Entry Level Security Analyst
The Entry Level Security Analyst will enhance the organization's security posture by monitoring threats, conducting threat hunting, analyzing logs, and assisting in incident response. This role involves hands-on use of security tools, documentation, vulnerability management, and security automation, with mandatory onsite presence and weekend shifts. The position offers training and development opportunities in various cybersecurity domains including cloud security and digital forensics.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry Level Security Analyst to join their security team supporting critical state motor vehicle systems. This is an on-site, full-time role based in Columbia, SC. The client will provide training — we are looking for candidates with basic server or network administration experience who want to grow into a security analyst role.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor and analyze threat intelligence feeds and open-source intelligence (OSINT) to identify emerging threats.
- Conduct proactive threat-hunting using provided tools and playbooks; document methodologies and findings.
- Review and interpret logs from firewalls, endpoints, and servers to identify indicators of compromise (IOCs).
- Assist in initial triage and escalation of security incidents using standard frameworks (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK).
- Collaborate with senior analysts to refine and test detection rules (SIEM, Defender for Endpoint, etc.).
- Support vulnerability management: analyze reports, prioritize remediation, and follow NIST best practices.
- Create clear incident reports, after-action reviews, and process documentation; deliver recommendations to improve security posture.
- Help develop and deliver security awareness training and simulated exercises for staff.
- Use SCCM, Group Policy, and PowerShell for patching and endpoint management; automate routine tasks where possible.
- Configure and manage endpoint protection policies and respond to endpoint/network alerts.
- Assist with basic digital forensics activities and grow knowledge of cloud security as cloud adoption increases.
Required Qualifications
- 1+ years experience in server or network administration.
- 1+ year in an IT security–focused role (internship, entry-level analyst work, SOC Tier 1, etc.) is preferred.
- Familiarity with SIEM tools and endpoint security solutions.
- Experience using PowerShell, Group Policy (GPO), and endpoint management tools (e.g., SCCM).
- Solid understanding of basic computer, network, and security concepts.
- Minimum: High School Diploma (Bachelor’s in IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field preferred).
- Must be able to work on-site in Columbia, SC from day one and be available for Saturday and Sunday evening shifts as part of the regular schedule.
- Candidate must be willing to sign an NDA if selected to interview.
- Only South Carolina residents will be considered for this position.
Preferred / Helpful Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- GIAC Incident Handler (GCIH)
(These certifications are not required but will be prioritized.)
Logistics, Duration & Compensation
- Location: Columbia, SC (on-site from day one).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Duration: Contract (12+ months) — client may provide details during interview.
- Shift requirements: Evening coverage including Saturday and Sunday evenings is mandatory after training.
- Estimated pay (published): $77,698 per year (estimated).
Why This Role?
- Hands-on training provided by the client to build security analyst skills.
- Work on mission-critical systems that protect citizen data and the integrity of motor vehicle licensing and titling systems.
- Opportunity to collaborate with experienced security analysts and grow into detection engineering, incident response, and cloud security roles.
How We Evaluate Candidates
- Focus is on demonstrated technical aptitude, problem solving, and willingness to learn.
- Practical experience with logs, basic scripting (PowerShell), endpoint tools, and network fundamentals will help you stand out.
- Interviews: 1–2 rounds (virtual or onsite). Onsite availability required for selected candidates.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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