Cybersecurity internships have become a gateway to high-paying careers in one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in the United States. With rising threats in digital infrastructure, companies and government agencies alike are eager to onboard young, talented individuals who are eager to learn and contribute. The summer of 2025 presents exciting opportunities for students, recent graduates, and even high school participants to gain hands-on experience through remote cybersecurity internships.
Whether you’re interested in working for tech giants, federal agencies, or start-ups, these programs not only build your technical skills but also expand your professional network. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 cybersecurity internships in the U.S. available remotely or in hybrid formats for summer 2025.
How to Apply for an Internship in Cybersecurity Remotely
Remote internships require a combination of strong application materials, tech readiness, and a clear understanding of eligibility. Follow these steps to increase your chances of landing a position:
1. Prepare a Targeted Resume and Cover Letter
- Focus on cybersecurity-related coursework, certifications (like CompTIA Security+), or personal projects.
- Tailor each application to the internship’s requirements.
2. Build a Portfolio or GitHub Repository
- Showcase CTF (Capture the Flag) solutions, security audits, or vulnerability assessments.
- Include links to documented work, even academic.
3. Find Internships Through Trusted Sources
- LinkedIn: Filter for “remote” cybersecurity internships.
- Handshake: Ideal for students and recent graduates.
- USAJobs.gov: Government internships and fellowships.
- Company Career Pages: IBM, Cisco, and others post directly.
4. Submit Application and Prepare for Virtual Interviews
| Platform | Features | Best For |
| Zoom | Common for interviews | General interaction |
| HackerRank | Skill-based testing | Coding roles |
| HireVue | AI-recorded interviews | Large firms like Deloitte |
How can I start a career in cybersecurity after college?
Starting a career in cybersecurity post-college requires strategic preparation:
- Step 1: Earn a degree in IT, Computer Science, or Cybersecurity.
- Step 2: Complete internships to gain real-world experience.
- Step 3: Obtain entry-level certifications such as:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco CyberOps Associate
- Step 4: Apply to entry-level roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or IT Auditor.
- Step 5: Join communities like ISACA or local DEFCON groups to grow professionally.
Cybersecurity internship: 3 steps to success
- Research & Apply
- Focus on reputable companies with structured mentorship.
- Apply early (Dec–Feb for summer roles).
- Perform & Learn
- Stay engaged, ask questions, and take notes.
- Track your contributions and feedback.
- Reflect & Network
- Update your resume with accomplishments.
- Request LinkedIn recommendations from mentors.
The advantages of an internship in cybersecurity
- Gain real-world experience: Internships expose students to live network environments, real cyber threats, and the inner workings of security operations, offering a strong foundation beyond theoretical learning.
- Develop essential technical skills: Interns work with industry-standard tools and techniques in areas like penetration testing, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), vulnerability scanning, digital forensics, and cloud security.
- Access mentorship and career guidance: Interns receive support and coaching from experienced cybersecurity professionals, providing insights into career paths and industry expectations.
- Enhance post-graduation job prospects: Hands-on experience through internships makes candidates stand out to employers, increasing the likelihood of full-time job offers after graduation.
- Build a portfolio of accomplishments: Interns contribute to meaningful projects, which they can showcase during job interviews or on LinkedIn and GitHub profiles.
- Expand professional networks: Working with industry experts and peers allows interns to build valuable connections that can support future career growth.
- Test drive a cybersecurity career: Internships help students determine their interest in cybersecurity and identify which subfields (e.g., SOC, GRC, red teaming) align with their skills and passions.
Where do you apply for cybersecurity internship?
Here are top places and programs offering remote and hybrid cybersecurity internships:
GenCyber Camps
- Sponsored by the NSA and NSF.
- Free summer camps focusing on high school and middle school students.
CyberPatriot
- A national youth cyber defense competition.
- Organized by the Air Force Association, ideal for high school students.
IBM Cybersecurity Internship
- IBM offers remote internships across threat intelligence, incident response, and GRC roles.
- Applications open early each year on the IBM Careers site.
Cisco High School Cybersecurity Internship
- Focuses on network security and SOC exposure.
- Ideal for students with basic CCNA or networking knowledge.
National Security Agency (NSA) Codebreaker Challenge
- An ongoing virtual competition and talent pipeline.
- Top performers may be invited to apply for internships.
Northrop Grumman High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) Mentoring Program
- Offers high school internships and mentorship in cybersecurity disciplines.
Carnegie Mellon University’s picoCTF
- An annual competition with training resources.
- Not a direct internship, but great for skill-building and recruitment visibility.
Booz Allen Hamilton Summer Games Internship Program
- A 10-week paid program simulating real-world challenges in cybersecurity.
- Includes team-based project design and executive presentations.
Girls Who Code Cybersecurity Self-Paced Program (SPP)
- Free, remote curriculum for high school girls.
- Focuses on encryption, authentication, and digital forensics.
SANS CyberStart Summer Academy
- Gamified platform focused on ethical hacking.
- Select high school students receive scholarships to complete the SANS Foundations course.
Government-Sponsored Cybersecurity Internships
- NSA Summer Internship Program: Paid, highly competitive.
- Department of Homeland Security: Offers internships in cyber threat analysis.
- FBI Honors Internship Program: Includes cyber-related placements.
- Department of Energy: CyberForce Competition and summer roles.
Private Sector & Non-Government Cybersecurity Internships
- Google STEP Internship: Entry-level exposure to security systems.
- CrowdStrike: Remote internships in threat intel and detection engineering.
- Palo Alto Networks: Offers security automation and cloud security roles.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Security engineering internships across cloud services.
Advantages of an internship in cybersecurity
- High-paying job potential: Internships can lead to lucrative career opportunities in roles such as Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, or Cloud Security Engineer.
- Hands-on skill development: Work with real tools and scenarios to strengthen your abilities in cybersecurity frameworks and technologies.
- Professional mentorship: Learn directly from experienced industry professionals who guide your growth and help shape your career direction.
- Pathway to full-time roles: Many organizations hire former interns, giving you a fast-track into the workforce.
- Resume and networking advantage: Practical experience and industry contacts help you stand out in a competitive job market.
How to maximize your internship in cybersecurity
- Set clear goals: Identify what you want to achieve and communicate it with your supervisor.
- Request feedback: Regular input helps refine your skills and performance.
- Engage fully: Attend meetings, ask questions, and volunteer for tasks.
- Keep records: Document your projects and progress for future reference.
- Stay current: Follow cybersecurity news, trends, and evolving threats to remain informed and relevant.
FAQ
Which cybersecurity certification need to be gained first?
Start with CompTIA Security+, ideal for beginners. Other valuable entry-level certs:
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate (for self-paced learners)
- Cisco CyberOps Associate
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
How to Apply for Cybersecurity Internship?
- Visit company career pages and platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and USAJobs.
- Tailor your resume and include certifications.
- Practice basic technical interview questions.
Does coding necessary for internships in cybersecurity?
Not always, but helpful. Knowledge of:
- Python for scripting
- Bash or PowerShell for automation
- SQL for log and database analysis can significantly improve your chances.
Remote cybersecurity internships in 2025 offer a career-accelerating experience that combines flexibility, skill-building, and access to the nation’s top tech networks. Whether you’re in high school, college, or a recent graduate, there has never been a better time to step into the world of digital defense.