Cyber Threat Operations Summer Internship

Ready to disrupt the status quo of financial services? Join Avant from June 1 to August 21 for an immersive summer experience designed to challenge your thinking and sharpen your skills. At Avant, we combine the mission-driven heart of a startup with the scale of a FinTech leader. We believe the best work happens when we bridge the gap between collaboration and independence; that’s why we thrive on a hybrid model, bringing our teams together in the office three days a week to spark innovation while offering the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder. Come help us build better financial products for everyday people, all while growing your career in an environment that values your voice from day one.

We're looking for an intern to join our cyber threat operations team. This  internship is an opportunity that introduces aspiring cybersecurity professionals to the day-to-day operations of security within the company. Interns are primarily exposed to frontline duties associated with cybersecurity practices, and are introduced to the processes of event assessment and escalation (when warranted) to senior members of the cybersecurity team. The internship is a fantastic opportunity to learn firsthand how cybersecurity controls are implemented, managed and enhanced across the business. 

Working alongside a mentor, interns perform data collection, ticket processing, analysis and remediation tasks. Interns also work with cybersecurity team members to understand architectural designs, best practices, and event and incident response (IR) obligations. Interns provide support to the cyber threat operations center (CTOC) and  teams. To be effective, interns must have a general understanding of cybersecurity principles and concepts, as well as solid practical hands-on experience with computers. 

What you’ll do at Avant:

• Follow and execute directives issued by cybersecurity management and senior employees.

• Support day-to-day activities performed by the cybersecurity team.

• Learn to manage tools and solutions implemented throughout the organization.

• Work with senior members of the team to learn basic first-line threat assessment and response tasks and progress toward independence after proving competence. 

• Execute tasks requested by cybersecurity team members, such as analysis, investigation, reporting and maintenance of general cybersecurity upkeep. 

• Assist in supporting CTOC and Helpdesk teams. 

• Monitor dashboards and event logs with escalation to members of the cybersecurity team. 

• Attain proven proficiency with cybersecurity tools and perform front-end troubleshooting and general triage.

• Read daily cybersecurity resources to stay current on security threats and vulnerabilities. 

• Actively participate with the team in mock threat exercises to strengthen skills.

Why you’re at fit at Avant:

• Successful completion of undergraduate coursework (or reputable trade program) in cybersecurity.

• Fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices.

• General knowledge and hands-on coursework (lab) experience with cybersecurity endpoint, network, vulnerability, forensic and log management tools.

• Basic understanding, knowledge of and hands-on capabilities with operating system configuration (Windows, MacOS) and networking (DNS, DHCP, routing protocols).

• Ability to analyze event and incident logs, and work with CTOC analysts to assess security events related to malware, vulnerabilities, exploits and kill chain methodology.

• Introductory knowledge of cloud-based infrastructure and operations.

• Basic exposure to one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell and Bash) preferred.

• Basic knowledge of adversary tactics.

This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.

Compensation Range:

The base salary range for this job is USD $32 - USD $36 hour

Employees will be evaluated for any new role at their current level. Employees new to a role typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The posted compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant's experience, skills and abilities. 

[If an outstanding applicant's experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]

Our benefits include:

• Paid Time Off

• Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)

• Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-Office Snacks

• Summer Fridays

• Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events

• And who doesn't love the swag

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We believe that a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences helps us create the most innovative solutions for our customers. We invite you to apply to our positions even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the description. If you’re passionate about our mission and aligned to our values, we hope you’ll come contribute to our awesome culture.

Why Avant is the place for you:

At Avant, we believe our values make a difference:

Authenticity. We show up to work as our whole selves and make sure others can too.

Collaboration. We can only succeed when we do so as a team.

Problem-Solving. The harder the problem, the more satisfying the solution.

Customer. We are all owners of the customer experience.

Initiative. Plan. Adapt. Get Sh!t Done.

We believe that great ideas come from anyone and anywhere, that everyone is an owner who drives change, and that we have more fun when we work together. We're problem solvers who love collaborating with intelligent and highly-motivated people to reshape the face of digital banking. Avant offers terrific perks and benefits, fun social events with employees who actually like hanging out together, and a flexible growth environment where trying your hand at new projects and being the active owner of your career path is encouraged and supported.

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