FBI ups the ante to recruit “a lot” of cyber-agents

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has kicked off a fresh recruitment push to attract a new generation of ‘cyber-agents’ into the national law enforcement agency.

The agency has described computer experts as its “most sought-after candidates” in the present climate, and is encouraging as many technology graduates as possible to apply for FBI roles during a hiring campaign due to last until 20 January.

“We’re looking to hire a lot of cyber agents now,” said FBI assistant director heading up the cyber crime unit, Robert Anderson Jnr. “It’s an area where the FBI and the whole US government will be looking for this talent for years to come.”

The agency is busily touting the benefits of working for the agency, to appeal to top candidates in a tight skills market.

“One thing that no one else can offer is the mission and the camaraderie and the teamwork the FBI brings to the table,” said Anderson.

“Cyber agents will be integrated into all the different violations that we work. So whether it’s a counterterrorism or counterintelligence investigation, they could be the lead agent in the case.”

The agency has also boasted of its role bringing down international cyber crime rings like those behind the GameoverZeus botnet and Blackshades malware to boost its appeal.

However prospective ‘cyber-agents’ will still be expected to pass a top secret security clearance, a physical fitness exam and even carry a firearm, just like any other FBI special agent - on top of additional computer programming, security, database administration, malware analysis or digital forensics qualifications. The agency is even looking to recruit ‘ethical hackers’.

“Cyber permeates every aspect of what we do, whether it’s counterterrorism, criminal investigations, or traditional cyber attacks, as we’ve seen in the recent past,” Anderson said.

“That’s why these type of people are so important to get into the pipeline and come into our organisation.”