Director, Cyber Defense & Response - Data Security

Job Classification: Technology - Information Security Are you passionate about safeguarding organizations from within by integrating innovative analytics, strategic prevention, and cyber defense capabilities? Our Cyber Defense and Response team is dedicated to a culture where proactive risk management is part of our DNA. When you join Prudential as a Director of Data Security, you’ll unlock a high-impact career path, while continuously growing your expertise at one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Your Team & Role The Director of Data Security is responsible for leading the daily operations of Prudential’s enterprise Data Security Program, focused on protecting data across on-premises, cloud, and endpoint environments. This role oversees the governance of data security capabilities, including monitoring, detection, and response to potential data security events. The Director works closely with the Chief Technology Office, Chief Data Office, HR, Privacy, Compliance, Legal, and Enterprise Risk Management to ensure secure data handling, storage, and transmission practices are consistently applied across the organization. The Director establishes operational processes, governance of control standards, and response procedures aligned with company standards to ensure data risks are identified, protected, detected, and addressed in a consistent and defensible manner. The role also provides leadership with insights into data risk exposure, control effectiveness, and emerging threats to support informed decision-making and strengthen the organization’s overall data security posture. Here is what you can expect on a typical day: Build, mentor, and manage a team of data security specialists responsible for monitoring and investigating data security incidents. Develop and maintain data security policies, standards, and procedures aligned with company policies and standards. Partner with key stakeholders to support efforts around identification and classification of data assets. Ensure appropriate protection mechanisms such as encryption, access controls, and DLP are implemented. Support data security risk assessments and control gap analysis to identify exposures affecting sensitive data. Oversee monitoring and detection capabilities to identify potential data loss, misuse, or unauthorized access. Direct response activities for data security incidents, including investigation, containment, remediation, and reporting. Partner with IT, Risk, Compliance, and Privacy teams to ensure secure data handling, storage, and transmission practices. Support education and awareness initiatives to promote responsible data handling. Provide executive reporting on data risk posture, security metrics, and program maturity. Continuously evaluate emerging threats, regulatory changes, and industry practices to enhance the data security program. Drive continuous improvement of detection, investigation, and prevention capabilities in alignment with leading practices. Operate effectively in ambiguous and complex situations, independently assessing risk, making timely decisions, and applying a flexible, solutions-oriented approach to resolve insider risk challenges. Continuously develop professional expertise by completing relevant training and pursuing industry-recognized certifications to stay current with evolving insider risk, cybersecurity, and investigative practices. The Skills and Expertise You Bring: Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field preferred. 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity with a strong focus on data security, data protection, and governance. Demonstrated experience leading enterprise or global data security programs and managing security teams. Strong understanding of data protection principles aligned with industry best practices and frameworks. Experience implementing and managing data security controls such as data classification, access control, encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and monitoring of data usage. Hands-on experience with security technologies used to protect and monitor data, including SIEM, CASB, DSPM, and cloud security platforms. Familiarity with regulatory and privacy requirements impacting data protection (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA) and their associated control expectations. Ability to conduct data risk assessments, control gap analysis, and remediation planning to strengthen protection of sensitive information assets. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across IT, Security, Privacy, Compliance, and Risk functions. Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment. Business acumen and the ability to make risk-based decisions that balance security, regulatory obligations, and operational needs. Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with evolving data security threats, technologies, and regulatory requirements. Preferred Certifications: GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) GIAC Cloud Forensics Responder (GCFR) GIAC Cloud Forensics Responder (GCFR) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) AWS Security Specialty What we offer you: Prudential is required by state specific laws to include the salary range for this role when hiring a resident in applicable locations. The salary range for this role is from $158,800.00 to $238,200.00. Specific pricing for the role may vary within the above range based on many factors including geographic location, candidate experience, and skills. Market competitive base salaries, with a yearly bonus potential at every level. Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leave of absences, such as parental and military leave. 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%). Company-funded pension plan. Wellness Programs including up to $1,600 a year for reimbursement of items purchased to support personal wellbeing needs. Work/Life Resources to help support topics such as parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development. Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward obtaining an approved degree and many accredited certificate programs. Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices (Beginning or End of the purchase period), after one year of service. Eligibility to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program is subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance. To find out more about our Total Rewards package, visit Work Life Balance | Prudential Careers. Some of the above benefits may not apply to part-time employees scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week. Prudential Financial, Inc. of the United States is not affiliated with Prudential plc. which is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Prudential is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, age, veteran status, domestic partner status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please email [email protected]. If you are experiencing a technical issue with your application or an assessment, please email [email protected] to request assistance. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a global financial services leader and premier active global investment manager with approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2023, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees help make lives better and create financial opportunity for more people by expanding access to investing, insurance, and retirement security. Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for 150 years. For more information please visit news.prudential.com. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace Prudential Financial, Inc. serves its customers in more than 40 countries and territories, and we seek talented, creative individuals from a variety of backgrounds, worldviews, and life circumstances to work with us. We are focused on creating a fully inclusive culture, where all employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it. At Prudential, employees have a unique opportunity to build their career path by owning their development, their career, and their future. We encourage employees to hone their skills and explore continued opportunities within Prudential. PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), is a global investment manager with US $1.3 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2023. With offices in 18 countries, PGIM’s businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including public fixed income, private fixed income, fundamental equity, quantitative equity, real estate, and alternatives. For more information about PGIM, visit pgim.com. Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI) of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom, or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. For more information please visit news.prudential.com. PGIM Inc. (PGIM) is the principal asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI), a company incorporated and with its principal place of business in the United States. PFI of the United States is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom or with Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace Prudential Financial, Inc. serves its customers in more than 40 countries and territories, and we seek talented, creative individuals from a variety of backgrounds, worldviews, and life circumstances to work with us. We are focused on creating a fully inclusive culture, where all employees feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it. At Prudential, employees have a unique opportunity to build their career path by owning their development, their career, and their future. We encourage employees to hone their skills and explore continued opportunities within Prudential.