Denver Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2024
Last Updated: July 13th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Denver's cybersecurity job market is booming, with over 8,600 open positions in 2024 and an average salary of $103K. Key growth areas include cloud security, AI/machine learning, and IoT security. Top threats are ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks. Certifications and local education programs, like those at Community College of Denver and University of Denver, are crucial for career advancement.
Get ready for Denver's cybersecurity job market to be on fire in 2024! This city is quickly becoming a hotspot for anyone looking to level up their career in this high-demand field.
According to the latest stats, Colorado ranked as the 15th best state for job growth in early 2024, with the cybersecurity industry leading the charge.
And Denver alone had over 8,600 open cybersecurity positions as of March, which is insane! With an average annual salary of $103K, you could be raking in some serious cash while protecting businesses from those pesky cyber threats.
But don't just take our word for it – experts are warning that the job market is getting tighter, so now's the time to get certified and stand out from the crowd.
And if you need some guidance, check out Nucamp's article on the importance of foundational skills and certs for boosting your cybersecurity career in Denver.
Table of Contents
- Current Trends in Denver's Cybersecurity Industry
- Key Growth Areas in Denver's Cybersecurity Sector
- Educational Pathways for Cybersecurity Careers in Denver
- Advice for Beginners Entering the Denver Cybersecurity Job Market
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Current Trends in Denver's Cybersecurity Industry
(Up)Cybersecurity in Denver is getting intense! A recent report says job openings will skyrocket by 25% in 2024, way higher than the national average.
With tech companies booming and cyber threats getting crazier by the day, Denver needs all the security pros it can get.
Here are the big trends shaking things up in 2024:
- Cloud Security: Companies are going all-in on cloud computing, so protecting data and apps up there is a massive deal. Denver's own cybersecurity gurus are cooking up some next-level cloud security solutions.
- AI and Machine Learning: Using AI and ML to detect and fight off cyber attacks is the future. Local firms like CyberShield AI are leading the charge on this futuristic tech.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Security: With so many connected devices out there, hackers have more ways to cause chaos. Companies like IoTSecure in Denver are making sure these gadgets stay locked down tight.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
The big cybersecurity threats expected to hit Denver hard in 2024 are:
- Ransomware attacks: These target critical systems and can cripple essential services.
- Phishing scams: These exploit remote work vulnerabilities and trick people into compromising security.
- Supply chain attacks: These go after software and hardware vendors, affecting numerous linked businesses.
As Robert Martin, CISO at DenverTech, says,
"The digital world keeps evolving, so our cybersecurity game needs to keep up."
With the right skills and forward-thinking strategies, Denver's cybersecurity pros are ready to take on these threats and keep pushing the industry forward.
Key Growth Areas in Denver's Cybersecurity Sector
(Up)Denver is where the cybersecurity action is going down in 2024! Check it out - according to this report from Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cybercrime damage costs are expected to hit a mind-blowing $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
That's insane! But it also means the demand for skilled cybersecurity pros is skyrocketing. And Denver is one of the hottest spots for top cybersecurity companies like Datadog, PwC, FirstBank, and Huntress.
The areas where you'll see the most growth and job opportunities in Denver are cloud security, incident response and threat hunting, and identity and access management (IAM).
Companies are going all-in on cloud tech, so they need experts to lock down their cloud systems and data. Plus, with cyber attacks getting more advanced, businesses are desperate for pros who can detect and stop threats before they cause major damage.
And with so many users and devices accessing sensitive info, managing access and identities is crucial.
There are some seriously cool emerging roles too, like Blockchain Security Engineer (protecting decentralized systems and crypto transactions), Cyber Risk Analyst (assessing and minimizing an organization's cyber risks), and Cybersecurity Analyst for Operational Technology (securing industrial control systems and critical infrastructure).
These are the cutting-edge roles that will be in high demand as technology keeps evolving.
As John Davis from Nucamp said, "The exponential growth of technology has created an insatiable demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals." So if you want to be set for success in this fast-paced field, stay ahead of the game and keep leveling up your skills.
Denver is where the cybersecurity action is happening, and the opportunities are limitless for those who are ready to bring their A-game!
Educational Pathways for Cybersecurity Careers in Denver
(Up)If you're trying to get into cybersecurity, this city's got some sick options to level up your skills. From legit university programs to online courses, there's a path for everyone.
For those who dig the classroom vibe, check out the Cybersecurity Certificate at the University of Denver - it's a full package covering network security, ethical hacking, and incident response.
You'll get hands-on with virtual labs and simulations, prepping you for the real deal.
If a Bachelor's is more your jam, Metro State University has a dope Computer Information Systems program with a Cybersecurity Concentration.
This bad boy equips you for roles like security analyst, consultant, and specialist. They've also got a grad-level Cybersecurity Management Certificate for the working pros looking to level up.
But let's not sleep on the online game either.
You can tap into platforms like Cybrary for free and paid courses, virtual labs, and certs like Security+, CISSP, and CEH. Or hit up Udemy for a massive library of cybersecurity courses taught by industry pros, perfect for self-paced learning.
And for the newbies, SANS Cyber Aces has a free online course covering the cybersecurity basics and hands-on labs.
And don't forget to connect with the local cybersecurity community.
The Denver Chapter of (ISC)² hooks you up with networking, mentorship, and resources to keep you on top of your game. With the cybersecurity job market blowing up, using these educational pathways is a solid way to kickstart a legit career in this field.
Advice for Beginners Entering the Denver Cybersecurity Job Market
(Up)The cybersecurity game in Denver is blowing up, and if you wanna get in on the action, you gotta stay sharp. The Denver Cybersecurity Summit is where it's at this year - a whole day packed with industry leaders dropping knowledge bombs.
But don't just take notes, get your hands dirty with Nucamp's bootcamps and start building those mad skills.
The key to cracking this field is never stopping the grind.
Keep leveling up with certs like Security+ and CISSP - they're like badges of honor in the cyber world. And don't sleep on the local scene either. Schools like Community College of Denver and University of Denver have dope programs to get you prepped.
Those fundamentals are crucial for landing the big bucks down the line.
But it's not just about the book smarts, you gotta network like a boss.
Join squads like (ISC)² and ISSA to link up with the cybersecurity in Denver. These crews will plug you into the latest gigs and show you the ropes of the industry.
And don't sleep on internships either, they're a golden ticket to getting that real-world experience under your belt before you even graduate.
Denver's cyber scene is stacked with resources to help new players level up.
The Denver Cybersecurity Center has your back with mentors and training sessions. The National Cybersecurity Center in Colorado Springs is another hot spot for sharpening your skills.
And sites like CyberSeek and CyberCompex are goldmines for discovering in-demand entry-level gigs and plotting your career path.
- Certifications Matter: Keep leveling up with certs like Security+ and CISSP; they're like badges of honor in the cyber world.
- Local Education Resources: Schools like Community College of Denver and University of Denver offer solid programs to prepare you.
- Networking is Crucial: Join squads like (ISC)² and ISSA to connect with cybersecurity professionals in Denver.
- Real-world Experience: Internships are golden tickets to gaining crucial hands-on experience before graduation.
- Utilize Local Resources: The Denver Cybersecurity Center and the National Cybersecurity Center offer essential mentoring and training.
Denver's cybersecurity scene offers numerous opportunities to grow your skills and build a successful career, leveraging both education and networking.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What is the current state of the cybersecurity job market in Denver for 2024?
Denver's cybersecurity job market is booming, with over 8,600 open positions and an average annual salary of $103K. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing, driven by the increasing complexity of cyber threats.
What are the key trends in Denver's cybersecurity industry for 2024?
The main trends in Denver's cybersecurity industry for 2024 include cloud security, AI and machine learning for threat detection, and IoT security. These areas are critical as companies increasingly adopt cloud computing and connected devices.
What are the key growth areas in Denver's cybersecurity sector?
The key growth areas in Denver's cybersecurity sector include cloud security, incident response and threat hunting, and identity and access management (IAM). Emerging roles like Blockchain Security Specialist, Cyber Risk Analyst, and Cybersecurity Analyst for Operational Technology are also in high demand.
What educational pathways are available for a cybersecurity career in Denver?
Denver offers a variety of educational pathways for a cybersecurity career, including university programs and online courses. Notable options include the Cybersecurity Management Certificate from Metro State University, free and paid courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy, and local community resources like the Denver Chapter of (ISC)².
What advice is there for beginners entering the Denver cybersecurity job market?
Beginners should focus on obtaining certifications like Security+ and CISSP, leveraging local education resources, networking with professionals through groups like (ISC)² and ISSA, and gaining hands-on experience through internships. Utilizing local resources such as the Denver Cybersecurity Center and the National Cybersecurity Center can also be highly beneficial.
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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.