Jobloria
Network Based Systems Analyst
Base-One Inc
Location : Fairfax, VA, 22030
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
The CDNA uses information collected from a variety of sources to monitor network activity and analyze it for evidence of suspicious behavior. Monitoring and analysis are performed to identify and report events that occur, or might occur, within the network, in order to protect information, information systems, and networks from threats.
Responsibilities:
o Characterize and analyze network traffic to identify anomalous activity and potential threats to network resources
o Coordinate with enterprise-wide cyber defense staff to validate network alerts
o Document and escalate incidents (including event's history, status, and potential impact for further action) that may cause ongoing and immediate impact to the environment
o Perform cyber defense trend analysis and reporting
o Perform event correlation using information gathered from a variety of sources within the enterprise to gain situational awareness and determine the effectiveness of an observed attack
o Provide daily summary reports of network events and activity relevant to cyber defense practices
o Receive and analyze network alerts from various sources within the enterprise and determine possible causes of alerts
o Provide timely detection, identification, and alerting of possible attacks/intrusions, anomalous activities, and misuse activities and distinguish these incidents and events from benign activities
o Use cyber defense tools for continual monitoring and analysis of system activity to identify malicious activity
o Analyze identified malicious activity to determine weaknesses exploited, exploitation methods, effects on system and information
o Identify and analyze anomalies in network traffic using metadata
o Validate intrusion detection system (IDS) alerts against network traffic using packet analysis tools
o Identify applications and operating systems of a network device based on network traffic
o Reconstruct a malicious attack or activity based off network traffic
o Identify network mapping and operating system (OS) fingerprinting activities
o Assist in the construction of signatures which can be implemented on cyber defense network tools in response to new or observed threats within the network environment or enclave
Required Skills/Clearances:
o U.S. Citizenship
o Active TS/SCI clearance
o Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability
o 2+ years of direct relevant experience in cyber defense analysis using leading edge technologies and industry standard cyber defense tools
o Experience successfully developing and deploying signatures
o Experience detecting host and network-based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies (e.g., Snort)
o Experience implementing incident handling methodologies
o Experience implementing protocol analyzers
o Experience collecting data from a variety of cyber defense resources
o Experience reading and interpreting signatures (e.g. snort)
o Experience performing packet-level analysis
o Experience conducting trend analysis
Desired Skills:
o Python programming experience
o Strong math and science background
o Experience with Carnegie Mellon SiLK tool suite
Required Education:
BS Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 4+ years of network investigations experience.
Desired Certifications:
· One or more of the following professional certifications: GNFA, GCIH, GCIA, GSEC, CASP+, CySA+, PaLMS, FedVTE
· GSEC (SANS401), Arcsight (or other SEIM solution), Network+, Security+
Freqently Asked Questions
Professionals in Fairfax leverage advanced cyber defense tools to analyze network traffic patterns, identify anomalies, and escalate incidents swiftly. This role demands constant vigilance for suspicious activity, combining packet analysis with signature development to protect enterprise systems from evolving cyber threats.
This analyst focuses on deep packet-level analysis, signature creation, and correlating multi-source cyber data, surpassing typical network monitoring. Expertise with intrusion detection systems like Snort and trend analysis sets them apart, requiring a blend of cybersecurity knowledge and network engineering.
Growth often leads to senior cyber defense roles, cybersecurity architect positions, or specialized threat intelligence analysts. Gaining certifications like GCIH or GSEC and mastering advanced tools enhances prospects, particularly within government or defense sectors common around Fairfax.
Active TS/SCI clearance is critical locally due to proximity to federal agencies. Additional certifications such as GSEC or Cybersecurity+ are highly valued, reflecting regional demand for cleared professionals skilled in rigorous cyber defense protocols.
Fairfax's traffic congestion can lengthen commutes, prompting many to seek telework or flexible hours. However, due to sensitive clearance requirements at companies like Base-One Inc, on-site presence remains typical, balancing security protocols with occasional remote capabilities.
Northern Virginia hosts a dense cluster of government contractors and tech firms, making competition steep. Candidates with up-to-date security clearances, strong packet analysis experience, and recognized certifications have a clear edge in this talent-rich market.
Base-One Inc emphasizes integrated cyber defense collaboration and robust incident documentation, offering analysts exposure to enterprise-wide threat validation. Their focus on signature development and trend reporting provides a dynamic environment for growth and skill refinement.
The company prioritizes adaptive signature creation and real-time event correlation to preempt attacks. Analysts engage with cutting-edge tools and cross-department coordination, ensuring flexible responses to new vulnerabilities and enhancing overall network resilience.
Salaries typically range between $85,000 and $115,000 annually, reflecting Fairfax’s high cost of living and demand for cleared cyber defense specialists. Compensation varies with experience, certifications, and mastery of network security tools.
Daily tasks include analyzing network traffic for suspicious patterns, validating alerts with cyber defense teams, documenting incidents thoroughly, and producing summary reports. Continuous monitoring and signature updates are essential to maintaining network integrity.
Richmond, VAPopular Searches for Network Based Systems Analyst