• Industry Overview

    • Cybersecurity Companies in Virginia

    Home to world-class tech leaders and rising star companies, Virginia is home to the second largest cybersecurity industry in the country (Cyberseek).

    A Mitre female employee sitting at her desk

    Mitre, Fairfax County

    Proximity to the Nation's Capital

    Named the No.1 Cybersecurity Leader by Business Facilities Magazine, Virginia has been at the forefront of growth as the cybersecurity industry has scaled up. Given its dominant position in federal contracting, Northern Virginia is a breeding ground for the cybersecurity industry, and Virginia is seeing growth throughout the state with the establishment of company security operations centers.

    Close proximity to the nation’s capital provides access to the Pentagon, the CIA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, and many additional federal assets, making Virginia an advantageous location for cyber-companies.

    Expel Workers

    Expel, Fairfax County

    Virginia is Renowned for its Cybersecurity Talent

    The Commonwealth has the second largest cybersecurity workforce in the country, with about 88,000 cybersecurity workers (Emsi). Virginia’s location is a distinct industry advantage, providing access to the federal government and a large pool of federal contractors.

    Adopting Standards

    Virginia was the first state in the nation to adopt the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Framework.

    Fostering Entrepreneurship

    Virginia is home to the MACH37 Accelerator, an intensive, 90-day program created to launch cyber startups. Mach37 was initially launched and funded by the Commonwealth but is now funded by the private sector.

    Information Sharing

    Virginia was the first state to declare itself an Information Sharing and Assessment Organization (ISAO).

    We have the ability to bring diverse talent from all over the globe into our headquarters, which is critical for our success.

    Nazzic Keene Chief Executive Officer 2019-2023

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    VER Q3 2021 Cover Cyber

    Virginia Economic Review

    In this issue of Virginia Economic Review, we detail the cybersecurity industry in Virginia and beyond, including the factors driving cyberattacks and the corporate response and Virginia’s leading position in cybersecurity talent development. Article highlights include:

    • The Present and Future of Cybersecurity
    • A New Approach to Cyber Collaboration
    • Bridging Cybersecurity Gaps: Virginia Universities’ Research Drives Security Advancements
    • Safe Space: Virginia Cyber Range Helps Students Hone Their Cybersecurity Skills
    • Defense and Cybersecurity in Virginia

    Read the Full Issue

    Largest U.S. Investment in CS Education

    Through its historic, innovative Tech Talent Investment Program, targeted philanthropic gifts, corporate partnerships, and K-12 computer science initiatives, Virginia is investing more than $2 billion to expand its tech talent pipeline, doubling the number of graduates each year in computer science and closely related fields. 

    Additionally, Virginia higher education institutions already produce roughly 12,000 tech-related degrees and certificates annually in areas ranging from computer science to modeling and simulation. 

    Annual tech talent graduates anticipated by institution, pictured at right.

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    Investments to add ~32,000 BS / MS grads in CS and related fields: 

    • ~$675M in undergrad education, including 250-300 new faculty lines, startup packages, capital projects (new buildings and labs), and operational support
    • ~$375M in graduate education, including 50-75 new faculty lines, startup packages, capital projects (a new tech campus plus new buildings), and operational support
    • $25M in tech internships/ apprenticeships in higher education
    • $25M in K-12 computer science education (e.g., professional development, online curricula)
    • ~$900M in philanthropic gifts and corporate partnerships

    Tech Talent Investment Program

    There will be 32,000 additional graduates in excess of current levels in Computer Science and related fields over the next 20 years due to Virginia’s new education investments in tech talent.

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    Cyber Map

    Training the Future Workforce

    As the industry continues on its accelerated growth path, there is a global shortage of cybersecurity talent. Virginia is currently addressing the issue and taking steps to strengthen the pipeline of cybersecurity professionals entering the workforce.

    To meet the rising demand for a cybersecurity workforce, nearly 50 of Virginia’s colleges and universities have established cyber degrees and degrees with cyber focus. Virginia is also home to 28 NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in cybersecurity.

    Higher Education & Training Resources

    Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI)

    Through a multimillion dollar investment from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiatives seeks to elevate the state-wide ecosystem of innovation and excellence in cyberphysical systems with an emphasis on trust and security and to further secure Virginia’s role as a global leader in secure cyberphysical systems. The initiative supports world-class research at the intersection of data, autonomy, and security; promotes technology commercialization and entrepreneurship; and prepares future generations of innovators and research leaders. It builds upon Virginia’s strong base of research excellence, its innovative and diverse higher education system, vibrant ecosystem of venture capital investment and high-growth firms, and unparalleled density of cybersecurity talent.

    International Critical Infrastructure Institute

    The International Critical Infrastructure Institute (Forest) is a 501(c)(6) research and workforce development organization that specializes in cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure from cyber-based threats.

    Human-Centric Security Laboratory at Virginia Tech

    The Human-Centric Security Laboratory at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg) is focused on cybersecurity, in particular network and information security, human-behaviors in computer security, user-centric and user-friendly systems, insider threats, secure information sharing, data privacy, and applied cryptography.

    RamSec: Cybersecurity at Virginia Commonwealth University

    RamSec: Cybersecurity at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond) focuses on security management, critical infrastructure vulnerability assessment, secure computation and compostable security, cryptographic techniques, and anonymity and privacy.

    Norfolk State University Center of Excellence in Cyber Security

    The Norfolk State University Center of Excellence in Cyber Security (Norfolk) is focused on developing a cloud-based, big-data analysis capable Cyber Analysis, Simulation and Experimentation Environment to enhance situational awareness and decision support capabilities for cyber defense and cyber training.

    School of Computer and Information Sciences at Radford University

    Radford University recently launched a degree program in Cybersecurity, designed to prepare students to meet the anticipated demand for 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2023. The bachelor of science in Cybersecurity is the first at a four year public institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    Graduate InfoSec program at James Madison University

    The Graduate InfoSec program at James Madison University is one of the best technical Information Security graduate programs in the nation. This rigorous academic program is 100% Internet-based, which makes the program especially suitable for working professionals.  This online education program offers students the flexibility to learn, interact with expert faculty and quality students, complete assignments, and obtain feedback from the faculty; while conveniently in their homes or offices, during the day, evenings, and weekends. Information Security is covered in every class as it relates to the course subject matter.

    George Mason University

    GMU’s Center of Excellence in Command, Control, Communications, Computing, Intelligence, and Cyber, the C4I & Cyber Center (Fairfax), is the nation’s first and only civilian university-based entity offering a comprehensive academic and research program in military applications of information technology and cybersecurity. The Center provides a bridge between Mason faculty expertise and the needs of the Defense and Intelligence communities’ information technology users and research organizations.

    George Mason University, Fairfax

    Virginia Tech

    The Hume Center for National Security and Technology (Blacksburg / Arlington) leads Virginia Tech’s research, education, and outreach programs focused on the challenges of cybersecurity, autonomy, and resilience in the context of national and homeland security. Education programs provide mentorship, internships, scholarships, and seek to cultivate the next generation of national security leaders. The Hume Center partners with industry on research initiatives including machine learning and artificial intelligence, assured and secure communications, space and undersea missions, and 5G security.

    Virginia Tech

    Developing the Talent of Tomorrow

    Virginia is the first state in the nation to adopt Computer Science standards across the K-12 curriculum, integrating these disciplines into Standards of Learning (SOLs) in 2016.

    • CodeVA offers free professional development training for Virginia public school educators, other education professionals, and school districts. 
    • CodeRVA Regional High School in Richmond, Virginia, is an innovative public high school preparing students for college and careers in computer science.
    • Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) in Fairfax, Virginia, uses a highly integrated STEM curriculum and ranks No. 1 overall and No. 5 Best STEM High School in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
    • Denbigh High School in Newport News, Virginia, runs a nationally recognized Aviation Academy to introduce students to engineering.
    • The Tech Pathways Initiative is a regional program designed to enlighten students about the forecasted explosion of tech-based jobs and how it will enable them to creatively solve tomorrow's complex challenges. 
    CodeRVA

    CodeRVA

    Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

    Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

    Piedmont Governors School

    The Piedmont Governor's School

    Cape Henry Associates, Hampton Roads

    Cape Henry Associates, Hampton Roads

    Virginia Values Its Veterans

    Each year, thousands of skilled workers exit the U.S. military in Virginia, providing a steady pipeline of dedicated, specialized talent to the tech industry.

    • Virginia is home to over 170,000 veterans under the age of 45, the 4th-largest population in the country.
    • Thanks to its close proximity to Washington, D.C., and 30 + other military installations from Quantico to Norfolk, Virginia is one of the highest density states for both military veterans and talent with security clearances.
    • Over 42,000 individuals in Virginia report having some type of security clearance on their professional profile, the highest number of any state in the country. (Emsi)

    America's Best State For Business

    Ranked No. 1 Top State for Business by CNBC, Virginia is frequently recognized for its favorable regulatory climate and is consistently rated one of the best-run states in the country. Virginia has earned a top AAA bond rating for more than 80 consecutive years, longer than any other state, and it benefits from low risk of natural hazards. Virginia also offers low and stable business taxes, as well as competitive utility and construction costs.

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