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

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 12th 2024

Top Cybersecurity Employers in Columbus, Ohio - Who's Hiring and What They Look For

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Columbus is booming for cybersecurity jobs, with an average annual salary of $117,547 and market growth projected at 32% between 2022 and 2032. Top employers like JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, and Oracle are hiring roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst and SOC Analyst. Key skills include cloud computing, risk management, and threat intelligence; certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ are highly regarded.

For all you newbies trying to get your foot in the cybersecurity scene in Columbus, this city's popping off with chances! According to the ZipRecruiter data, the average cyber security salary in Columbus is a whopping $117,547 per year, which is straight-up insane! The job market's expected to grow by a massive 32% between 2022 and 2032, so there are going to be mad openings for skilled cyber pros.

Major players like JPMorgan Chase, with their 1,000-strong Digital Security division, and Nationwide Insurance are leading the charge in beefing up their cyber defenses.

Even entry-level roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Specialist, and SOC Analyst are in high demand.

With cyber threats getting more advanced every day, companies in Columbus are investing crazy amounts to protect their networks and data, creating a prime opportunity for all you aspiring cyber warriors.

Check out the latest trends and growth areas in the Columbus cyber job market and get your grind on!

Table of Contents

  • Leading Cybersecurity Employers in Columbus, Ohio
  • What Employers Look For in Columbus, Ohio
  • How to Stand Out as a Candidate in Columbus, Ohio
  • Resources and Training Programs in Columbus, Ohio
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Leading Cybersecurity Employers in Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus is like a hotspot for cybersecurity jobs, with tons of major companies hiring skilled people to keep their data safe. We're talking big names like Huntington National Bank, Nationwide Insurance, and American Electric Power leading the charge.

But it's not just them - according to some research, there's going to be a crazy shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide by 2025, with over 3.5 million open roles.

That means opportunities for anyone looking to get into this field!

Some of the top companies in Columbus actively recruiting cybersecurity talent include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, Alliance Data Systems, Huntington Bancshares, American Electric Power, Owens Corning, Battelle, Rockwell Automation, and even Oracle (after they acquired Dyn).

These companies are on a serious hunt for skilled professionals who can protect their systems, data, and infrastructure from cyber threats.

Ohio itself is projected to see a 28% increase in demand for cybersecurity roles between 2018 and 2028, which is crazy high compared to the national average.

Within Columbus, industries like finance, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and retail are driving this demand hard.

Companies are actively searching for security analysts, penetration testers, incident responders, and cybersecurity architects to reinforce their digital defenses.

As one CISO put it, "Cybersecurity is a top priority for us. We're committed to investing in the best talent to protect our customers and stakeholders from cyber threats." With the tech landscape of Columbus constantly evolving in cybersecurity, now's the time to get skilled up and land one of these jobs!

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What Employers Look For in Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus is excelling in the cybersecurity field, and employers are seeking highly skilled individuals. According to this job listing, you must possess technical expertise in areas like cloud computing, risk management, threat intelligence, and secure coding.

Additionally, they require you to demonstrate problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

In terms of education, most of these companies expect you to have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field.

Certifications can significantly enhance your profile. Obtaining credentials such as CISSP, CEH, CCSP, and CompTIA Security+ can be advantageous.

According to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, "Hands-on experience with *industry-standard tools and techniques* is crucial." Demonstrate your qualifications, and you will be well-positioned!

Regarding experience, if you are a beginner, you will need to showcase your internships or co-op experiences:

  • Beginner: Internships or co-op experiences typically ranging from 0-2 years of relevant experience.
  • Mid-level: Employers typically seek 3-5 years of experience.
  • Senior roles: Employers typically seek 5+ years of experience.

According to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques is crucial. Demonstrate your qualifications, and you will be well-positioned!

How to Stand Out as a Candidate in Columbus, Ohio

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Alright, you want to get that cybersecurity gig in Columbus? First thing's first, your resume has to be on point. Like, make sure you're using all the right buzzwords from the job listing and show off your skills with real numbers.

For example, "Shut down 40+ hacker attempts per month" - that kind of concrete experience is what employers want to see, according to research from Ohio State.

But it's not just about what's on paper, you gotta network too.

Get involved with local events like the Columbus ISSA Chapter Meetings to connect with over 300 security pros.

Or check out the Ohio Cybersecurity Career Fair if you're actively job hunting. These are great ways to get insider info and hear about opportunities before they hit the job boards.

CISOs like Zig Guzovic from Cardinal Health say "Practical experience separates run-of-the-mill applicants."

Hands-on experience is key too.

So volunteer for cyber clubs, get certs like Security+ or GIAC Security Essentials to qualify for internships at big names like Nationwide. You could even level up your skills with an online cybersecurity bootcamp that hooks you up with career support after graduation.

At the end of the day, landing that dream cybersecurity role in Columbus takes a well-rounded approach:

  1. Killer resume: Highlighting your hands-on experience.
  2. Networking: Your butt off at local events.
  3. Continuously upgrading: Your skills through certifications or training programs.

Stay hungry and you'll definitely stand out from the crowd!

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Resources and Training Programs in Columbus, Ohio

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Columbus, if you're trying to get into the cybersecurity game, we've got a ton of dope resources right here in the city to help you level up. Let's start with the big players - Columbus State Community College has this sick Cybersecurity AAS program that'll prep you for some serious certifications and set you up for a career in fields like information security analysis or computer forensics.

And if you're looking to go all the way, The Ohio State University has a respected Bachelor's in Computer and Information Science that covers all the cybersecurity essentials.

But if you're more of a hands-on learner, you gotta check out these coding bootcamps.

Nucamp's Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp is a 15-week crash course that'll teach you network defense, ethical hacking, and everything in between.

They've also got longer programs like the Full Stack Web + Mobile Development bootcamp where you can add a cybersecurity focus. And don't sleep on Nucamp's other offerings - they've got bootcamps for job hunting, back-end development with Python, and more.

Outside the classroom, Columbus has an active cybersecurity community with groups like ISACA Central Ohio Chapter and OWASP Columbus Chapter where you can network, learn from the pros, and stay up-to-date on the latest threats and trends.

There's also CyberOhio, which brings together cybersecurity experts from all over the state for events and workforce development initiatives. With so many resources at your fingertips, you'll be ready to protect the digital world in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who are the leading cybersecurity employers in Columbus, Ohio?

Some of the top companies in Columbus actively recruiting cybersecurity talent include JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, Alliance Data Systems, Huntington Bancshares, American Electric Power, Owens Corning, Battelle, Rockwell Automation, and Oracle.

What skills and qualifications do employers in Columbus look for in cybersecurity candidates?

Employers in Columbus seek candidates with technical expertise in areas like cloud computing, risk management, threat intelligence, and secure coding. They also value problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. Most companies require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related fields, along with certifications like CISSP, CEH, CCSP, and CompTIA Security+.

What types of cybersecurity roles are in high demand in Columbus?

Companies in Columbus are actively searching for security analysts, penetration testers, incident responders, and cybersecurity architects to reinforce their digital defenses.

How can a cybersecurity candidate stand out in Columbus?

To stand out as a cybersecurity candidate in Columbus, you should focus on having a polished resume that highlights your hands-on experience and achievements. Networking at local events and continuously upgrading your skills through certifications and training programs are also vital. Participating in internships, volunteering in cyber clubs, and attending career fairs can provide invaluable experience and connections.

What resources and training programs are available for cybersecurity in Columbus?

Columbus offers numerous resources and training programs for those interested in cybersecurity. Local educational institutions provide programs like the Cybersecurity AAS and Bachelor's in Computer and Information Science. Additionally, coding bootcamps offer intensive training in various cybersecurity domains. Active cybersecurity community groups like ISACA Central Ohio Chapter and OWASP Columbus Chapter, as well as initiatives like CyberOhio, offer networking opportunities and ongoing professional development.

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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.