically offer salaries ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 annually, slightly above the national average. This premium reflects the high security clearance requirements and the specialized skills demanded by the region’s defense-oriented employers.
Reston’s collaborative work environment, influenced by its proximity to federal agencies and tech firms, encourages cross-disciplinary teamwork and continuous learning. This culture enhances the analyst’s ability to respond swiftly to network threats and engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
Certifications like CISSP, GCIA, and GCIH are highly regarded within Reston’s cybersecurity community. Given the government contracting nature of many firms, credentials demonstrating expertise in incident response and network defense, such as GCFA or CEH, also provide a competitive edge.
Remote analysts must navigate stringent security protocols and maintain secure communication channels to handle sensitive data. Coordinating real-time incident response across distributed teams requires high adaptability and proficiency in virtual collaboration tools, especially given the classified nature of many projects.
Base-One Inc invests in its analysts by offering access to advanced training programs, certification sponsorships, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge cybersecurity tools. This commitment helps maintain their workforce’s expertise and aligns with evolving threat landscapes, particularly in high-security environments.
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