Federal Agencies Where Cyber Security is In-Demand
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
- The Department of Defense
- The Department of Homeland Security
If you’re interested in computers, think beyond corporate information technology roles. Consider the federal government agencies that employ cyber security graduates. Cyber security specialists can find roles in many industries in the public sector. According to U.S. News & World Report, they are also in-demand at government entities like:
- the Department of Defense
- the Department of Homeland Security
- the FBI
1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation
If you have ever wanted to work as a special agent for the FBI, earning a degree in cyber security could be your chance. In fact, the FBI has a designated Cyber Division. Information technology roles with the FBI include:
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- Data Communications Systems Analyst
- Information Technology Project Manager
- Information Technology Specialist
- Software Engineer
- IT Specialist
- Computer Engineer
- Senior Data Level Scientist
Why is this federal government agency looking for cyber security graduates? As a government entity focused on national security, the FBI needs to be prepared to deal with cyber threats as well as physical acts of violence in the real world. The FBI responds to cyber threats by investigating cyber crime, gathering evidence and taking steps to fend off imminent threats
2. The Department of Defense
The US Department of Defense is another federal government agency seeking cyber security graduates. For the Department of Defense, there are three essential missions related to cyber security. These include:
- protecting the security Department’s networks and information
- working to thwart cyberattacks against the U.S.
- facilitating the cyber capabilities that support the operations of the United States military
The federal entity has developed and implemented a Department of Defense Cyber Strategy to achieve these goals. The Department of Defense hires IT professionals in many roles, such as:
- Cyber Support Senior Intelligence Officer
- Computer Scientist
- Computer Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Operations Research Analyst
- Information Security Specialist
- Intelligence Operations Specialist.
3. The Department of Homeland Security
Another federal government agency hiring cyber security graduates is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For cyber security roles at the DHS, some of the most in-demand skills include:
- software assurance
- intelligence and investigation
- cyber incident response
- digital forensics and forensics analysis
- vulnerability detection and assessment
- networks and systems engineering
- cyber risk and strategic analysis
Job titles of cyber crime roles with the Department of Homeland Security include:
- Information Technology Specialist
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Supervisory IT Specialist
- Management and Program Analyst
Of course, working for the federal government isn’t the right fit for everyone. There are plenty of private sector roles for cyber security professionals in industries such as:
- computer systems design
- finance and insurance
- information
- management and manufacturing
However, for computer-savvy students who feel a calling to serve their country, putting your IT skills to good use fending off threats like cyberterrorism can be rewarding. There are plenty of opportunities in these three federal government agencies for cyber security graduates.
Related Resources:
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30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security
What Will I Study in an Online Bachelor’s in Cyber Security Degree Program?