Network Security Analyst Contract Columbia, SC

Network Security Analyst
Location: Columbia SC Fully Onsite

Interview Process: 1-2 rounds Virtual/Online

Duration: 12 Months
Employment Type: Contract
Experience Required: 06 Years

Project Scope:

Seeking a Junior Network Security Analyst to support the Office of Cybersecurity in protecting the confidentiality integrity and availability of critical agency systems and services. This role focuses on network security operations security monitoring compliance threat analysis and infrastructure protection across both on-premise and cloud environments.

The selected candidate will work closely with the Security Operations Center (SOC) team to monitor network activity investigate security events perform network security assessments support compliance initiatives and assist in implementing security controls aligned with federal and state regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Monitor and investigate network security alerts and incidents.

Perform network security assessments for firewall infrastructure and connectivity changes.

Analyze network traffic and identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

Support secure network architecture routing switching and firewall technologies.

Review firewall rule requests website access requests and connectivity changes for security compliance.

Conduct network auditing and security monitoring activities.

Assist with vulnerability assessments using tools such as Nessus and Qualys.

Support cloud and on-premises security initiatives and network enhancement projects.

Participate in firewall configuration reviews and ruleset recertification activities.

Develop and analyze security reports KPIs and trend metrics.

Monitor emerging cybersecurity threats and recommend mitigation strategies.

Collaborate with infrastructure operations and application teams to implement security controls.

Ensure compliance with HIPAA CMS ARC-AMPE NIST FISMA and SCDIS-200 requirements.

Provide cybersecurity guidance and recommendations to technical teams.

Support additional SOC operations and cybersecurity initiatives as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience:

35 years of hands-on experience in network design implementation or support.

Experience in IT security cybersecurity operations or system administration.

Strong understanding of: Secure Network Design Network Security Architecture Data Protection Technologies Access Control Models

Experience with: Routing and Switching Technologies Enterprise Firewalls IDS/IPS Platforms Network Security Monitoring Network Auditing

Ability to analyze logs alerts and network telemetry.

Knowledge of Windows Linux and macOS environments.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working in regulated environments.

Healthcare IT or State Government experience.

Knowledge of: NIST Cybersecurity Framework FISMA HIPAA CMS ARC-AMPE

Experience with SIEM platforms such as Splunk or QRadar.

Experience with vulnerability management tools including Nessus and Qualys.

Cloud security experience in Azure or AWS environments.

Education
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science Information Systems Cybersecurity or related field (or equivalent experience).

Required Certifications

• Network security certification such as:
  
• PCNSE
  
• CCNA
  

Preferred:

• CISSP
  
• Security