Cybersecurity Analyst (Security and AI Governance)

Cogent Communications; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Short and long term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

Cogent Communications in Washington is looking for a Cybersecurity Analyst to safeguard information assets and manage AI governance programs. The role requires strong collaboration with IT teams and business stakeholders. The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 per year based on experience.

Applicants should have a degree in Cybersecurity or related fields and possess 2-5 years of relevant experience. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, assuring continual improvement in security measures and AI initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in cybersecurity, information security, or a related role.
• Strong hands-on information security skills and experience.
• Familiarity with generative AI and machine-learning concepts.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security systems and networks for suspicious activity.
• Support incident response activities including containment and recovery.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and coordinate remediation.

Skills

Cybersecurity monitoring

Incident response

Vulnerability management

Risk assessment

Collaboration

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or related fields

Tools

SIEM tools

Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)

Job description

Company

Cogent Communications is a global, Tier 1 facilities‑based ISP, consistently ranked as one of the top five networks in the world and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol CCOI. Cogent specializes in providing businesses with high‑speed Internet access and Ethernet transport services. The company’s all‑optical IP network backbone provides IP services globally, enabling large bandwidth connections at competitive prices. Cogent’s end‑to‑end control of service delivery and network monitoring ensures superior customer support. A competitive base salary and a full benefits package—including health, dental, vision, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, holidays, parental leave, a 401(k) plan with employer match, stock options and an Employee Assistance Program—apply after a waiting period of up to 30 days.

Job Summary

Cybersecurity Analyst (Security & AI Governance) is responsible for protecting the organization’s information assets, technology infrastructure, applications, cloud environments, data and AI initiatives from cyber threats and misuse. This role is a key contributor to cybersecurity operations and AI governance programs by identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating risks associated with information systems as well as AI‑enabled technologies.

The Cybersecurity Analyst works closely with IT teams, software developers, business stakeholders and external partners to ensure cybersecurity and AI initiatives align with security policies, industry standards, regulatory requirements and emerging AI governance frameworks. The position collaborates with the CIO and CISO functions to provide a cohesive plan for cybersecurity initiatives, AI governance, Shadow AI oversight, risk management and continuous improvement.

Compensation

Base salary: $100,000 – $120,000 per year. Specific offers within the range depend on experience, education, skills, certifications and business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor security systems, networks, applications, cloud platforms and AI‑enabled services for suspicious activity and potential threats.
• Analyze security alerts and investigate incidents to determine root causes and recommend remediation actions.
• Support incident response activities, including containment, eradication, recovery and post‑incident analysis.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and coordinate remediation with technical and business stakeholders.
• Review and analyze security logs from firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection, cloud environments, identity providers, AI platforms and other security technologies.
• Perform security assessments and risk analyses of systems, applications, AI solutions and business processes.
• Assist in developing, implementing and continuously improving cybersecurity and AI governance policies, standards, procedures and controls.
• Collaborate with IT, software development and business teams to implement security best practices and controls (security‑by‑design principles and secure technology solutions).
• Participate in reviewing, risk assessment and governance oversight of internally developed AI solutions, machine‑learning models and employee‑driven AI initiatives.
• Evaluate third‑party AI vendors, applications and services for cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, data protection and operational risks.
• Identify, assess and monitor risks associated with generative AI, LLMs, machine‑learning platforms, prompt‑injection attacks, data leakage, insecure APIs and AI supply‑chain vulnerabilities.
• Assist with development and administration of the organization’s AI governance and Shadow AI oversight programs.
• Support secure development practices for internally developed applications and AI‑enabled solutions and emerging technology initiatives.
• Maintain, optimize and enhance security tools and technologies to ensure optimal performance and effectiveness.
• Participate in security awareness and AI awareness training initiatives for employees.
• Assist with audits, compliance reviews, AI governance assessments and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Research emerging cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, trends, AI technologies and industry best practices and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain inventories of approved AI solutions, AI vendors and AI‑related business initiatives.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, metrics, risk assessments and documentation related to cybersecurity operations, AI governance, compliance and enterprise risk management activities.

Qualifications

• Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science or related Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• 2‑5 years of experience in cybersecurity, information security, application security, cloud security, software development or a related technical role.
• Experience with security monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, risk assessment and security control implementation.
• Familiarity with generative AI, machine‑learning concepts, LLMs or AI‑enabled business applications.
• Strong hands‑on information security skills and experience.
• Ability to work independently on projects as assigned.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Proficient In the Following Areas

• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including CIS Controls, NIST Cybersecurity Framework and security best practices.
• Familiarity with AI governance principles and emerging AI risk‑management frameworks.
• Understanding of network security concepts, endpoint security technologies, identity and access management systems, threat detection methodologies and cloud security principles.
• Knowledge of application security concepts, API security and secure software development practices.
• Understanding of risks associated with generative AI platforms, LLMs, prompt‑injection, data privacy and AI model security.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to write and present formal documentation, risk assessments and executive‑level reports.
• Experience with SIEM tools and security monitoring platforms is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS or Google Cloud is a plus.
• Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python or PowerShell is a plus.
• Experience supporting software development, DevSecOps or application security initiatives is a plus.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Relevant AI Security, Cloud Security, Application Security or Governance certifications are highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Remain in a sitting or stationary position throughout most of the workday.
• Operate a computer and perform desk‑based tasks while frequently viewing a computer screen.
• Rarely lift, carry, push or pull objects or equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds.

NOTE

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications.

Cogent Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.