Billings Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2024

The 14th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit is this September, and the stats show why cybersecurity jobs are blowing up like never before.

With cyberattacks almost doubling in just 5 years, the need for trained cyber pros is skyrocketing. The Feds say Billings is a prime spot for these high-paying gigs, with First Interstate Bank and other major companies needing solid cybersecurity to lock down sensitive data.

Plus, tech companies are eyeing Billings for operations centers thanks to the low living costs.

MSU Billings is cranking out grads with cyber skills, but there's still a shortage of qualified cyber defenders. With jobs often paying over $120K, this career path is a no-brainer if you're into coding and protecting networks from hackers.

The cybersecurity job scene in Billings is heating up for 2024! A whopping 65% of local companies are planning to beef up their cyber defense squads in the next couple years, according to the Montana Cybersecurity Association.

This surge is fueled by the massive shift to cloud computing, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the ever-evolving cyber threats targeting our turf.

The key trends shaping the Billings cybersecurity landscape for 2024 are:

• Cloud Security: With businesses going all-in on cloud solutions like AWS and Azure, experts who can lock down these environments are in high demand.
• IoT Security: The explosion of connected devices in industrial and consumer settings means we need pros who can sniff out and plug those IoT vulnerabilities.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): As cybersecurity solutions get smarter with AI and ML for threat detection and response, skills in these areas are becoming a hot commodity.

According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the top cybersecurity skills needed in Billings for 2024 are:

1. Network Security: Ensuring the safety and protection of networks.
2. Incident Response and Forensics: Handling security breaches and investigating them.
3. Risk Management and Compliance: Managing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations.
4. Cloud Security: Securing cloud environments.
5. IoT Security: Protecting connected devices from cyber threats.

The local tech scene is going all-in on cybersecurity initiatives, with a major focus on developing fresh talent.

As Linda Brown, CEO of CyberShield Solutions, puts it,

"The demand for skilled cyber pros in Billings is through the roof, creating prime opportunities for those willing to level up their game in this rapidly evolving field."

The cybersecurity game in Billings is about to go off the charts in 2024, thanks to some major tech moves happening in Montana. Check this out:

1. Cloud Security: With businesses all in on the cloud, there's a ton of demand for pros who can lock down cloud systems, data, and apps. Jobs like Cloud Security Architect and Cloud Security Engineer are expected to blow up, with a 15% spike in openings this year.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst: As cyber threats get smarter, companies need analysts to keep an eye on networks, investigate breaches, and stay one step ahead. This role is projected to grow by 12% in Billings, thanks to our digital world expanding like crazy.
3. Incident Response and Forensics: Cyber attacks are on the rise, so businesses are scrambling for experts who can respond to security meltdowns, investigate the mess, and minimize the damage. Roles like Incident Response Analyst and Cyber Forensics Investigator are set to skyrocket by 18% in the region.

The Billings cybersecurity market is all about staying ahead of the curve and using the latest tech to outsmart the bad guys.

Entry-level chances are popping up left and right for newcomers ready to level up their skills and get certified. As one local cybersecurity recruiter put it,

"We're seeing a huge demand for fresh talent as companies prioritize building solid cybersecurity teams."

- Jessica White

Role	Projected Growth (2024)
Cybersecurity Analyst	12%
Cloud Security Specialist	15%
Incident Response Analyst	18%

With the right training and certs, beginners in Billings can cash in on these booming opportunities and kickstart an awesome career in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.

The money ain't bad either, so it's a win-win situation for anyone eager to join this cutting-edge field.

If you're trying to land a killer cybersecurity gig in Billings, Montana in 2024, you gotta have the right creds.

I'm talking degrees, certs – the whole shebang! A bachelor's in computer science or IT is like your golden ticket, but don't stop there. You'll want to stack up some dope certifications to really stand out.

Here are the ones that'll make employers go crazy:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This bad boy from (ISC)² shows you're a boss at managing info security.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Courtesy of the EC-Council, this cert proves you can sniff out security holes like a pro.
• CompTIA Security+: An entry-level must-have that covers all the security basics, from risk management to incident response.

Now, where can you get this sweet education in Billings? Check out:

1. Montana State University Billings: They've got a B.S. in Cybersecurity and Cyber Ops, plus grad programs if you wanna level up.
2. Rocky Mountain College: Their Computer Science degree has a cybersecurity concentration that'll give you the 411.
3. Billings Career Center: Perfect for non-degree training and cert prep courses.

Over 60% of cybersecurity pros in Montana are rocking at least one cert, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education.

So, if you wanna be part of the cool kid squad, better start working on those certifications ASAP!

The cybersecurity job scene in Billings is looking pretty favorable for 2024! We're talking about some solid paydays with the average IT Cyber Security Salary sitting at around $118K per year.

That's not too shabby, right? But it gets better. If you're just starting out as a Cyber Security Analyst, you could be pulling in around $116K on average.

Not bad for entry-level work, am I right? Now, for those of you who want to climb the ranks, check this out - a Cyber Security Systems Design Senior Manager can rake in a whopping $186K on average.

Talk about a serious glow-up! But it's not just about the money. The cybersecurity job market in Billings is projected to keep growing like crazy. We're talking about a 21% increase in jobs for info security analysts from 2021 to 2031, outpacing the national average.

That's some serious opportunity knocking at your door! So, if you're interested in protecting the digital realm and getting paid handsomely while doing it, Billings might just be the place for you.

Just remember to brush up on those skills and snag some certs, because that's how you'll really level up in this game. Oh, and don't forget to check out Nucamp's article on Billings cybersecurity salaries for even more details.

Now go get that opportunity!