Hire a Top Network Security Analyst in D.C.

Hire a Top Network Security Analyst in D.C.Hire a Top Network Security Analyst in D.C.Over the last few years, Washington has quietly become one of the top markets in the country for the technology industry. While this is great news for highly skilled candidates, such a booming market means employers in the D.C. area need faster, more efficient hiring - and competitive compensation packages to put themselves in the running for those candidates.Thriving startups, federal contracting and tax incentives for high-tech companies fuel the areas flourishing technology scene, making it home to a multitude of organizations vying for the fruchtwein experienced tech professionals the region has to offer.The city, which ranked third overall for career prospects in the Career City Index, has seen a jump in the number of tech workers thanks in part to graduates from institutions like Georgetown and George Washington universities entering the workforce. But demand remains high.With this kind of jo b growth and the tech industrys foothold in the D.C. area continually growing, opportunities for IT professionals are on the rise. Network security analyst is one position thats gaining demand - which means the competition for top talent is getting even more intense.Network security analyst salarySalaries in Washington are trending 33 percent above the national average, driven partly by the citys high cost of living. Additionally, job seekers in the IT field with in-demand skills may field multiple offers and expect even higher compensation. To stay competitive, hiring managers must keep up with the citys and industrys salary trends.Currently, the midpoint salary for a network security analyst in Washington, D.C. is $160,930. Candidates working for large organizations or who have advanced skills and specializations - such as experience with the Host Based Security System (HBSS), penetration testing or malware hunting - can earn salaries as high as $228,095. Candidates who possess a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation will also expect a higher-than-average salary.GET THE 2018 SALARY GUIDEWhat to look for in a candidateA network security analyst is charged with performing system audits and reviews to look for vulnerabilities. They also develop security policies and create recommendations for improving network security. At a minimum, candidates should have extensive knowledge of computer and network systems, including firewalls, encryption and network protocols.Look for the following in your top applicantsA bachelors degree in a technical field or equivalent work experience in a technical professionAt least three years of experience in information securityA minimum of three years of experience in building and managing Windows and Linux platformsExperience with security scanners (SecurityCenter, WebInspect, DbProtect, AppScanner)Ability to perform technical audits and identify unusual files and dataKnowledge of hacking techni ques used to penetrate networksStrong analytical skillsAbility to communicate complex technical information to nontechnical colleaguesFor certain roles, especially those with the federal government, Department of Defense (DoD) clearance may be required, along with familiarity with DoD systems. Some employers insist on HBSS certification.Speed is a factorPerhaps the biggest challenge facing hiring managers in the D.C. area is staffing open positions quickly enough. As the demand for network security analysts grows, its elend uncommon for employers to compete for the same people.In such an active hiring landscape, managers need to accelerate the hiring process to land top talent before theyre off the market. Slogging through an unnecessarily long hiring process or hesitating on a highly skilled applicant because they dont check every single box on the wish list only increases the risk of the best candidates getting hired by a competitor.Start your search nowNeed help with your talent search? Take a look at our Washington, D.C. network security analyst candidates.