Malware Analyst and Reporter - job 1 of 2

As a Malware Analyst and Reporter at Booz Allen, your primary responsibilities include evaluating and analyzing malicious code using various tools, documenting your findings in technical reports, and staying ahead of emerging threats through research. You'll also be expected to reverse engineer binaries while providing detailed analyses on malware capabilities and recommended mitigation strategies.

To qualify for the Malware Analyst and Reporter position at Booz Allen, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree accompanied by two or more years of relevant experience in malware analysis and reporting. Alternatively, over six years of experience in the field can suffice in lieu of a degree. A TS/SCI clearance is also required.

In your role at Booz Allen, you will utilize a range of industry-standard tools for malware analysis, including disassemblers, debuggers, hex editors, and virtual machines. You'll also use network sniffers to analyze traffic, helping to identify and mitigate malware threats effectively.

Compensation for the Malware Analyst and Reporter position at Booz Allen is determined by multiple factors including geographic location and individual qualifications. The annualized salary typically ranges between $84,600 and $193,000, taking into account the candidate's education, experience, and the specific contract requirements.

Yes, Booz Allen adopts a people-first culture that emphasizes flexibility in work arrangements. Depending on the specific role, the Malware Analyst and Reporter position may allow for remote or hybrid work options, enabling you to collaborate with colleagues and clients both in-person and virtually.

When answering this question, explain your methodology for reverse engineering, highlighting your familiarity with both static and dynamic analysis tools. Discuss how you use them to unwind complex behaviors of malware and how you document your findings to inform mitigation strategies.

In your answer, outline the standard taxonomy and methodologies you employ to classify malware. Share your experiences in identifying characteristics specific to certain malware families and how that knowledge aids in developing effective responses.

Describe your approach to technical writing, emphasizing clarity and precision. Mention the importance of structuring reports logically, using visuals when helpful, and tailoring your audience to ensure that even non-technical stakeholders can understand the implications of your findings.

Here, discuss your familiarity with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac, and your experiences in analyzing malware that targets these platforms. Explain how knowledge of OS behaviors helps you identify potential exploits.

In your response, highlight specific instances where you've engaged in shellcode analysis. Explain the tools you used and the type of challenges you faced when decoding malicious shellcode and how you overcame them.

Discuss your strategies for staying current on cybersecurity trends, such as participating in online forums, attending industry conferences, and engaging in continuous education. Mention any specific resources or communities you trust.

Share a specific example, detailing the nature of the malware, the analysis techniques you employed, and any obstacles encountered. Emphasize the lessons learned and how you applied those insights in future analyses.

Talk about your experience in delivering presentations, emphasizing how you tailor your communication style to different audiences. Detail your preparation process, including how you distill complex technical information into actionable insights.

Answer by explaining the importance of collaboration in cybersecurity, sharing instances where working with peers or different departments led to more effective problem-solving or threat mitigation solutions.

In your answer, outline your criteria for assessing the severity and urgency of a malware threat. Discuss various factors such as potential impact, the target ecosystem, and the exploitability of the vulnerabilities involved.