IT Support Specialist (Entry Level)

It Support Specialist (Entry Level)

Department: Information Technology

• Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Itasca, IL

Description

The Information Security Specialist serves as a junior-level support role within the Information Security Team, providing foundational technical assistance and learning opportunities across IT security solutions. This position is designed for professionals with limited information security experience who will work under supervision to support security initiatives, assist with security tool operations, and contribute to the organization's security posture through guided hands-on work and operational support. 

Key Responsibilities

Security Tool Operations ·      Assist with basic operational support for security platforms including Qualys vulnerability management, CrowdStrike endpoint protection, and other security tools under senior team guidance·      Support daily monitoring activities and help document findings from security tools and dashboards·      Learn to navigate and utilize security platforms while providing first-level support to users·      Participate in security tool maintenance activities and assist with basic configuration tasks Security Awareness Training & Education ·      Develop and deliver security awareness training programs for employees across all organizational levels, focusing on current threats, best practices, and policy compliance·      Coordinate and schedule security awareness sessions for new employee orientations, annual refresher training, and targeted departmental sessions·      Track training completion rates and maintain records of employee participation in security awareness programs·      Support security awareness campaigns including Security Awareness Month activities, phishing simulation communications, and ongoing educational initiatives·      Assess training effectiveness through surveys, quizzes, and behavioral metrics to continuously improve program content and delivery methods Phishing Investigation & Mitigation ·      Respond to reported phishing attempts by analyzing suspicious emails, URLs, and attachments to determine threat legitimacy and scope·      Conduct phishing simulations using approved platforms to test employee awareness and identify areas requiring additional training focus & maintain metrics on attack frequency, success rates, and organizational response effectiveness·      Investigate phishing incidents by collecting evidence, documenting attack vectors, and coordinating with IT teams to implement protective measures·      Maintain phishing response procedures and help users understand proper reporting protocols  Compliance and Documentation Support ·      Support compliance teams by helping gather documentation for governance, risk, and compliance activities·      Assist with maintaining security policy documentation and help ensure procedures are current and accessible·      Help business units understand basic security requirements and provide guidance on compliance-related questions·      Support audit preparation activities by organizing documentation and helping coordinate information requests Technical Support and Implementation ·      Provide junior-level technical assistance for implementing basic security configurations under supervision·      Assist senior team members with security reviews during system deployments and technology onboarding·      Help maintain security standards documentation and support teams in following established procedures·      Learn and apply security configuration standards across various systems and applications Monitoring and Analysis Support ·      Assist with log review activities and help identify potential security events for escalation·      Support security incident response activities by gathering information and documenting findings·      Help maintain monitoring systems and alert configurations under senior team guidance·      Learn to perform basic security analysis while contributing to threat detection workflows Vulnerability Management Support ·      Assist senior team members with vulnerability scanning activities using Qualys and other tools·      Help track and document vulnerability remediation efforts across organizational systems·      Support vulnerability triage processes by gathering system information and coordinating with IT teams·      Learn to research security threats and vulnerabilities while contributing to remediation planning

Skills, Knowledge And Expertise

·      Associate’s degree; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience·      1-3 years of IT or network security experience·      Previous experience with security tools such as Qualys, CrowdStrike, or similar platforms is preferred but not required·      Experience with learning management systems (LMS) or training platforms is preferred·      Basic understanding of information security concepts with eagerness to develop deeper knowledge of how security controls support business objectives·      Understanding of social engineering tactics and human factors in cybersecurity·      Ability to create clear, engaging educational content for diverse audiences and technical skill levels·      Experience with phishing simulation platforms (such as KnowBe4, PhishAlarm,Proofpoint, or similar tools) preferred·      Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy in documentation and reporting tasks·      Foundational knowledge of IT systems, networks, and basic security principles·      Willingness to learn about information security frameworks such as NIST, ITIL, ITAR, and CMMC·      Basic project coordination skills with ability to support senior team members in project activities·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to clearly document procedures and findings·      Strong customer service orientation with patience and professionalism when supporting internal stakeholders·      Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development in information security·      Strong presentation skills with ability to deliver training to groups ranging from small teams to large audiences·      Basic understanding of threat intelligence concepts and ability to translate technical threats into business-relevant communications·      Familiarity with incident response procedures and evidence collection practices for email-based threats·      Ability to work with cross-functional teams to promote security culture and awareness throughout the organization  EEO-M/F/D/V                                        

Pay Parency And Benefits

At Knowles, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain top talent. The salary range for this position is $50,000yr - $60,000yr. This is a good faith estimate on the applicable range and serves as a general guideline. We recognize that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences. Therefore, the offer will be determined more or less than the anticipated range after considering various factors, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, skills and abilities as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Certain roles may be eligible for other compensation and benefits programs.  Benefits and other Compensation Programs At Knowles, we strive to deliver a market competitive compensation and benefits programs that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. The specific programs and options available to any given employees may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, candidate experience and qualifications as well as market and business considerations. We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance and wellbeing benefits, among others.  Below is a summary of common benefits that Knowles provides to employees (eligibility requirements apply):

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401K plan with a company match - 100% match on the first 5% you contribute
• Short- and Long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance and AD&D - 100% paid by employer
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)