1

Cyber Network Defender Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Network Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Certified Network Defender (CND): A certification focused on network security. Salary & Benefits ...

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Certified Network Defender (CND): A certification focused on network security. Salary & Benefits ...

Senior CND Engineer

Springfield, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a skilled and motivated  Cyber Network Defense (CND ... GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED) * GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) * GIAC ...

Senior CND Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a skilled and motivated Cyber Network Defense (CND ... GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED) * GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) * GIAC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cyber Network Defender information

See Virginia salary details

$29.2K

$121.1K

$195.8K

How much do cyber network defender jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber network defender in Virginia is $121,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,600.00 and $148,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cyber network defender do?

A cyber network defender protects computer networks and systems from cyber threats and attacks by monitoring network traffic, analyzing security alerts, and implementing security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. They often use tools like security information and event management (SIEM) systems and may hold certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. Their work involves continuous vigilance to prevent data breaches and ensure network integrity.

How much does a cyber network defender make?

A cyber network defender's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but the median annual salary in the United States is around $85,000. Entry-level positions typically start at approximately $60,000, while experienced professionals with certifications like CISSP or CEH can earn over $100,000 annually.

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

Cyber Network Defenders typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 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. High earnings in cybersecurity often involve a combination of specialized skills, certifications like CISSP or CISM, and working in high-demand industries or senior management positions.

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

To thrive as a Cyber Network Defender, you need a strong understanding of network security principles, threat analysis, and incident response, often backed by a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Experience with intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), firewalls, SIEM tools, and certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with IT teams and conveying security risks clearly. These abilities are critical to proactively safeguard organizational networks, rapidly respond to threats, and maintain robust cybersecurity defenses.

Is SOC an entry level job?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst role is often considered an entry-level position in cybersecurity, especially for those with foundational knowledge of networking, security tools, and incident response. However, some SOC roles require prior experience or certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA, and responsibilities can vary depending on the organization.

What is a Cyber Network Defender job?

A Cyber Network Defender is responsible for protecting military and government networks from cyber threats. They monitor network activity, analyze security risks, and respond to cyber incidents to prevent breaches. Their duties include threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and implementing defensive measures to strengthen network security. This role requires knowledge of cybersecurity tools, protocols, and incident response procedures. Typically, Cyber Network Defenders work in military or government settings to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of critical systems.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Cyber Network Defender?

As a Cyber Network Defender, your daily responsibilities often involve monitoring network activity, analyzing security logs, and investigating potential threats or vulnerabilities. You may perform regular system audits, update security protocols, and respond to real-time incidents to prevent or mitigate cyberattacks. Collaboration is common, as you will frequently work alongside systems administrators, IT staff, and other security professionals to ensure the organization's digital assets are protected. Staying current with emerging threats and updating defense strategies is also an important part of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Network Defender jobs in Virginia? For Cyber Network Defender jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Network Defender jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Network Defender jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Cyber Network Defender job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,061 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Host Based Cyber Systems Analyst IV

Host Based Cyber Systems Analyst IV

Argo Cyber Systems

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Argo Cyber Systems 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. We are seeking Cyber Network Defense Analysts (CNDA) with Cloud Forensics experience to support this critical customer mission.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct forensic acquisition and analysis from on-premises and cloud platforms (Entra ID/Azure AD, M365, AWS, GCP, SaaS) to identify compromise activity, persistence mechanisms, and data exfiltration.
- Investigate and respond to incidents and attacks targeting cloud and hybrid identity.
- Correlate cloud control-plane events and network telemetry (e.g., Azure Activity Logs, AWS CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs) to reconstruct attacker timelines, validate IOCs, and identify post-compromise privilege escalation.
- Develop and operationalize detection logic and automation using cloud-native tools (Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, AWS GuardDuty, GCP Chronicle) and scripting (PowerShell, Python, Bash), integrating threat intelligence feeds and indicators.
- Produce technical reports, incident documentation, and containment recommendations integrating cloud, identity, and endpoint findings; support development of incident response playbooks and procedures for cloud and hybrid environments.
- Support cloud development and automation projects to enhance threat emulation, investigative, and hunting capabilities.
- Coordinate with internal teams, government staff, and external stakeholders to validate alerts and investigate preliminary findings.
Required Skills:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
- 8+ years of experience in cyber forensic investigations with leading tools and techniques.
- Strong understanding of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS in cloud environments, and hybrid identity security.
- Expertise in acquiring forensically sound evidence, analyzing attacks, and reporting findings.
- Knowledge of M365/Azure, hybrid identity, and threats targeting these solutions.
- Knowledge of AWS, IAM, and best practices for cloud identity security.
Desired Skills:
- Strong API and scripting skills (PowerShell, Python, Bash, JavaScript) for automation and threat detection.
- Knowledge of common and advanced cloud attacks and techniques, and how to detect and mitigate these threats.
- Proficiency with cloud automation and orchestration tools (Terraform, Kubernetes, CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager, Docker).
This position requires a minimum of a USG Top Secret Security Clearance!
Argo Cyber is an Equal Opportunity Employer.