Senior Threat Hunter Researcher

Summary

Join Palo Alto Networks as a senior Threat Hunter and play a critical role in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats. Proactively search for threats across multiple datasets, lead and conduct threat hunting activities related to malware, threat actor groups, and campaign activity. This position demands a cross-disciplinary approach, encompassing cybersecurity, incident response, threat intelligence, and hands-on technical skills. You will proactively search for malicious activity within an organization's network, using advanced tools and methodologies to identify anomalies and potential threats. Actively engage in research and experimentation to develop new hunting techniques and stay ahead of evolving threats. Effective communication is crucial, requiring close collaboration with various teams to share findings and coordinate response efforts. Help multinational organizations stay ahead of adversaries and cyber threats, collaborate with customers, improve Palo Alto Networks' solutions, and influence the industry by sharing knowledge.

Requirements

• Have or be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC)
• Understanding the threat landscape, including attack tools, tactics, and techniques, as well as networking and security fundamentals
• Experience investigating targeted, sophisticated, or hidden threats in both endpoints and networks
• 4+ years of relevant experience with a proven track record in cybersecurity research, specializing in either APTs or cybercrime, but with the ability to address the broader threat landscape
• Background in forensic analysis and incident response tools (both Dynamic and Static, such as IDA Pro, Ollydbg, and Wireshark) to identify threats and assess the extent and scope of compromises
• Understanding of APT operations, including attack vectors, propagation, data exfiltration, lateral movement, persistence mechanisms, and more
• Familiarity with organizational cybersecurity measures, including protective tools and remediation techniques
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of advanced threat hunting methodologies and the ability to develop novel techniques
• Ability to simplify and clarify complex ideas
• Self-starter who can work independently and adapt to changing priorities

Responsibilities

• Proactively search for signs of malicious activity within an organization's network
• Use advanced tools and methodologies to identify anomalies and potential threats that may go undetected by traditional security solutions
• Actively engage in research and experimentation to develop new hunting techniques and stay ahead of evolving threats
• Work closely with other teams, such as Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, Customers, and cybersecurity leadership, to share findings and coordinate response efforts
• Help multinational organizations stay one step ahead of adversaries and cyber threats
• Collaborate and guide our customers on the best ways to enhance their protection and readiness for future events
• Improve Palo Alto Networks' solutions by identifying and analyzing new threats and tactics
• Influence the industry by sharing knowledge and findings
• Collaborate with multiple research and development groups
• Contribute to making the world a safer and better place

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an Incident Response environment
• Proficiency in Python and SQL
• Familiarity with reverse engineering
• Experience in writing technical blog posts and analysis reports
• Ability to analyze and understand the infrastructure of malicious campaigns