Cybersecurity Analyst

Objective: In this task, you will simulate a threat modeling and vulnerability assessment exercise on a virtual network environment. You are expected to identify potential security vulnerabilities, analyze threat vectors, and propose mitigation strategies informed by industry best practices.

Expected Deliverables: A comprehensive report document (in PDF or DOCX format) that includes a detailed threat model, a list of identified vulnerabilities, risk assessment metrics, and actionable recommendations for risk reduction. Include diagrams and charts where applicable.

Key Steps to Complete the Task:

1. Review virtual system documentation and setup provided in publicly available references. Establish the boundaries of the virtual network, applications, and data flows.
2. Conduct a threat modeling exercise to identify potential attack vectors using frameworks such as STRIDE or PASTA.
3. Perform a systematic vulnerability scan using open-source tools and manual analysis techniques. Document each step and the rationale behind your methodologies.
4. Analyze the risk associated with each identified vulnerability by considering the likelihood and potential impact.
5. Develop a set of prioritized recommendations that address each vulnerability with a clear mitigation strategy and timeline.
6. Compile your findings into a clear and well-structured report.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Clarity and thoroughness in threat identification and analysis.
• Depth of risk assessment and justification for prioritization.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed recommendations.
• Organization, presentation quality including diagrams and flowcharts, and proper use of cybersecurity frameworks.
• Overall report completeness and adherence to the task requirements.

This task is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours. Ensure all parts of the report are well-explained and supported with references where necessary.

Objective: In this task, you will simulate an incident response procedure in a controlled virtual environment. You will analyze a simulated security breach, determine the scope of the threat, and develop an appropriate response plan.

Expected Deliverables: A detailed incident response plan and a post-incident analysis report (submitted as a single file in PDF or DOCX format) that outlines your detection, containment, eradication, and recovery processes, along with recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Key Steps to Complete the Task:

1. Examine the provided virtual simulation scenario details (using publicly available guidelines as reference) to understand the breach context and impact.
2. Identify key indicators of compromise and analyze the source and method of the attack.
3. Develop a step-by-step incident response plan following the NIST, SANS, or other recognized frameworks.
4. Conduct a simulated response, documenting your actions for detecting the breach, isolating affected systems, and restoring system integrity.
5. Perform a thorough post-incident analysis that highlights gaps in the initial security setup and describes potential improvements.
6. Identify lessons learned and propose modifications to the current security framework that could prevent future incidents.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Detailed identification and analysis of the security breach.
• Comprehensiveness and clarity of the incident response plan.
• Effective use of recognized incident response frameworks.
• Quality of post-incident analysis and recommendations.
• Organization and presentation clarity of the final deliverable.

This task should require approximately 30 to 35 hours of dedicated work.

Objective: This task emphasizes the assessment and testing of cybersecurity controls through a virtual penetration testing simulation. You are expected to conduct controlled tests on simulated applications and network systems to evaluate existing security measures and identify areas for enhancement.

Expected Deliverables: A technical penetration testing report (submitted as a single file in PDF or DOCX format) that includes a testing methodology, step-by-step procedures, discovered vulnerabilities, exploitation attempts, and a risk assessment along with specific suggestions to bolster security controls.

Key Steps to Complete the Task:

1. Familiarize yourself with the virtual environment tools and basic penetration testing methodologies using publicly available information.
2. Plan and execute a series of controlled penetration tests on simulated systems, ensuring to cover network, application, and access control layers.
3. Document each vulnerability discovered, including how it was exploited and the potential impact if left unaddressed.
4. Use established testing frameworks (such as OWASP or PTES) to structure your analysis and ensure thorough coverage of security controls.
5. Provide a set of prioritized recommendations and remediation strategies for each identified vulnerability.
6. Ensure you capture screenshots, logs, or other artifacts as evidence of each testing phase, if applicable.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Accuracy and thoroughness in vulnerability identification.
• Quality and structure of the testing methodology and approach.
• Depth of risk assessment and clarity of recommendations.
• Documentation of each testing step and evidence supporting the findings.
• Overall clarity, organization, and professionalism in the final report.

This simulation task is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours to complete.

Objective: In the final task, you will perform a comprehensive security audit of a simulated enterprise environment. Your role is to assess the effectiveness of current security measures across systems, networks, and applications, and develop strategic recommendations to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Expected Deliverables: A final security audit report (submitted as a single file in PDF or DOCX format) which includes an executive summary, detailed audit findings, gap analysis, prioritized risk metrics, and a roadmap for implementing recommended improvements over short and long term.

Key Steps to Complete the Task:

1. Review and define the scope of the security audit using public guidance and standard frameworks such as CIS Benchmarks, NIST, or ISO/IEC 27001.
2. Conduct an inventory of virtual assets and document existing security controls, policies, and procedures employed within the simulated environment.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of these security measures by performing tests, risk assessments, and comparing current practices against industry best practices.
4. Perform a gap analysis to identify weaknesses and areas that require immediate attention.
5. Develop a prioritized action plan that includes both immediate remediation steps and a strategic roadmap for long-term security improvements.
6. Include evidence, such as screenshots, logs, or diagrams, to support your assessment and recommendations.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Comprehensiveness and depth of the security audit process.
• Clarity in identifying security gaps and risks.
• Practicality and relevance of the proposed strategic recommendations.
• Quality of documentation and evidence presented in support of audit findings.
• Presentation, organization, and overall quality of the final report.

This task is expected to require approximately 30 to 35 hours of detailed work, ensuring all elements of the cybersecurity audit are thoroughly addressed.