Top Cybersecurity Employers in Chicago: Who's Hiring and What They Look For

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 7th 2024

Top cybersecurity employers in Chicago and what they seek - Illinois, US

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Chicago's cybersecurity industry is thriving in 2024, with over 36,000 open positions in Illinois. Major employers like Trustwave, Keeper Security, and Network Perception are hiring, focusing on skills like vulnerability assessment, ethical hacking, and cloud security. Stay updated through job boards, events, and continuously improving your skills. Top certifications include CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and GSEC.

Chicago's cybersecurity scene is on fire in 2024, and it's the place to be if you're into protecting digital goodies from bad peeps. With so many huge corps like banking and finance giants planted here, keeping their data locked down is a major priority.

CyberSeek says Illinois has over 36,000 open cybersecurity gigs, and a ton of those are right here in the Windy City. Chicago's got a crazy mix of industries that need solid cyber defenses, from financial firms to healthcare empires and up-and-coming tech startups.

As Michael Anderson from Keeper Security put it, "Chicago's a key cybersecurity hub cuz it's home to major players across multiple sectors that hackers just love to mess with." With so many career options and that diverse economic vibe, Chicago attracts top cyber talent from all over.

And Nucamp's got the inside scoop on scoring the skills and certs you need to snag one of those sweet cybersecurity roles.

Table of Contents

  • Top Cybersecurity Companies Hiring in Chicago
  • Skills and Qualifications Sought by Chicago Cybersecurity Employers
  • Where to Find Cybersecurity Job Listings in Chicago
  • Tips for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals in Chicago
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Top Cybersecurity Companies Hiring in Chicago

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Chicago is home to major players setting up shop in the city when it comes to the cybersecurity field. Check out these top cybersecurity companies that are hiring and what makes them notable:

First up, there's Trustwave, a cybersecurity powerhouse that has been around since the 90s.

With their global HQ right here in Chicago, they offer everything from threat detection to incident response and compliance services. Trustwave has an impressive client list across finance, healthcare, retail, and more.

Then there's Keeper Security, the company behind the popular Keeper Password Manager.

Based in Chicago, their password management and secure file storage solutions are used by businesses and individuals worldwide for top-notch protection.

Another notable company is Coro, a cutting-edge SaaS security firm focused on data breach protection.

This innovative company's Chicago roots run deep.

Network Perception is another Chicago-based cybersecurity company making waves with their critical network and cyber resiliency solutions.

They are focused on protecting organizations from significant cyber threats.

For those interested in cybersecurity consulting, companies like EMPIST, Framework IT, Realnets, and Andromeda Technology Solutions are worth exploring.

These cybersecurity consulting firms are prominent in Chicago.

What makes these companies notable? They are constantly pushing the envelope with cutting-edge tech, have expertise in their respective fields, and can attract top talent from Chicago's universities and booming tech scene.

With cyber threats becoming increasingly complex, these companies are well-positioned to take them on and keep businesses secure.

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Skills and Qualifications Sought by Chicago Cybersecurity Employers

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The cybersecurity game in Chi-Town is getting fierce, and employers are on the hunt for some serious talent. According to the latest research, the hottest skills companies are looking for are technical know-how, vulnerability assessment, and analysis chops.

These cybersecurity ninjas need to be able to sniff out threats and weaknesses like nobody's business. It's not just about having a fancy certification, although certs like CISSP, CEH, and CCSP can definitely give you an edge.

Employers want to see you can actually walk the walk when it comes to ethical hacking, cloud security, and incident response.

But here's the real deal: in this ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, you gotta keep leveling up your skills.

Continuous learning is key, whether it's through online courses, conferences, or hands-on training.

The cybersecurity pros in Chicago who stay on top of their game are the ones employers can't get enough of. So, if you wanna make it big in the Windy City's cybersecurity scene, better be ready to put in the work and keep those skills sharp as a tack.

Where to Find Cybersecurity Job Listings in Chicago

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Chicagoans on the hunt for a cybersecurity gig, check this out! Don't just rely on the usual job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor - they're cool but there's way more out there.

Sites like ZipRecruiter and CyberSeek are totally geared towards cybersecurity roles, so you can zero in on the good stuff.

There's more! Local sites like the Illinois Technology Association and Cyber Hire Network are dedicated to hooking you up with the hottest cybersecurity jobs in the Chi-Town area.

Plus, they've got the inside scoop on the industry, so you can stay ahead of the game.

Don't sleep on those networking events and job fairs either! The CyberSecurity Chicago Conference in March 2024 is gonna be lit, with keynote speakers, workshops, and a career fair where you can mingle with potential employers.

And don't forget about the Chicago Cybersecurity Meetup Group and the ChicagoLand Cyber Security Professionals LinkedIn group - they're always hosting dope events and sharing job postings.

You gotta do your part too! Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are on point, showcasing your cybersecurity skills and certs.

And when you apply for jobs, don't just copy and paste the same old thing - tailor that cover letter and resume to each gig, showing how you're the perfect fit.

Oh, and network like crazy! Attend those events, join those orgs, and connect with industry peeps - that's how you'll uncover those hidden job opportunities.

Stay hungry and keep grinding, Chi-Town! Keep your skills sharp and earn those cybersecurity certs, and you'll be landing that dream job in no time.

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Tips for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals in Chicago

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The cybersecurity game in Chicago is straight fire, and if you're looking to get in on the action, you gotta be prepared to hustle. First things first, get those certs that show you mean business.

CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and GSEC are like golden tickets, proving you know your stuff. But don't stop there. Join the cybersecurity community, get active on LinkedIn, and start networking like a boss.

These peeps can help you level up and land that dream gig.

Now, let's talk skills. Hands-on experience is key, so get involved in bug bounty programs, CTF competitions, or open-source projects to flex those hacking muscles.

And don't sleep on your resume game. Tailor that bad boy to highlight your cybersecurity education, projects, and any relevant internships.

Employers in Chi-Town dig transferable skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, so make sure to showcase those too.

Check out these Nucamp articles for the inside scoop on the cybersecurity job market in Chicago, essential skills and certs, and in-demand entry-level roles.

Knowledge is power, and these articles will give you a serious edge.

Remember, breaking into cybersecurity is no cakewalk, but with dedication, continuous learning, and a killer attitude, you'll be unstoppable.

So, get out there, network like a boss, and show Chicago what you're made of!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who are the top cybersecurity employers in Chicago?

Top cybersecurity employers in Chicago include Trustwave, Keeper Security, and Network Perception. These companies are notable for their cutting-edge technology and expertise in the field.

What skills and qualifications are sought by Chicago cybersecurity employers?

Employers in Chicago are looking for technical know-how, vulnerability assessment, and analysis skills. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and GSEC are valuable, but hands-on experience in ethical hacking, cloud security, and incident response are crucial.

Where can I find cybersecurity job listings in Chicago?

Job seekers can find cybersecurity listings on commonly known job sites and specialized platforms such as CyberSeek. Local resources like Chicago-based career websites and networking events, including the cybersecurity conference in March 2024, are also excellent for job hunting.

What tips are there for aspiring cybersecurity professionals in Chicago?

Aspiring professionals should earn relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+, engage in hands-on experience through bug bounty programs and CTF competitions, and actively network. Tailoring resumes to highlight cybersecurity education and projects is essential.

Why is Chicago a key hub for cybersecurity employment?

Chicago is a key hub due to its economic diversity and presence of major sectors that require strong cyber defenses. With over 36,000 open cybersecurity positions in Illinois, and many in Chicago, the city attracts top talent from around the globe.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.