Lead, Cyber Defense & Response – Insider Risk

Lead, Cyber Defense & Response – Insider Risk

Company: Prudential Financial | Location: Newark, NJ

Overview

Are you passionate about safeguarding organizations from within by integrating innovative analytics, strategic prevention, and targeted education? The Cyber Defense and Response team is dedicated to a culture where proactive risk management is part of its DNA. As an Insider Risk Lead at Prudential, you will unlock a high-impact career path while continuously growing your expertise at one of the world’s leading financial institutions.

As an Insider Risk Specialist, you will partner with business stakeholders, technical teams, and management to mitigate insider risks. Through centralized integration and analysis of technical and non-technical information, you will identify and assess potential insider risk concerns. You will lead all aspects of the investigative lifecycle, including digital forensics, collection & preservation, analysis, remediation, documentation, and post-incident review. The role requires strong analytical skills, a deep curiosity about human and technical risk factors, and a passion for continuous improvement and education.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders (Security, HR, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and IT) to ensure insider risk cases are handled consistently and in accordance with company standards and procedures.
• Independently lead end-to-end triage and investigations of insider risk events, establishing priorities and enforcing consistent investigative standards.
• Ensure proper evidence handling and investigative integrity, including chain-of-custody, documentation standards, and defensible case management practices.
• Lead analysis of insider risk incidents to determine behavioral indicators, root causes, and organizational control gaps.
• Coordinate response actions with technical and business teams to mitigate threats, protect assets, and manage employee risk appropriately.
• Provide executive reporting and risk insights, translating investigation outcomes and behavioral trends into actionable intelligence for leadership.
• Drive prevention and detection initiatives, including policy improvements, targeted awareness, and control enhancements informed by investigation findings.
• Continuously mature insider risk capabilities, incorporating threat intelligence, behavioral analytics, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• Deep curiosity to understand insider threat risks, drivers, and typologies.
• Experience in user activity monitoring, digital forensics, and behavioral analytics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to influence training and awareness for purposes of insider risk mitigation.
• Familiarity with regulatory and privacy requirements related to employee monitoring and insider risk programs.
• Experience with insider risk detection and response strategies.
• Passion for research and continuous learning.
• Knowledge of data integration tools, SIEM platforms, and forensic analysis software.

Relevant Certifications:

• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Cloud Forensics Responder (GCFR)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• SANS GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)
• Certified Insider Threat Program Manager (CITPM)

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $123,700 – $204,100 annually. Specific pricing may vary based on geographic location, candidate experience, and skills.

• Market competitive base salaries with a yearly bonus potential at every level.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leaves of absence (parental and military leave).
• 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%).
• Company-funded pension plan.
• Wellness Programs.
• Work/Life Resources covering parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development.
• Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward an approved degree and accredited certificate programs.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices, after one year of service.