With its claim that North Korea orchestrated the hack-attack on Sony Pictures under fire, the FBI has opened a campaign to hire “Cyber Special Agents” to focus on the growing international threat of Internet crime on government and business computers.
“The FBI seeks highly talented, technically trained individuals who are motivated by the FBI’s mission to protect our nation and the American people from the rapidly evolving cyber threat,” said Robert Anderson, Jr., executive assistant director for the Bureau’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch.
In a statement posted Monday, he added, “What we want are people who are going to come and be part of a team that is working different very complex types of investigations and to utilize their skillsets in that team environment.”
The job pays $59,340 to $76,568 a year.
Cybercrime has vaulted into the top issues U.S. security agencies are dealing with. The FBI recently blamed North Korea for the cyberattack of Sony Pictures, though those claims have come under fire recently.
The FBI jobs announcement said that the new hires will track and identify cyber criminals, and having a little background in hacking won’t kill any applicant’s chances.
“Preferred backgrounds include computer programming and security, database administration, malware analysis, digital forensics, and even ethical hacking,” said the agency.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].