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- Tasks: Manage and optimise Akamai WAF solutions to protect web applications.
- Company: Join a leading information security team in the insurance sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive daily rate and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of web security in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Akamai WAF and knowledge of web security principles required.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on technical work with strategic oversight.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Akamai Web Application Firewall (WAF) to join our information security team. You will be responsible for the end-to-end management, optimization, and strategic oversight of Akamai WAF solutions, ensuring robust protection for our web applications in a highly regulated insurance environment. This is a hands-on technical role with a strong consultative and collaborative element.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, configure, and maintain Akamai WAF policies and rulesets to protect public-facing applications against evolving web threats.
- Analyse web behaviour and performance, establishing baselines and thresholds for application security and availability.
- Lead the onboarding of new web services onto the Akamai WAF platform, including transitions from monitoring to enforcement modes.
- Perform ongoing policy tuning and rule optimization to minimize false positives and maximize legitimate traffic flow.
- Monitor, investigate, and respond to WAF alerts, logs, and incidents, including vulnerability identification and mitigation.
- Collaborate with IT, DevOps, and business teams to integrate WAF controls seamlessly across on-premises and cloud environments.
- Ensure compliance with internal security policies, insurance industry regulations, and audit requirements.
- Document configurations, standards, and best practices; provide training and guidance to team members.
- Stay abreast of the latest security threats and Akamai platform updates, advising on improvements and emerging best practices.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Extensive hands-on experience with Akamai WAF (Kona Site Defender) in large-scale, regulated environments (preferably financial or insurance sectors).
- Deep knowledge of web application security principles, OWASP Top 10, and DDoS mitigation.
- Proficient in designing and tuning WAF rules, managing false positives, and integrating with DevOps/CI-CD pipelines.
- Strong understanding of network security architectures (firewalls, proxies, DNS, DMZ).
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and hybrid deployments.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to insurance and financial services (e.g., Lloyd’s, PRA, FSA) is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
- Experience with Akamai APIs for automation and reporting is a plus.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Relevant certifications (e.g., Akamai Certified Professional, CISSP, CISM, or similar) are advantageous.
Akamai WAF Subject Matter Expert employer: Impact Team
Contact Detail:
Impact Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Akamai WAF Subject Matter Expert
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the information security field, especially those who have experience with Akamai WAF. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to build connections and gain insights that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and threats in web application security. Follow relevant blogs, forums, and social media channels to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully implemented or optimised Akamai WAF solutions. Real-world examples will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance sector. Being able to speak knowledgeably about compliance will make you a more attractive candidate for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Akamai WAF Subject Matter Expert
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive hands-on experience with Akamai WAF, particularly in large-scale, regulated environments. Emphasise your knowledge of web application security principles and any relevant certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the ideal candidate for the Akamai WAF Subject Matter Expert role. Discuss your experience with policy tuning, incident response, and collaboration with IT and DevOps teams.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to designing and tuning WAF rules, managing false positives, and integrating with CI-CD pipelines. Mention your familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance sector.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a technical role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Team
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with Akamai WAF, particularly in large-scale environments. Highlight specific projects where you designed, implemented, or optimised WAF policies, and be ready to explain the impact of your work on application security.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory frameworks relevant to the insurance and financial sectors. Be ready to discuss how these regulations influence WAF configurations and compliance, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex security requirements.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Prepare to explain technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Practice articulating how WAF solutions protect web applications and the importance of ongoing policy tuning to minimise false positives.
✨Stay Updated on Security Trends
Research the latest security threats and Akamai platform updates. Being knowledgeable about current trends will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field of information security.
