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Cyber Defense Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

Cyber Intelligence Analyst III

Washington, DC · On-site

This role is responsible for producing and managing cyber threat intelligence, supporting intelligence-driven cyber defense operations, and providing analysis and reporting to support threat ...

SOSi

Cyber Intelligence Analyst III

Washington, DC · On-site

This role is responsible for producing and managing cyber threat intelligence, supporting intelligence-driven cyber defense operations, and providing analysis and reporting to support threat ...

SOSi

Cyber Intelligence Analyst III

Washington, DC

This role is responsible for producing and managing cyber threat intelligence, supporting intelligence-driven cyber defense operations, and providing analysis and reporting to support threat ...

Mizuho Financial Group

Cyber Defense

New York, NY · Hybrid

$325K - $350K/yr

Managing Director, Cyber Defense - Mizuho Americas The Managing Director, Cyber Defense, is a ... Lead operational teams to maintain a proactive security posture. Leverage AI to deliver

Nightwing

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Nwis

Cyber Network Defense Analyst II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Nightwing

Cyber Network Defense Analyst III

Sterling, VA · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

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Cyber Defense Operations information

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$20.5K

$56.2K

$136K

How much do cyber defense operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense operations in the United States is $56,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Cyber Defense Operations professionals can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles such as security directors or chief information security officers. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills, and working in large organizations or high-demand sectors. Entry-level or mid-tier roles typically have lower compensation levels.

What is the difference between Cyber Defense Operations vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Defense OperationsCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentSecurity operations centers, incident response teamsRisk assessment, vulnerability analysis, monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large corporations, defense contractorsIT firms, financial institutions, healthcare providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Cyber Defense Operations and Cyber Security Analysts both focus on protecting information systems, often sharing certifications and working in similar environments. However, Cyber Defense Operations typically involve active monitoring, incident response, and managing security tools, while Cyber Security Analysts focus more on analyzing vulnerabilities, assessing risks, and developing security strategies. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or role within cybersecurity teams.

What are Cyber Defense Operations?

Cyber Defense Operations refer to the processes and activities carried out by organizations to protect their digital assets from cyber threats. This includes monitoring networks for suspicious activity, responding to security incidents, implementing protective measures, and continuously improving security posture. The goal of cyber defense operations is to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks in real-time, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems.

What is a cyber defense operations job description?

A cyber defense operations job involves monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats to protect an organization’s information systems. It includes tasks such as threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and using tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Professionals in this role often require knowledge of network security, scripting, and relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Cyber Defense Operations, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Cyber Defense Operations often face the challenge of rapidly evolving threats and the need to stay ahead of sophisticated cyber attackers. Managing high volumes of security alerts, prioritizing incidents, and maintaining effective communication across IT and security teams can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, continuous learning, leveraging automation tools, and fostering a collaborative environment with clear incident response protocols are essential. Regular training, strong teamwork, and proactive threat intelligence integration help ensure effective defense and career growth.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role can be entry level, especially for positions requiring basic knowledge of cybersecurity tools and monitoring. However, many SOC roles prefer candidates with some experience, certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, and familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) systems. Advancement often involves gaining experience and additional certifications in cybersecurity.

How much does a cyber defense operator make?

A cyber defense operator typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand environments with specialized skills in security tools and incident response.

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

To excel in Cyber Defense Operations, you need a strong grasp of network security, threat analysis, and incident response, typically supported by a degree in cybersecurity or information technology. Familiarity with tools such as SIEM platforms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and certifications like CISSP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for detecting and responding to cyber threats. These competencies are essential for safeguarding organizational assets and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to evolving cybersecurity risks.
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Cyber Defense Operations jobs near you

Cyber Defense Analyst 2 with Security Clearance

The Swift Group

Annapolis Junction, MD

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

For the OPS Consulting team, 'the power to help' means helping our clients, helping serve the mission, helping our employees and their families, and helping the community. Headquartered in Hanover, MD. OPS Consulting has over two decades of experience specializing in the most mission-critical operations. We are thought leaders and innovators. The ingenuity of our developers, engineers, cyber experts, linguists, and analysts are dedicated to empowering our clients, fulfilling The Mission, and remaining trusted leaders and advisers in national security and technology solutions. We are looking for a Cyber Defense Analyst 2 to join a growing team in Annapolis Junction, MD. The Cyber Defense Analyst (Level 2) performs advanced network monitoring, threat analysis, and intrusion detection in support of enterprise defense operations. Responsibilities: * Perform advanced manual threat hunting
  • Conduct PCAP and packet-level analysis
  • Perform network traffic, protocol, and netflow analysis
  • Analyze malicious activity and identify exploited weaknesses
  • Correlate enterprise security events for situational awareness
  • Understand IDS/IPS tuning and Snort filters
  • Identify Command and Control (C2) indicators
Detect host- and network-based intrusions Requirements: Four (4) years of demonstrated experience as a Cyber Defense Analyst in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. A technical bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of CDA experience.
  • 1 year TCP/IP fundamentals
  • 1 year experience with network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)
  • 2 years SIEM experience (e.g., Splunk, ArcSight, Kibana)
  • 2 years network and threat analysis experience
  • Splunk "Fundamentals I" course completion
  • DoD 8570 CSSP Analyst baseline certification
  • DoD 8570 IAT Level I or II
  • CE certification
  • 2 years maintaining or managing cloud environments (Azure, AWS)
  • US citizenship and an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance required

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