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Cyber Defender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IBM

Senior Cyber Defender

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$99K - $127K/yr

Your role and responsibilities As a Senior Cyber Defender, you play a vital role in safeguarding an organization's digital infrastructure by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cyber threats. This ...

IBM

Senior Cyber Defender with Security Clearance

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$99K - $127K/yr

Your role and responsibilities As a Senior Cyber Defender, you play a vital role in safeguarding an organization's digital infrastructure by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cyber threats. This ...

New

Computer Task Group, Inc

CSIRT Analyst

Buffalo, NY · On-site

Are you a Cyber Defender at heart, driven to strengthen the blue team and help organizations that are under attack? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you might be the perfect fit for our ...

Computer Task Group, Inc

CSIRT Analyst

Buffalo, NY

Are you a Cyber Defender at heart, driven to strengthen the blue team and help organizations that are under attack? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you might be the perfect fit for our ...

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Cyber Defender information

See salary details

$34K

$112.9K

$176K

How much do cyber defender jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defender in the United States is $112,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cyber defender?

Cyber Defenders are professionals who protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. They monitor security systems, investigate suspicious activities, and respond to incidents to prevent data breaches or damage. Their work involves implementing security measures, conducting vulnerability assessments, and staying updated on the latest cyber threats. Cyber Defenders play a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of digital assets for organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cyber defender, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Defender, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, network security, and threat analysis, often backed by a degree in information security or a related field. Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Cyber Defenders respond to threats and collaborate with teams. These abilities are crucial for protecting organizational assets and ensuring robust defense against evolving cyber threats.

How does a cyber defender typically collaborate with other departments to enhance organizational security?

Cyber Defenders regularly work with IT, risk management, and compliance teams to identify and address vulnerabilities across systems. They participate in cross-functional meetings to share threat intelligence, coordinate response plans, and ensure security policies are consistently applied. This collaborative approach helps to quickly detect and respond to incidents, while also promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Cyber Defender vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber DefenderCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP (preferred)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC certifications
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, incident response teamsSecurity teams, risk assessment, monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageIT security firms, government agencies, large corporationsCorporate IT departments, consulting firms, government

Both roles focus on protecting information systems, but Cyber Defenders primarily respond to active threats and incidents, while Cyber Security Analysts analyze security data to prevent future attacks. The roles often overlap, with certifications and work environments closely aligned, making them key positions in cybersecurity teams.

More about Cyber Defender jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cyber Defender jobs?

The most popular types of Cyber Defender jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Cyber Defender jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cyber Defender jobs are:

Cyber Defender jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Defender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Cyber Defender Senior

iNovex Information Systems

Columbia, MD • On-site

$193K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Brief
Cyber
Job Description
RealmOne was built on the principle that people matter first and foremost. We believe in providing a strong work/life balance by investing in our employees and encouraging professional and personal growth. We do this by offering exceptional benefits, flexible schedules, and the tools necessary to achieve success through paid training, mentoring, and the opportunity to work alongside top-notch industry professionals.
We are searching for talented individuals who provide intelligence, engineering, and mission management expertise for the Government. This program will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of our country's most important missions both at home and abroad. If you are ready to support a high-performing team that truly makes a difference, then come join us!
Position contingent upon contract award!
Job Description
  • Monitor, analyze, and detect Cyber events and incidents within information systems and networks under general supervision. Assist with integrated, dynamic Cyber defense, coordinate and maintain security toolsets to support organizations' continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization programs. Develop security assessment plans for systems, including the objectives, scope, schedule, required documentation, possible risks, and other logistical items for security assessments; develops cloud service provider testing approach from security perspective. Provides validation of security control tests for cloud service provides; coordinating access to systems and approvals for scanning activities. Conducts ad hoc testing on an as-needed basis to assist with development activities or vulnerability remediation. Reviews/tests system security controls (managerial, operational, and technical) to determine adequacy against federal requirements (e.g., NIST SP 800-53) and mission context. Documents plans of action and milestones for corrective action following assessment activities and in response to identified vulnerabilities. Drafts security policies and procedures including the system security plan, and agency specific policies in accordance with NIST requirement. Routinely conducts risk assessments to quantify impacts of vulnerabilities.

Qualifications
  • A Senior labor category has over 10 years of experience and an MA/MS degree. A Senior labor category typically works on high-visibility or mission critical aspects of a given program and performs all functional duties independently. A Senior labor category may oversee the efforts of less senior staff and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job.

Position requires an active Security Clearance.
Pay Range: 193,000 - 223,000
The RealmOne pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Our approach to crafting offers considers various factors to establish an equitable and competitive compensation package. These considerations include, but are not limited to, the extent and intricacy of the role's responsibilities, the candidate's educational background, their work experience, and the specific competencies crucial for success in the role.
RealmOne Benefits:
  • Healthcare Coverage + Insurance: Medical: Three (3) rich healthcare options through CareFirst with 100% or majority company-paid premiums. Tax-advantaged health savings account available with generous employer contribution. Dental + Vision: 100% employer-paid for employees and family with buy-up option available.
  • Retirement + Savings: 401K - 10% TOTAL CONTRIBUTION - 5% safe harbor - 5% annual profit share. Immediate vested, no match required!
  • Paid Time Off + More: 4 weeks starting PTO - 11 federal holidays + 2 floating holidays - Paid hours for company-required training.
  • Career Growth + Development: Access to FREE 24/7 learning via Udemy - Opportunities to participate in tech councils, industry initiatives, etc. - $7,500 annual Educational & Professional Development Assistance.
  • MORE BENEFITS...FOR EVERY LIFESTYLE! - Paid parental leave - Adoption assistance - Annual swag drops - Flexible work schedules - -Generous referral bonus program - Employee appreciation + family-friendly corporate events ...and much more.

ABOUT US
  • RealmOne is a mid-sized science and technology company dedicated to solving our customers' toughest mission challenges.
  • Headquartered in Columbia, MD., RealmOne supplies advanced cybersecurity, data science and software engineering services and products to customers in the Government and commercial sectors.
  • RealmOne delivers encompassing mission assurance and critical systems support to government customers across various U.S. locations to include Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
  • RealmOne has earned numerous awards, including being named a Top Workplace by the Baltimore Sun. With more than 30+ active contracts, 12 of which are prime, RealmOne stands as a premier innovator supporting the Government and Department of Defense, with team members located nationwide.

Disclaimer: Benefits packages offered by RealmOne are subject to variation and may differ based on work location, clearance level, and other eligibility criteria. Specific eligibility, availability, and scope of benefits are not guaranteed, may differ from those generally described, and remain subject to modification at the sole discretion of the company.

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