Junior Security Specialist- Incident Response
The Junior Security Specialist supports the Information Security team by assisting with incident response coordination, vulnerability scanning, and system monitoring to enhance the organization's security posture. This hybrid role involves collaborating with senior staff on security projects, monitoring security tools, and participating in awareness and training activities, providing a growth opportunity for candidates with foundational cybersecurity knowledge.
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, Insurance.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Junior Security Specialist focused on Incident Response to join their Information Security team in Henrico, VA. This is an entry-level, growth-oriented cybersecurity role supporting incident response coordination, vulnerability scanning, monitoring, and general security operations. Hybrid schedule (in-office 2 days / remote 3 days) after training and probation. No relocation offered.
What You’ll Do
- Support incident response efforts by gathering data, assisting with ticket triage, and escalating to senior staff as needed.
- Assist with system event triage, non-conformance tracking, and other response actions.
- Perform internal and external vulnerability scans and document findings.
- Coordinate remediation activities with system owners and IT staff.
- Monitor security tools and alerts (SIEM/EDR/MDR), escalating issues when appropriate.
- Participate in security awareness programs, including phishing simulations and training coordination.
- Maintain documentation for security policies, procedures, and standards.
- Collaborate with IT, compliance, and risk teams to support regulatory requirements.
- Stay current with cybersecurity trends and threat activity through training and research.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with account access reviews and basic IAM tasks.
- Support endpoint protection efforts and update security software.
- Participate in tabletop exercises and team training sessions.
- Help document unremediated vulnerabilities in the risk registry under guidance.
- Perform other information security duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in IT or cybersecurity-related roles.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Entry-level certification preferred (e.g., CompTIA Security+, GIAC GSEC, Microsoft SC-900).
- Basic understanding of network devices, operating systems, and security principles.
- Strong desire to learn and grow in the cybersecurity field.
Required Skills
- Familiarity with penetration-testing tools/methodologies and Incident Response lifecycle.
- Experience or familiarity with vulnerability scanning tools and basic remediation processes.
- Understanding of network and endpoint security fundamentals.
- Strong documentation, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to SIEM, EDR, IAM, or MDR platforms.
- Familiarity with NIST, CIS, or ISO security frameworks.
- Experience with cloud environments and mobile device management.
- Hands-on troubleshooting and system monitoring experience.
Compensation & Work Model
- Compensation range: $74,000 - $79,000 annually.
- Location: Henrico, VA — based out of the West Creek office (hybrid after training; in-office ~2 days/week).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- No relocation assistance offered.
Benefits
Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage (available from day one), paid training and continuing education reimbursement, employer 401(k) contribution, generous paid time off (PTO), and ongoing job development support.
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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