6 FBI Cybersecurity Jobs and How to Get One

A lack of talent could pose serious cybersecurity risks in the future, which is one of many reasons that those with the skills and expertise needed to work as cybersecurity professionals remain in demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts it will grow 32 percent in the decade leading up to 2032, a rate much faster than other jobs and industries [1]. Reasons for this explosion in the field include a general increase in cybercrimes, more access to the cloud, an increased use of technology, outdated technology, and more people working remotely.

Another reason the need for cybersecurity professionals continues growing is the increased attention to these changes and the threats they create, which leads state and federal governments to create more laws and make more concerted efforts to protect digital information. As you might imagine, that means creating more jobs for law enforcement agencies like the FBI.

The agency has trained “cyber squads” working at all its field offices. According to the FBI's website, "Our technology careers are the backbone of many key functions relating to security, system capabilities, and the investigative work at the FBI. Technology professionals keep the nation's computer networks and systems safe, defeat malware attacks, investigate major computer intrusions, and root out international espionage."

You can combine a federal government job with your passion for cybersecurity with one of the following FBI cybersecurity jobs. Keep reading to discover details such as how much these professionals make, what they do, and how you can become one.

6 FBI cybersecurity jobs to consider

With the increase in cybercrimes worldwide, the need for technology-minded professionals who can help fight these crimes in the public and private sectors also increases. The FBI is looking for individuals who can apply their computer technology, cybersecurity, electronic surveillance, encryption, and forensic science knowledge to safeguard information across the globe.

If this interests you, you may want to consider one of the following six FBI cybersecurity jobs.

1. Special agent

Median salary: $132,000 [2]

What they do: Special agents often come to mind when many people think of FBI jobs. These are FBI employees who fight all types of crime and acts of terrorism, including cyber threats and crimes. Some of your duties might include tracking a criminal's online activity, investigating potential cyber instructions, testifying in court, or addressing a public forum.

Requirements: To become a special agent, the FBI requires a bachelor's degree and two years of work experience or an advanced degree with a minimum of one year of work experience. To work specifically in cybersecurity, you should pursue a degree in an area of study such as information systems security, computer science, data science, or engineering, is ideal. You’ll also need a solid skill set, including the ability to communicate with technical and non-technical people, which is also essential. You must also meet the FBI's eligibility requirements for special agents, including age and physical fitness requirements.

2. Security specialist

Median salary: $82,000 [3]

What they do: As a security specialist, you'll work alongside special agents to defend national security, particularly when monitoring your colleagues. Some of your duties might include performing background checks on people or collecting requirements for security clearances. You'll also work to ensure that those already employed with the FBI have the nation's best interest in mind when they do their jobs.  

Requirements: Security specialists must possess organizational and creative thinking skills. Security careers typically require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and some professional experience with the data analysis process, including data collection.

3. IT specialist

Median salary: $94,000 [4]

What they do: As an IT specialist, you'll support the computers and other technology required to keep the FBI running. Jobs are typically available at all FBI field offices, headquarters, and regional and temporary locations. Some of your duties might include troubleshooting technology problems, protecting critical data, testing or implementing new equipment and software, maintaining inventory, and upgrading and testing new systems. 

Requirements: IT specialists generally need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems. Pursuing certifications, like CompTIA A+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional from (ISC)2, can also help you sharpen your skills and gain knowledge to stand out as a job candidate. IT specialists also need human skills like time management, attention to detail, and analytical thinking.

4. Digital forensic examiner 

Median salary:  $113,000 [5]

What they do: As a digital forensic examiner, you'll use software and other tools and advanced technology to analyze and preserve digital evidence from FBI investigations. You may also collect evidence from crime scenes. That evidence could include data from mobile devices, security cameras, drones, computers, digital cameras, and other pieces of technology. Upon making discoveries, you might have to testify about them or provide written reports.

Requirements: To become a digital forensic examiner, you must meet many FBI eligibility requirements, including being a US citizen and complying with the agency's drug policy. You’ll also need a valid driver's license and Top Secret security clearance. From an education standpoint, you’ll need a bachelor's degree with at least 24 credit hours in a subject area like computer science, math, engineering, digital forensics, or information technology. Four years of full-time work in digital forensics or a combination of education, work experience, and professional certificates may also help you qualify.  

5. Management and program analyst 

Median salary: $100,000 [6] 

What they do: Many government agencies, including the FBI, combine these two roles, paving the way for the management and program analyst positions. In this job, you'll ensure all programs and functions within your scope are performed effectively and efficiently, including technological systems. You will play a role in making sure the FBI achieves its cybersecurity goals. Your duties might include analyzing the effectiveness of certain operations, advising management on issues like automation or staff distribution, and researching new and improved business practices.

Requirements: Anyone who wants to be a management program analyst can benefit from a background in data analytics, data mining, and project management, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. You'll also typically need a bachelor's degree and some work experience.

6. Intelligence analyst

Median salary: $94,000 [7]

What they do: Intelligence analysts can work in many departments across the FBI, including cybersecurity. You'll work with agents and other professionals in this position to identify and mitigate threats. Depending on your specific role as an intelligence analyst, you might work in areas like threat analysis, collection management, domain analysis, targeting analysis, or as a reports officer.

Requirements: To become an intelligence analyst with the FBI, you must be a US citizen, hold a valid driver's license, and obtain a top secret clearance. Education and experience requirements vary depending on each position’s specifications.

How to start a career with the FBI 

Each FBI cybersecurity job has its unique requirements. However, the agency states that technical job applicants, including those applying for cybersecurity jobs, typically need to meet specific requirements. One of these requirements is having a four-year or advanced degree in one of the following areas or a similar field of study: computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management. Sometimes, a combination of specific coursework and job experience can substitute for a bachelor's degree.

Follow FBI eligibility guidelines 

In addition to meeting specific job requirements, you must meet FBI eligibility requirements to get a job with the agency. Two of the requirements deemed "most critical" involve drug use. They include that you have not used any marijuana or cannabis of any form within the year before your application and that you have not used any illegal drugs within the 10 years before your application. That includes selling, manufacturing, transporting, or distributing illicit drugs [8].

Other FBI-specific requirements include [8]:

• You must be a citizen of the US

• You must be up-to-date on filing all federal, state, and local taxes

• You must pass a urinalysis and background check and have no prior felonies

• You must be up-to-date on paying your student loans and all court-ordered child support payments

• You have had no previous engagement with organizations designed to overthrow the US government

• With few exceptions, males must sign up with the Selective Service System

If you decide to pursue a job as a special agent, you must meet additional requirements. These include [9]:

• Being 23 years or older and applying before your 36th birthday (with few exceptions)

• Having a valid driver's license

• Having a bachelor's degree with two years of work experience or an advanced degree with one year of work experience

• Meeting specific physical fitness requirements

• Having the ability to meet Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance

Getting started with Coursera

The FBI works hard to remain up-to-date on all cybersecurity issues, both current and emerging. Given the rapid growth in the need for cybersecurity professionals, this could be an excellent opportunity if you have the skills and can meet the requirements. Prepare for any career in cybersecurity by taking online courses to sharpen your skills and remain current on the cybersecurity landscape.

For example, consider checking out Cybersecurity for Everyone, offered by the University of Maryland; Foundations of Cybersecurity, provided by Google; and Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks, from IBM. You’ll find these courses and more on Coursera.