Any tips on best Cyber Security companies to work for

A lot of companies have need of cyber security.

Specifically, financial and medical companies have a lot of security in place to make sure they can comply with strict security related regulations in their industry, like PCIDSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Of course, technology companies will have a lot to do with cyber security as well, and will have things like an NSOC (network security operations center) and an Incident Response Team.

Online retailers will also need to have strong cyber security teams to make sure that your account info isn't compromised.

As you can see, the list of companies just in the industries I mentioned above is pretty long. You'd be looking at companies like:

Banks (Vanguard, Chase, Wells Fargo)

Health insurance providers (Anthem, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield)

Tech companies (Microsoft, Apple, Google)

Retail (Amazon, Zappos)

Telecommunications (Verizon, AT&T, Charter, Comcast)

In addition, there are companies that provide security consulting or testing services. They are hired to evaluate and sometimes test "offensively" (think of someone being hired to try to get into a bank vault) security configurations and make recommendations to improve the overall security.

Cybersecurity companies come in lots of flavors - some are service providers (MSSP), some do forensics and investigations, some provide awareness training services, some email security, some specialize in threat intelligence, some do consulting services, etc. It all depends therefore, on which one of these is the best fit for your personality and career aspirations.

Interacting in person with the industry professionals would be a great way to learn about what's available out there and also get to know your own interests better. Here's my suggestion - the local chapters of not-for-profit organziations ISSA (issa.org) and OWASP (owasp.org) hold monthly meetings where you'll have that opportunity to interact with the industry professionals practically from all walks of cybersecurity life.

You're in VA so there should be at least a few close by and almost all would let you attend for free. You don't have to be a member.