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Cyber Defense Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Citizenship - Active TS/SCI clearance - Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability - 2+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis ...

Citizenship - Active TS/SCI clearance - Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability - 5+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis ...

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Cyber Defense Analyst information

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$34K

$112.9K

$176K

How much do cyber defense analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense analyst 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 defense analyst?

A cyber defense analyst is a cybersecurity professional responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats and cyberattacks. They analyze security data, implement protective measures, and use tools like intrusion detection systems to safeguard an organization’s digital assets, often requiring certifications such as CISSP or CompTIA Security+.

What does a Cyber Defense Analyst do?

A Cyber Defense Analyst monitors, detects, and responds to cybersecurity threats to protect an organization’s networks and systems. They analyze security incidents, investigate vulnerabilities, and implement defense mechanisms to mitigate risks. Their role often includes using security tools, threat intelligence, and incident response procedures to defend against cyberattacks. They work closely with IT teams to ensure security policies and best practices are followed.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Cyber Defense Analysts typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Reaching a $500,000 annual salary usually requires advanced roles such as senior security executives, consultants, or specialists with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

Is SOC 1 entry level?

SOC 1 (Service Organization Control 1) reports are audit reports used by organizations to demonstrate controls over financial reporting; they are not job roles. In the context of a Cyber Defense Analyst, entry-level positions typically require foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, security tools, and possibly certifications like CompTIA Security+; SOC 1 reports are more relevant to auditors and compliance professionals than to individual analysts. Therefore, SOC 1 itself is not an entry-level job but a type of audit report used in compliance processes.

How much do cyber defense analysts make?

Cyber Defense Analysts typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $120,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the security environment they manage.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cyber Defense Analyst?

As a Cyber Defense Analyst, your daily tasks often include monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity, analyzing security alerts, and investigating potential incidents. You may respond to security breaches, document findings, and collaborate with IT teams to implement preventative measures or improvements. Regular activities also involve updating threat intelligence, testing security systems, and participating in team meetings to review ongoing risks and strategies. This role requires a proactive approach to staying ahead of emerging cyber threats, as well as effective collaboration with peers and other departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cyber Defense Analyst position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cyber Defense Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of cybersecurity principles, and experience with network security protocols, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools like SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS), and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH are highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications enable Cyber Defense Analysts to proactively identify, investigate, and mitigate cybersecurity threats, ensuring the safety of organizational data and infrastructure.

More about Cyber Defense Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Cyber Defense Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Cyber Defense Analyst job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cyber Defense Analyst jobs? The most popular types of Cyber Defense Analyst jobs are:
What states have the most Cyber Defense Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Cyber Defense Analyst jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,871 per year, or $54.3 per hour.
Cyber Network Defense Analyst II with Security Clearance

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II with Security Clearance

NewGen Technologies

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II Arlington, VA Our Partner provides remote and onsite advanced technical assistance, proactive hunting, rapid onsite incident response, and immediate investigation and resolution using host-based, network-based and cloud-based cybersecurity analysis capabilities. Team personnel provide front line response for digital forensics/incident response (DFIR) and proactively hunting for malicious cyber activity.  They are seeking Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA) to support this critical customer mission.   The CDNA uses information collected from a variety of sources to monitor network activity and analyze it for evidence of suspicious behavior. Monitoring and analysis are performed to identify and report events that occur, or might occur, within the network, in order to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.  Responsibilities * Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources * Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts * Document and escalate incidents (including event's history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment * Perform cyber defense trend analysis and reporting * Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources within the enterprise to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack * Provide daily summary reports of network events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices * Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of alerts * Provide timely detection, identification, and alerting of possible attacks/intrusions, anomalous activities, and misuse activities and distinguish these incidents and events from benign activities * Use cyber defense tools for continual monitoring and analysis of system activity to identify malicious activity * Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information * Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata * Validate intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using packet analysis tools * Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic * Reconstruct a malicious attack or activity based off network traffic * Identify network mapping and operating system (OS) fingerprinting activities * Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the network environment or enclave Requirements * US Citizenship * Active TS/SCI Clearance * Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability * BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 4+ years of network investigations experience * 2+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis using leading edge technologies and industry standard cyber defense tools  * Experience successfully developing and deploying signatures * Experience detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies (e.g., Snort) * Experience implementing incident handling methodologies * Experience implementing protocol analyzers * Experience collecting data from a variety of cyber defense resources * Experience reading and interpreting signatures (e.g. snort) * Experience performing packet-level analysis * Experience conducting trend analysis Desired Skills * Python programming experience * Strong math and science background * Experience with Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite * GSEC (SANS401), Arcsight (or other SEIM solution), Network+, Security+ * One or more of the following professional certifications: * GNFA * GCIH * GCIA * GSEC * CASP+ * CySA+ * PaLMS * FedVTE About Us For more than 20 years, NewGen Technologies has solved our clients’ toughest IT challenges with integrity, security, and outstanding service by delivering both technology and talent. We have helped secure borders, have used artificial intelligence (AI) to fight terror, aided the identification of criminals, and have helped to prevent crime through the introduction of biometrics. Our team of Highly Cleared Specialists have hard-to-find skills and expertise in a wide spectrum of technologies to provide solutions that transform business processes and solve problems of national significance. #CJ Apply Now More Openings * Host Based Systems Analyst II Arlington, VA * Cyber Threat Analyst II Arlington, VA * Expert Network Forensics Cybersecurity Analyst Arlington, VA * Sr. Network Based Systems Analyst Arlington, VA Share This Job