Cybersecurity Is in the Commonwealth’s DNA
Virginia takes keeping its tech-talent pond well stocked very seriously. Its Tech Talent Investment Program, for example, is investing $2 billion to double the number of graduates annually in computer science and related fields at 13 four-year institutions and the Virginia Community College System.
It’s working better than expected. The goal for new bachelor’s degrees through FY25 was 1,155. The program has produced 2,520. Master’s degrees? The goal was 1,262 from the graduate programs at Virginia Tech and George Mason University. They produced 1,345.
Many of the 12,000 tech degrees awarded annually by Virginia higher education institutions are in cybersecurity, a technology sector of great importance given the Commonwealth’s proximity to defense contractors, federal agencies and critical infrastructure in and around Washington, D.C. Nearly two dozen Virginia higher education institutions are designated Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) by the DOD and offer degrees in Cyber Operations, Cyber Research and Cyber Defense among other cybersecurity programs of study.
“The rapid evolution of cyber threats requires continuous upskilling and hands-on technical experience,” says Meghan Welch, vice president, knowledge work, at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “A vast number of higher education cyber programs now integrate such industry-recognized certifications as CISSP, CompTIA Security+ and CEH to ensure graduates are prepared to meet employer needs – in addition to many organizations hosting training programs for veterans and those looking for a career switch.”
Is it enough?
“Virginia’s public and private sectors have roughly 51,000 open cybersecurity positions, the highest in the country,” says Welch. “But our ability to fill them is improving thanks to targeted talent pipeline programs. Virginia has seen steady growth in our supply-demand ratio – growing from 73% in 2022 to 77% today, meaning we’re filling demand at a higher rate than in the past.”
Southeast Virginia’s Cyber Anchor
Give some credit for that to the Virginia General Assembly, which in 2018 approved funding for the Commonwealth Cyber initiative (CCI). Its role, says Welch, is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and cyber industry needs by developing talent, conducting cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration. CCI is organized into four nodes around Virginia, including one in southeast Virginia called Coastal Virginia (COVA) CCI anchored by Old Dominion University (ODU), in Norfolk, and its School of Cybersecurity. Eight two- and four-year academic institutions, 120 researchers and 20 industry partners are also active in COVA CCI.
ODU is an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence. Its base in Norfolk puts COVA CCI in close proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and the Port of Virginia, both of which require the best cybersecurity talent and the latest in cybersecurity systems.
Dr. Daniel Takabi, Director, School of Cybersecurity, Old Dominion University
“ODU faculty have worked with the Port of Virginia on several efforts to help strengthen port security,” says ODU School of Cybersecurity Director Daniel Takabi, Ph.D, who also serves as COVA CCI director. “These include a suite of experiential learning modules developed for the Port’s Cybersecurity Monitoring Command and Control Center (CMCC) and used to train cybersecurity interns, and in turn, establish a workforce pipeline for port cybersecurity. COVA CCI has supported several cybersecurity research projects focused on maritime industry needs. These projects were focused on security issues faced by the Port of Virginia and conducted by researchers from ODU, Christopher Newport University and William & Mary in collaboration with local companies.”
These are among the initiatives that make COVA CCI a key part of southeast Virginia’s economic and innovation engine, Takabi notes. “During the past five years, COVA CCI has made significant strides in attracting research funding, fostering educational programs and building collaborative networks contributing to CCI’s mission of establishing Virginia as a leader in cybersecurity.”
Private-Sector Participants
The private sector sees this and is investing capital to participate in the region’s cyber community and broader innovation environment. Takabi sees a demonstrable uptick in such investment.
“I have been at ODU less than two years and have seen the increase in cybersecurity activities,” he points out. “Large companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte have been increasing their footprint in the region. Other companies have been opening offices in the region such as Jazz Solutions, Inc. and Sirius Analysis, a defense contractor based in the UK. In addition, local companies such as G2 Ops Inc, Valor Cybersecurity, AERMOR and Cybrex LLC have been expanding.”
In November 2023, DOMA Technologies, a software and digital transformation company, announced a $3.7 million investment to expand in Virginia Beach, creating 307 new jobs.
“It’s our vision to be the premier software company for the city, state and the broader region,” said DOMA Founder and President Pat Feliciano. “By leveraging innovative machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to bridge the gap between our customers’ data and the decisions they need to make, we believe we are building something unique to the area.”
This Investment Profile was prepared under the auspices of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. For more information, visit vedp.org.
Note: Additional higher education institutions have joined CCI since this map was produced in 2021.
