What to Expect: Cybersecurity Specialists

Cyberdefense 101

The world of military cybersecurity and defense is complex, crucial and filled with professional opportunities for those seeking a future in tech.

Why does military cybersecurity and defense matter?

Now, more than ever, cyberspace underpins almost all aspects of our everyday lives. Its connected nature enables the way we communicate, socialize, travel, work, bank and gain access to health care, energy, food and so much more. It also serves as the backbone for the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) and other connected military systems.

And while the internet has affected humanity in such a way that it’s often hard to imagine life without it, its universal presence has created a playground for dangerous cyber actors — many of whom serve foreign military and intelligence organizations.

The goals of malicious cyber actors may include:

Exploiting cyberspace to support their intelligence operations

Stealing intellectual property for their own gain

Promoting violent extremism

Impairing and disrupting democratic processes and elections

Coercing and intimidating perceived rivals

Funding illegal conduct across international borders

Military cyber forces defend critical infrastructure and defeat widespread threats to protect our way of life as we know it.

Cybersecurity Specialists: Many Minds, One Mission

Who defends cyberspace in the U.S. Military?

Thousands of service members from all six military branches ensure the nation’s security by training, planning and operating within the cyber domain. These highly skilled individuals use their expertise in cybersecurity, information technology, electronic warfare, information warfare, cryptology and intelligence to provide friendly forces with the freedom to act in cyberspace.

Explore the lives and careers of real cyberspecialists:

Cyber Warfare Operator, Army Reserve

Capt. Shaelyn Layton values part-time service as a cyberspecialist in the Army Reserve.

Read Her Story

Interested in being part of a team that’s on the cutting edge of technology?

Explore Careers & Training

How do cyberspecialists protect the cyber domain?

By its very nature, cyberdefense is a highly sensitive and secretive practice. Almost all information about specific techniques, technologies, activities and personnel is extremely confidential in order to protect U.S. capabilities, strategy, security and lives. However, in general terms, military cyberspecialists have several responsibilities, including the tasks below.

building and protecting

crucial cybersystems

defending

networks from cyberattacks

analyzing

the digital domain for useful intelligence

striking

adversaries with offensive capabilities when necessary

Want to try your hand at these technical tasks?

Play the Cyber Challenge

Where do cyberspecialists conduct their operations?

Like all service members, cyberspecialists can be assigned anywhere around the globe to conduct mission-critical operations. However, there are many military command centers in the U.S. where cyberspecialists may perform their duties.