Splunk SME(NCS/Job/ 508)

1. Experience and Technical Expertise: -
   • Strong experience(3+ years) working with Splunk in a security operations environment.
   • Deep knowledge of Splunk's components (indexers, forwarders, search heads, and deployment servers).
   • Experience in creating and tuning SPL queries , developing Splunk apps , and managing Splunk Enterprise Security (ES).
   • Hands-on experience in data parsing, normalization , and event correlation using Splunk.
   • Proficient in integrating third-party tools , such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and vulnerability scanners, with Splunk.
2. Security Knowledge:
   • Strong understanding of SIEM use cases for security monitoring and incident detection.
   • Knowledge of network security, endpoint security, cloud security, and threat intelligence integration within a SIEM context.
   • Experience in detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats (e.g., malware, DDoS attacks, insider threats, APTs).
3. Cloud and Hybrid Environments:
   • Experience with hybrid environments, where on-premises and cloud data sources are integrated into Splunk.
   • Familiarity with deploying and managing Splunk in cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
4. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Strong communication skills to work with cross-functional teams (SOC, IT, Compliance, etc.) and translate security data into actionable business insights.
   •  Ability to communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
5. Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:
   • Strong troubleshooting skills, particularly when dealing with complex data integration or performance issues in a Splunk environment.
   • Ability to identify root causes of security issues and design effective solutions using Splunk.
6. Data Analytics and Reporting Skills:
   • Ability to design and build custom dashboards, reports, and alerts to provide actionable insights from security data.
   • Proficiency in data visualization to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
   • Knowledge of KPI and metric tracking for security and operational effectiveness.
7. Scripting and Automation:
   • Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell for automation tasks.
   • Experience with Splunk REST API or SDKs to automate processes or integrate Splunk with other tools in the ecosystem.
8. Certifications:
   • Splunk Certified Power User or Splunk Certified Admin certification is typically required or highly preferred.
   • Splunk Certified Security Admin or Splunk Certified Security Specialist for those focusing on security-related roles.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Splunk SME: (Standard)

1. Splunk Platform Implementation and Configuration: -
   • Lead the deployment, configuration, and integration of Splunk with various data sources and security tools.
   • Ensure that Splunk instances (indexers, forwarders, search heads) are set up correctly and optimized for performance.
   • Customize Splunk for different security use cases (e.g., monitoring, incident detection, compliance reporting).
2. Data Collection and Ingestion: -
   • Configure data inputs, forwarders, and data parsers for various log sources (e.g., network devices, firewalls, endpoints, servers).
   • Set up log forwarding and ensure efficient and secure data collection from a wide range of security and IT systems.
   • Ensure data normalization and correlation to make it usable for analysis and detection.
3. Search and Query Optimization: -
   • Design and develop complex SPL (Search Processing Language) queries to analyse security data.
   • Optimize searches for performance and efficiency, especially when working with large datasets.
   • Create and maintain reports, dashboards, and alerts for security monitoring and incident response.
4. Incident Detection and Response: -
   • Use Splunk to monitor security events in real-time, identifying potential threats and anomalies.
   • Configure and fine-tune Splunk's correlation searches and alerts to ensure accurate detection of security incidents (e.g., intrusions, breaches).
   • Work with security operations teams to investigate incidents and provide actionable insights from Splunk data.
5. Security Monitoring and Threat Intelligence Integration:
   • Integrate external threat intelligence feeds into Splunk to enhance security monitoring.
   • Leverage Splunk’s machine learning capabilities to identify patterns of suspicious activity.
   • Create custom detection rules, machine learning models, and analytics to detect emerging threats.
6. Reporting and Compliance: -
   • Generate and deliver automated security reports (e.g., for compliance frameworks like GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA).
   • Ensure that Splunk data is properly indexed, categorized, and stored to support compliance and auditing requirements.
   • Create dashboards and visualizations for executives, managers, and technical teams to track security posture.
7. Splunk Tuning and Optimization: -
   • Perform regular health checks of the Splunk environment to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance.
   • Tune Splunk configurations (indexing, search, data storage) to maintain optimal performance, especially during peak event loads.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Splunk performance, data accuracy, or integration challenges.
8. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: -
   • Work with other security teams (e.g., SOC, Incident Response, Threat Intelligence) to align Splunk’s capabilities with organizational security needs.
   • Provide training, mentoring, and best practices for other Splunk users and administrators.
   • Stay up to date with new features, apps, and updates to Splunk, and share knowledge with the team.
9. Documentation and Standards: -
   • Maintain comprehensive documentation for Splunk configurations, use cases, search queries, and data pipelines.
   • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various Splunk-related tasks (e.g., creating reports, handling incidents, data ingestion).
   • Document Splunk customizations, integration processes, and automation to ensure