Forensic Consultant

SUMMARY

The Forensic Consultant (Contract) leads the forensic analysis of projects assigned to the respective Tiger Team on a fixed-term basis, collaborating with the Tiger Team and forensic leads to perform triage-level analysis of the data collected (e.g., operating system files, images, SentinelOne, logs, etc.) and conduct deep-dive advanced forensic analysis.

The role works closely with the Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) team to support clients during incidents, providing critical insights to help identify the extent of a breach and aid in the restoration of business operations. It focuses on identifying threat actor behavior activity while utilizing a tailored, detailed analysis approach to determine unauthorized access and how the cyber intrusion occurred.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the Forensics analysis to support the Forensic lead on engagements for Ransomware/compromise investigations
• Works with the tiger team analysts to perform Forensic analysis of artifacts, including (but not limited to) the analysis of operating system artifacts and the recovery of deleted items from multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac, and RAM/memory forensics
• Analyzes network and operating system log files, including Windows Event logs, Unified Audit Logs, Firewall logs, VPN logs, etc.
• Works with the Security Operations Center (SOC) to leverage data from alerts provided by existing and deployed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions to identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) or Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for variants related to the case
• Internally prepares Forensics findings and updates in a clear, concise manner through a narrative story outlining the timeline of events - modifies delivery in line with the call’s audience and technical capabilities
• Employs the usage of incident-mapping frameworks while developing the attack map, such as MITRE’s ATT&CK and Lockheed Martin’s Cyber Kill Chain to help contextualize IOCs
• Reviews and drafts written incident, investigative updates, reports, and appendices at the explicit direction of counsel and partners based on the findings using the standard report templates. Performs Peer reviews of reports written by team members
• Delivers on the Forensic Investigations plan & works with the lead to manage the timeline, delivery, and execution of the forensic analysis across projects within the contract period
• Contributes effectively in a fixed-term contractual role with a focus on timely project delivery and knowledge transfer as needed
• May perform other duties as assigned by management

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of:
  • Windows disk, Unix or Linux disk, and memory forensics
  • Network Security Monitoring (NSM), network traffic analysis, and log analysis
• Experience and understanding of enterprise security controls
• Experienced with EnCase, Axiom, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Splunk, Redline, Volatility, WireShark, TCPDump, and open-source forensic tools
• Experience delivering technical findings to a non-technical audience, preferred
• Experience leading teams of analysts, preferred
• Provide findings in a confident, factual manner, preferred
• Knowledge and experience in handling PII, PHI, sensitive, confidential, and proprietary datasets, preferred
• Experience with Cyber insurance investigations, preferred
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently and proceed with objectives with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to identify and resolve compliance-related issues effectively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products
• Ability to quickly adapt and contribute in a fixed-term contractual role with minimal ramp-up time

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security or related field and 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience
• Possess two or more of the following certifications (preferred):
  • Security +, Network+, SANS GCED, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, CEH, CHFI, EnCe

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: Usual office working conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a fixed-term contractual role and does not carry the benefits associated with permanent employment. The contract may be extended based on business needs and performance.

DECLARATION

The Arete Incident Response Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description as needed.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees’ differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.

Arete Incident Response is an outstanding (and growing) company with a very dedicated, fun team. We offer competitive salaries, fully paid benefits including Medical/Dental, Life/Disability Insurance, 401(k) and the opportunity to work with some of the latest and greatest in the fast-growing cyber security industry.

When you join Arete…

You’ll be doing work that matters alongside other talented people, transforming the way people, businesses, and things connect with each other. Of course, we will offer you great pay and benefits, but we’re about more than that. Arete is a place where you can craft your own path to greatness. Whether you think in code, words, pictures or numbers, find your future at Arete, where experience matters.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees’ differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.