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Cyber Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cyber Defense Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Cyber Defense Analyst The Opportunity: As a cyber threat intel analyst, you know the key to detecting and deterring malicious activity is quality risk-based intel that maps to a tactical behavior. At ...

Cyber Defense Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Cyber Defense Analyst The Opportunity: As a cyber threat intel analyst, you know the key to detecting and deterring malicious activity is quality risk-based intel that maps to a tactical behavior. At ...

Cyber Defense Director

Temple, TX · Hybrid

$89K - $121K/yr

Drive the future of cyber defense at McLane. We're seeking a strategic, hands-on leader to own and scale our enterprise-wide cyber defense program across IT and Operational Technology (OT). You'll ...

Nisga'a Tek is seeking for a Defense Cyber Analyst at JBPHH, HI. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * The candidate is required to assist and execute on mission assurance strategies regarding ...

Nisga'a Tek is seeking for a Defense Cyber Analyst at JBPHH, HI. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * The candidate is required to assist and execute on mission assurance strategies regarding ...

Defense Cyber Analyst

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Nisga'a Tek is seeking for a Defense Cyber Analyst at JBPHH, HI. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * The candidate is required to assist and execute on mission assurance strategies regarding ...

Defense Cyber Analyst

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Nisga'a Tek is seeking for a Defense Cyber Analyst at JBPHH, HI. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * The candidate is required to assist and execute on mission assurance strategies regarding ...

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Cyber Defense information

See salary details

$29.5K

$122.1K

$197.5K

How much do cyber defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber defense in the United States is $122,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 threat analysis.

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

Professionals in Cyber Defense often face challenges such as rapidly evolving cyber threats, managing large volumes of security alerts, and ensuring timely incident response. Keeping up with new attack techniques requires continuous learning and regular training. To address these challenges, teams typically leverage advanced security tools, participate in threat intelligence sharing, and collaborate closely with IT and other business units. Maintaining effective communication and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are also crucial to staying ahead of cyber threats.

What is cyber defense?

Cyber defense refers to the strategies, technologies, and processes used to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks and unauthorized access. Professionals in this field work to detect, prevent, and respond to threats such as hacking, malware, and phishing. Cyber defense involves monitoring systems for vulnerabilities, implementing security protocols, and regularly updating defenses to stay ahead of evolving threats. It is a critical component of information security for businesses, governments, and individuals.

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

AspectCyber DefenseCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEHCompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentDefense teams, security operations centers (SOCs)Security teams, incident response units
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, military, large corporationsPrivate sector companies, consulting firms
Primary FocusProtecting networks from attacks, active defenseMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security threats

Cyber Defense and Cyber Security Analyst roles share many certifications and work environments, but Cyber Defense typically emphasizes active protection and threat mitigation within defense teams, while Cyber Security Analysts focus on monitoring and analyzing security incidents. Both are vital in safeguarding digital assets, often working together within security operations centers.

Can you make $200,000 in cyber security?

Cyber defense professionals can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially those with advanced skills, certifications like CISSP or CISM, and extensive experience in high-demand areas such as threat analysis or security architecture. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with senior roles often reaching or exceeding this level.

Is 40 too old for cyber security?

Cyber Defense professionals can enter the field at any age, as experience, problem-solving skills, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are often valued over age. Many individuals successfully transition into cybersecurity later in their careers, and continuous learning is essential regardless of age.

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

Cyber Defense professionals can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially at senior levels such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or in executive roles, often requiring extensive experience, advanced certifications like CISSP, and leadership skills. High salaries are typically found in large organizations or consulting firms and may involve managing complex security strategies or teams. Entry- and mid-level positions usually have lower salaries, with significant increases possible through specialization and experience.

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

To thrive in Cyber Defense, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, and relevant qualifications such as a degree in computer science or information security. Familiarity with security tools like SIEM systems, firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial to proactively identify vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and ensure the ongoing protection of organizational assets.
More about Cyber Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Cyber Defense jobs? Cities with the most Cyber Defense job openings:
What states have the most Cyber Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Cyber Defense jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cyber Defense job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,108 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Cyber Defense Analyst

Cyber Defense Analyst

Booz Allen Hamilton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

Cyber Defense Analyst

The Opportunity:
As a cyber threat intel analyst, you know the key to detecting and deterring malicious activity is quality risk-based intel that maps to a tactical behavior. At Booz Allen, you can apply your expertise to investigate the most pressing cyber threats impacting the Army. This is your chance to guide a team as they take on the adversary's perspective, identify their motivations, and recommend ways to harden systems, reduce their attack surface, and thwart malicious actors.
As a lead cyber defense analyst on our team, you'll oversee the collection, documentation, assessment, and analysis of raw cyber threat information to enrich intelligence. You'll conduct strategic assessments on systems and networks and provide tactical analyses and influential recommendations for network operation. You'll be the key to discovering and correlating timely threat intel and deciphering what represents a real risk, and you'll play a lead role in cybersecurity threat mitigation. You'll use SIEM tools and threat intelligence feeds to identify potential threats as well as use forensics, network vulnerability, and malware analysis to conduct technical and all-source analysis of cyber threats, vectors, and capabilities.


Cyber threats are evolving. Booz Allen is committed to creating an environment where you not only keep pace with the industry but propel it forward. With access to academic programs, certifications, and opportunities to use expert tradecraft, we'll continuously invest in you so you can create the career you want as you grow.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 8+ years of experience supporting cyber operations in incident response, threat tracking, detection engineering, offensive operations, or cybersecurity and information assurance

  • Experience with a query and analysis platform such as SIEM or EDR, or log analytics tools

  • Experience analyzing endpoint, network, and log data to identify malicious or anomalous behavior

  • TS/SCI clearance

  • Bachelor's degree

  • DoD 8140 compliant security Certification such as Security +, CASP+, CISSP, CySA, or GIAC Certification

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience working with OT networks such as industrial control systems (ICS) or SCADA environments

  • Experience working in ARNG, DA, or DoW, environments

  • Experience conducting proactive, hypothesis-driven threat hunts in enterprise or industrial environments

  • Experience mapping activity to frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK

  • Experience with the development of custom detection content, signatures, or behavioral analytics beyond out-of-the-box tooling

  • Experience with scripting or programming such as Python or PowerShell, to automate analysis or build custom tooling

  • Knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)

  • Ability to translate cyber threat intelligence into actionable hunt hypotheses, operational plans, and detection analytics

  • Ability to design, test, and iterate on data collection strategies in constrained or complex environments, and clearly document findings and brief technical and non-technical audiences

  • Possession of strong written and verbal communication skills

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914