Network Security Specialist

About the Role

We are looking for a vigilant and technically adept Firewall Vulnerability Remediation & Upgrade Specialist to oversee the management of security vulnerability fixes, software lifecycle, and upgrades within Cisco Secure Firewall systems. This role primarily involves identifying software vulnerabilities, evaluating associated security risks, managing remediation actions, and implementing upgrades for Cisco FXOS, Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), and Firepower Management Center (FMC) platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify security vulnerabilities impacting Cisco FXOS, FTD, FMC, and associated security infrastructure components.
• Examine Cisco Security Advisories, PSIRT alerts, CVEs, and vendor-suggested patches.
• Evaluate the severity, exploit potential, and organizational risk of vulnerabilities.
• Prioritize remediation efforts in alignment with the organization's risk management framework.
• Carry out vulnerability remediation through to resolution and maintain detailed remediation documentation.
• Provide secondary support for vulnerability fixes related to Cisco switches, routers, and F5 devices.
• Coordinate remediation by creating tasks within ServiceNow and liaising with internal IT teams and external suppliers to ensure timely completion.
• Manage exceptions and risks by identifying scenarios where patches are not deployable, documenting necessary risk exceptions, and defining compensating controls or mitigations.
• Create and maintain dashboards and reports via ServiceNow and Excel, delivering daily, weekly, and monthly summaries for leadership.
• Participate in continuous improvement of patching processes, standard operating procedures, and knowledge resources.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience with Cisco FTD, FMC, and FXOS platforms.
• Preferred certifications include CCNP Security and CCIE Security.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Foundational and practical expertise with Cisco Security Platforms including Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), Firepower Management Center (FMC), Cisco FXOS, and Cisco ASA.
• Proven practical skills upgrading Cisco FXOS, FTD, and FMC software.
• Deep understanding of vulnerability remediation workflows.
• Experience appraising security advisories and analyzing vulnerability impacts.
• Proficiency in software lifecycle and version management.
• Advanced troubleshooting abilities across enterprise firewall architectures.
• Strong analytical capability to assess complex vulnerabilities and exploits.
• Problem-solving skills to efficiently address security challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, capable of explaining intricate technical concepts to diverse audiences including technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Team player with effective collaboration skills working across departments and external partners.
• Experienced in producing thorough documentation such as procedures, reports, and knowledgebase articles.
• Effective prioritization and time management to handle multiple tasks and work efficiently under exploit or threat conditions.