Threat Researcher

Abnormal AI is looking for a Threat Researcher with expertise in Microsoft cloud security, threat research, and SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM). In this position, you will look into threats against Microsoft cloud services, learn about attacker techniques, and identify security vulnerabilities. You will also work to strengthen our security and find solutions to stop these threats. You will work closely with R&D and Engineering teams to enhance security product capabilities, refine detections, and develop configuration playbooks for Azure, Microsoft 365, Defender Suite, and Entra ID. This is a fully remote position also open to UK and EMEA locations.

Who you are

• Experienced in threat research, with a deep comprehension of Microsoft cloud ecosystems, SaaS security, and identity-based threats.
• Robust knowledge of Microsoft security tools, including Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, Defender for Cloud Apps, and Sentinel.
• Proficient in adversary TTP analysis, phishing attack research, misconfiguration risks, and security posture hardening.
• Data-driven researcher, with experience using SQL, PySpark, KQL, and other query-based tools to analyze large datasets.
• Skilled at bridging security research with engineering, ensuring insights lead to practical security improvements.
• Able to successfully work within agile, cross-functional teams to enhance security in Microsoft cloud environments.
• Proficient communicator, able to deliver detailed research findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What you will do

• Threat Research & Adversary Tracking
  • Conduct in-depth research on Microsoft cloud security threats, phishing techniques, and identity-based attack vectors.
  • Track APT groups, financially motivated actors, and cloud-native threat campaigns targeting Azure and Microsoft 365 environments.
  • Analyze MFA bypass techniques, token theft, session hijacking, and adversary tactics used against Microsoft authentication mechanisms.
  • Reverse-engineer phishing kits, hostile systems, and cloud-based attack plans to enhance our security expertise.
  • Develop threat models and in-depth attack reports to inform Microsoft-focused threat intelligence.
• SSPM & Security Posture Research
  • Research misconfigurations, security posture risks, and SaaS security gaps in Microsoft Entra ID, Azure AD, and M365 security settings.
  • Develop SSPM research insights and contribute to configuration playbooks to improve Microsoft cloud security posture.
  • Identify misconfiguration-driven threats and work with Engineering to enhance detection and mitigation strategies.
  • Analyze security posture deviations that could expose Microsoft environments to account takeovers, phishing, and privilege escalation attacks.
• Security Research & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Provide deep-dive research into Microsoft cloud attack methodologies to help enhance security product capabilities.
  • Work with R&D and Engineering teams to ensure research findings translate into practical security enhancements.
  • Deliver technical briefings and intelligence reports on Microsoft threat trends, attacker tactics, and detection opportunities.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to evaluate emerging threats and recommend security improvements for Microsoft cloud environments.

Must Haves

• 5+ years in threat research, cyber threat intelligence, or adversary tracking.
• 3+ years focused on Microsoft cloud security (Azure, M365, Defender, Entra ID, or Sentinel).
• Expertise in Microsoft cloud security architecture, identity protection, SaaS security, and misconfiguration risks.
• Deep knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK, Microsoft attack techniques, and adversary tradecraft.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Defender for Identity, and Microsoft Sentinel.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with or building SSPM solutions for Microsoft cloud security posture management.
• Security certifications (GCTI, GCFA, CISSP, or Microsoft security-related).
• Experience in researching cloud system security, conducting attack simulations, and identifying security problems caused by configuration errors.
• Background in SaaS security posture analysis and cloud security hardening.