Principal Analyst/Associate Director: Information Security

Location:

Pune (India), Work from Office 

About QKS Group

QKS Group is a global research and advisory firm known for its SPARK Matrix, a globally recognized framework for vendor evaluation and competitive intelligence. We work with leading technology providers and enterprise buyers to deliver deep insights, technology research, and strategic advisory across various technology domains. 

Role Overview

We are seeking a senior Analyst to join our Security & Risk Management practice, focusing on research and advisory across cybersecurity platforms, risk management, and emerging security architectures. 

The analyst will lead research on technologies and services across areas such as Threat Detection & Response, Identity Security, Cloud & Application Security, Zero Trust, and Cyber Resilience Management. 

This role combines market research, technology evaluation, and advisory delivery, offering a unique opportunity to shape vendor positioning, influence enterprise security strategies, and guide technology investments across the global cybersecurity landscape. 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct deep research across cybersecurity product and service categories such as Threat Detection & Response (EDR/XDR/SIEM/SOAR), Cloud Security (CSPM/CWPP/CNAPP), Identity Security (IAM/IGA/PAM), and Data Security.
• Evaluate vendors and solution capabilities using QKS frameworks like SPARK Matrix, SPARK Plus, and other proprietary methodologies.
• Analyze platform architectures, deployment models, integration maturity, and ecosystem positioning through primary and secondary research.
• Track emerging cybersecurity trends including AI in Security, Zero Trust evolution, Managed Detection & Response, and Security Automation.
• Engage with technology vendors, service providers, and enterprise CISOs for briefings, demos, validations, and market insights.
• Collaborate with senior analysts to identify best practices and architecture trends shaping enterprise cyber resilience.
• Support advisory sessions for clients on vendor selection, architecture modernization, or roadmap alignment.

Additional Leadership & Business Responsibilities

• Own P&L responsibility for the cybersecurity research and advisory practice, including growth, profitability, and delivery quality.
• Align research priorities with evolving client needs and market opportunities in partnership with Sales and Account teams.
• Drive client engagement, ensuring delivery excellence, responsiveness, and strategic value across vendor and enterprise accounts.
• Represent QKS Group in analyst briefings, executive sessions, and industry events to strengthen QKS's reputation in cybersecurity research.

Key Skills & Experience

• 15–20 years of experience in Information Security, Cyber Risk Management, or related domains within enterprise, consulting, or analyst environments.
• Strong understanding of security architectures, frameworks, and operations, including NIST, ISO 27001, SOC, Zero Trust, and Cloud Security models.
• Experience working with or evaluating cybersecurity solutions such as:
• Threat Detection & Response: EDR, XDR, SIEM, SOAR
• Identity & Access: IAM, PAM, CIAM
• Cloud & Application Security: CSPM, CNAPP, SAST/DAST, API Security
• Data & Endpoint Security: DLP, MDM, Encryption
• Proven experience in cybersecurity consulting, product strategy, or analyst research with strong analytical and writing capabilities.
• Exposure to security product vendors (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, IBM Security, Okta, Zscaler, SentinelOne, Trend Micro, Check Point, Fortinet, etc.) and service providers in MSS/MDR domains.
• Ability to translate technical findings into strategic insights for CISO-level audiences.
• Prior experience with vendor evaluation frameworks, industry benchmarking, or advisory methodologies is highly preferred.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to globally recognized research like SPARK Matrix and SPARK Plus.
• Direct engagement with global CISOs, cybersecurity leaders, and technology vendors.
• Platform to shape cybersecurity insights for global enterprises.
• Fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment with growth and leadership opportunities.