Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Threat Detection Specialist

💰 $85,000 - $130,000

CybersecurityThreat IntelligenceRisk ManagementSecurity Operations

🎯 Role Definition

The Threat Detection Specialist is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats across an organization's digital infrastructure. This role involves identifying vulnerabilities, investigating incidents, implementing mitigation strategies, and collaborating with security and IT teams to protect organizational assets and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Security Analyst
  • SOC Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Threat Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Manager
  • Director of Security Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Incident Response Specialist
  • Threat Intelligence Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Monitor networks, systems, and applications for security threats, anomalies, and potential breaches.
  • Analyze alerts from SIEM, IDS/IPS, firewalls, and endpoint detection tools to identify threats.
  • Conduct forensic analysis and incident investigations to determine the scope, origin, and impact of security events.
  • Develop and implement threat detection rules, signatures, and behavioral analytics to enhance monitoring capabilities.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies to reduce security risks.
  • Collaborate with IT and security teams to remediate threats and improve system defenses.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging threats, attack vectors, and cybersecurity trends.
  • Produce reports and dashboards summarizing security incidents, findings, and recommendations.
  • Participate in threat hunting exercises to proactively detect advanced persistent threats (APTs).
  • Evaluate and implement security tools and technologies to strengthen threat detection capabilities.
  • Assist in the creation and maintenance of incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures.
  • Conduct risk assessments to identify potential impacts of emerging threats.
  • Coordinate with external partners, vendors, and threat intelligence sources to stay ahead of threats.
  • Support vulnerability management programs by analyzing scans and recommending fixes.
  • Track metrics related to threat detection effectiveness and security posture improvements.
  • Provide guidance and support to junior security analysts and SOC team members.
  • Participate in security audits, compliance assessments, and regulatory reporting as required.
  • Investigate phishing attempts, malware infections, and other malicious activity across the organization.
  • Collaborate with business units to ensure security policies are enforced and awareness is maintained.
  • Respond to escalated incidents, including active threats, breaches, and security alerts.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc cybersecurity data analysis and reporting for leadership.
  • Contribute to the organization's cybersecurity strategy and threat intelligence roadmap.
  • Collaborate with IT teams to translate threat intelligence into actionable security controls.
  • Participate in planning and coordination meetings for security initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar, ArcSight).
  • Strong knowledge of intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and endpoint security tools.
  • Expertise in threat intelligence analysis and threat hunting methodologies.
  • Familiarity with malware analysis, digital forensics, and incident response procedures.
  • Understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and cloud security architectures.
  • Experience with vulnerability management and risk assessment tools.
  • Knowledge of scripting or programming for automation and analysis (Python, PowerShell, etc.).
  • Competence in security monitoring, logging, and alert triage.
  • Understanding of compliance frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, or CIS controls.
  • Ability to design and implement detection rules, dashboards, and reporting systems.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in investigations.
  • Ability to work under pressure in high-stakes situations.
  • Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Collaboration and teamwork across technical and business units.
  • Time management and organizational skills for handling multiple incidents.
  • Initiative and proactiveness in identifying and mitigating risks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Network Security

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3–6 years in cybersecurity, threat detection, or security operations roles.

Preferred:
Experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC), threat intelligence analysis, or incident response within enterprise environments.

Explore More Careers