Cybersecurity Specialist (RBNZ)

As a Cybersecurity Specialist at DEFEND, you’ll play a pivotal role in identifying, investigating, and resolving cybersecurity threats across diverse environments. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams during major incidents, participate in an on-call roster, and deliver exceptional customer service in a fast-paced setting.

As a subject matter expert for key cybersecurity technologies, you’ll lead the design, integration, and continuous improvement of security systems and processes. You'll also drive automation initiatives—such as XSOAR playbooks, endpoint workflows, or vulnerability prioritisation—while assessing risks, maintaining the risk register, and communicating effectively with stakeholders and customers.

• Cutting-Edge Impact - Lead the charge in integrating cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and automating critical security processes to safeguard systems against evolving threats.
• Professional Growth & Mentorship - Develop investigation techniques and cybersecurity practices, while also nurturing the growth of junior team members.
• Location - Our role is Wellington based, on-site 4 out of 5 days per week.

In this role you will:

• Be the Subject Matter Expert for a Cybersecurity technology and own the associated designs, technical integration and processes. Lead service improvement and roadmaps. 

• Identify and lead automation opportunities (e.g. around XSOAR, endpoint protection workflows or vulnerability prioritisation). 

• Respond to cyber security alerts, triage and manage any incidents through to resolution.  

• Work alongside a cross-functional response team for major incidents. 

• Possess a passion for providing outstanding customer service in a dynamic and fast-moving environment.

• Be part of an on-call roster (approximately 1 in 3 weeks).  

• Assess threats, vulnerabilities and understand and document risks, maintain risk register. 

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and customers regarding security threats, mitigations, and responses  

• Act as an authority in analysis approaches and techniques used in EDR, Ransomware Prevention & Threat Detection and Response. Capture investigation steps in Runbooks.
• Maintain a good understanding of cyber security technology frameworks, integration strategies, and procedural protocols.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments, meticulously documenting findings and managing a comprehensive risk register.
• Engage with stakeholders and clients, delivering insightful analyses of security threats, strategic mitigation approaches, and swift, effective response strategies.
• Present key findings and recommendations directly to senior stakeholders, shaping strategic decisions.
• Mentor and cultivate the growth of junior team members.

To excel in this role, you should possess a rich combination of experience, personal attributes, and bring a level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to your work that sets you apart from your peers. To achieve success, you will be expected to showcase the following qualifications and attributes:

• Demonstrable expertise in information security and platforms:  

• Required: 

• Windows or Linux platforms experience
• Experience designing and integrating cloud and IaaS based log sources to SIEM systems (or similar). 
• Experience with technical troubleshooting 
• Actively fosters and participates in the exchange of information, offers technical aid, provides guidance, and lends support to fellow members
• Candidate must be based in (or willing to move to) Wellington to be considered.
• Desirable: 
• Experience working with or managing security for cloud platforms including Azure and AWS  
• Incident investigation and Endpoint Detection and Response experience e.g. Crowdstrike and/or Defender 
• Network Security experience - Firewalls/IPS/VPN/Proxies/DDoS 
• Experience identifying, prioritising and assigning vulnerabilities for remediation 
• Experience automating workflows and reporting utilising tools or scripts 
• Any of the following certifications Security+, CYSA, CCFR, SC-200, MS-500 or AZ-500



If you're fuelled by a genuine passion for all things tech, and you thrive on making a real impact that matches our clients' needs, then this might just be your calling.

TO APPLY, please click on the link, upload your CV along with a cover letter.

Benefits

About DEFEND:

We're a business-centric cybersecurity organisation founded by a team of passionate cybersecurity experts whose mission is to - BUILD A CYBER RESILIENT WORLD. Over the last five years, we've experienced phenomenal growth, working with a wide variety of customers in New Zealand and across 66 countries and winning several industry awards, including Microsoft's 2022 New Zealand Partner of the year!

Each customer we work with is different. Our dedicated approach is to help organisations progress on their cyber resilience journey by delivering outstanding industry services with the highest level of professionalism and care.

We hold ourselves accountable by our core values. Our People First culture sets us apart, and we believe working with DEFEND will be a time in your life you will look back on and truly believe you made a real difference.

What’s great about working for DEFEND?

By joining our innovative and creative team you will have the opportunity to contribute a variety of cybersecurity outcomes, from culture & awareness of cyber resilience, through to offensive & defensive security, developing yourself in technology and digital delivery across multiple sectors.

Work life balance:

• With a national focus throughout New Zealand, our team is made up of skilled individuals at different stages in their careers, therefore we can offer flexibility in base location, as well as embracing remote working
• Flexible working arrangements are available to suit your lifestyle

Career / Professional Development:

We will build on your learning to solve our customers most complex business challenges in the digital age, whilst developing commercial and business skills, along with:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way
• Mentors: You’ll be joining a team of truly passionate and highly skilled individuals who are at the top of their game and who enjoy imparting their knowledge and experience to others
• Opportunity: Progress into other exciting roles across DEFEND

Diversity & Inclusion:

We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be recognised as an employer of choice for all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, generation, flexible work status, family circumstances, sexual orientation, or disability. Each addition to our team is an opportunity to grow and diversify our ideas, experiences, and viewpoints.

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