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Windows Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$97K - $189K/yr

Coordinates escalation for advanced forensics and malware reverse engineering. * Communicates security incidents clearly to business and non-technical stakeholders. May perform additional duties as ...

Threat Hunter

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $189K/yr

Coordinates escalation for advanced forensics and malware reverse engineering. * Communicates security incidents clearly to business and non-technical stakeholders. May perform additional duties as ...

Cybersecurity Engineer

Highland, IL · On-site

$96K - $113K/yr

Description The Cybersecurity Engineer will focus on crafting comprehensive cybersecurity policies ... malware events, administering and maintaining Microsoft Active Directory and Windows Servers, and ...

Custom malware detection development experience. * Advance understanding of TCP/IP, networking ... Experience in Linux and Windows-based systems administration in a cloud or virtualized environment.

Familiar with development in either Windows, Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems * Software ... Experience with reverse engineering of binary applications, protocols and formats * Experience ...

Familiar with development in either Windows, Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems * Software ... Experience with reverse engineering of binary applications, protocols and formats * Experience ...

Remediate compromised accounts via anti-virus/malware software * Support various email systems ... Working knowledge of Windows Servers and Networking hardware protocols * Strong documentation ...

Service Desk Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$56K - $92K/yr

Remediate compromised accounts via anti-virus/malware software * Support various email systems ... Working knowledge of Windows Servers and Networking hardware protocols * Strong documentation ...

Service Desk Engineer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$56K - $92K/yr

Remediate compromised accounts via anti-virus/malware software * Support various email systems ... Working knowledge of Windows Servers and Networking hardware protocols * Strong documentation ...

Service Desk Engineer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$56K - $92K/yr

Remediate compromised accounts via anti-virus/malware software * Support various email systems ... Working knowledge of Windows Servers and Networking hardware protocols * Strong documentation ...

... malware systems, IDS/IPS * Configure, maintain, and administer security products and solutions used ... logs, Windows server logs, and network monitoring systems * Provide consultation and conduct ...

... malware systems, IDS/IPS * Configure, maintain, and administer security products and solutions used ... logs, Windows server logs, and network monitoring systems * Provide consultation and conduct ...

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Windows Malware Reverse Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer, you need strong knowledge of Windows internals, assembly programming, and malware analysis techniques, usually backed by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Proficiency with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and familiarity with common malware frameworks and relevant certifications such as GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for unraveling complex threats. These competencies are crucial for identifying, understanding, and mitigating advanced malware threats that target Windows environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Windows Malware Reverse Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Windows Malware Reverse Engineers often face challenges such as dealing with heavily obfuscated code, rapidly evolving malware techniques, and anti-analysis mechanisms designed to thwart reverse engineering efforts. These challenges require staying up-to-date with the latest tools, regularly practicing with new malware samples, and collaborating with peers to share insights. Building a strong foundation in Windows internals, assembly language, and using debuggers or disassemblers like IDA Pro or Ghidra can help overcome these obstacles and improve overall analysis efficiency.

What does a Windows Malware Reverse Engineer do?

A Windows Malware Reverse Engineer analyzes malicious software designed to target Windows operating systems. Their primary tasks include dissecting malware to understand how it works, identifying its behavior and purpose, and determining how it infects systems. They use specialized tools and techniques such as disassemblers, debuggers, and virtual environments to safely analyze and decode malware. The insights gained help develop detection methods, improve cybersecurity defenses, and assist in incident response.

What is the difference between Windows Malware Reverse Engineer vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectWindows Malware Reverse EngineerCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsKnowledge of reverse engineering, malware analysis, programming skills, certifications like GREM or GREMSecurity certifications like CISSP, CEH, or Security+; broader cybersecurity knowledge
Work EnvironmentSpecialized labs, malware analysis environments, often in security firms or R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT teams, or government agencies
Industry UsagePrimarily in cybersecurity, malware research, threat intelligenceAcross industries for threat detection, incident response, and security policy enforcement

While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, Windows Malware Reverse Engineers focus on dissecting malicious software to understand its mechanics, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and respond to security threats across organizations. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What job categories do people searching Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Windows Malware Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Windows Malware Reverse Engineer job openings:
Threat Hunter

Threat Hunter

Cna

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$97K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there.At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

Threat Hunter, Consulting Director is a senior-level individual contributor focused on proactively searching adversarial activity in the network with the goal of discovering threats prior to an adversary completing its mission. This role utilizes advanced skills to perform enterprise forensics including operating system artifact analysis, log analysis, network traffic analysis, and the MITRE ATT&CK framework. This position is responsible for developing innovative and creative detection tactics and techniques that protect client data and corporate assets from diverse threats. The role is a key member of a highly technical team operating in a rapidly changing environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

  • Leads and conducts real-time and historical analysis using the full security suite including Endpoint Protection, SIEM, Firewall, EDR, IDS, Email Gateway, Web Content Filtering, and Identity Management technologies.

  • Conducts incident response triage analysis on suspected hosts todeterminepotential attacks and scope.

  • Conducts threat hunting operations based on the latest threat intelligence.

  • Creates strategies for enterprise-wide hunts based on triage findings and intelligence efforts.

  • Maintains awareness of emerging attack tactics, techniques, and procedures.

  • Collaborates with SOC, Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, and Enterprise Security teams.

  • Identifiesvisibility gaps and recommends improvements.

  • Manages day-to-day SOC monitoring, investigations, response, and intelligence activities.

  • Coordinates escalation for advanced forensics and malware reverse engineering.

  • Communicates security incidents clearly to business and non-technical stakeholders.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Typically AVP or above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • In-depth knowledge of SIEM, IDS/IPS, web proxies, DLP, CASB, DNS security, DDoS protection, and firewalls.

  • Advanced experience with forensic tools for OS artifact, memory, and network analysis.

  • Strong understanding of malware, reverse engineering principles, and network protocols.

  • Demonstrated ability to build, execute, and lead enterprise threat hunting programs.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in high-pressure incident response environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques to threat hunting, including use of LLMs, UEBA, and statistical models to surface anomalous behavior, enrich low-signal telemetry, and accelerate hypothesis-driven hunts across large enterprise datasets.

  • Experience evaluating, tuning, and operationalizing AI-enabled security capabilities (e.g., AI-assisted SIEM, EDR/XDR, and detection engineering workflows), with an understanding of model limitations, bias, false-positive risk, and the need for analytically defensible outcomes suitable for executive, legal, and regulatory review.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Scienceor related discipline, or equivalent experience.

  • Typicallya minimum of 10years of experience in cyber monitoring, threat hunting, incident response, forensics, or related disciplines.

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In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually.Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visitcnabenefits.com.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contactleaveadministration@cna.com.