Suffolk Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The cybersecurity job scene in Suffolk is straight-up on fire right now! With all the hospitals, factories, and government agencies around, there's mad demand for folks who can lock things down online.

We're talking like a 27% surge in open roles since 2022 - the whole region is getting serious about protecting data and networks.

The medical field is where it's really popping off.

After that study showed 44% of healthcare orgs got hacked in 2023, places like Sentara and Bon Secours are on a mission to beef up their cyber defenses.

Michael Lee, the head security dude at Sentara, said they're actively hunting for local talent to take on those ever-changing cyber threats.

But it's not just hospitals - the military, jails, and manufacturers are all thirsty for fresh blood in cybersecurity too.

If you're looking to get your foot in the door, now's the time. Suffolk is where the action's at for this whole industry in 2024.

The cybersecurity job scene in Suffolk is about to be lit in 2024! With tech advancements blazing through, companies are gearing up for some serious upgrades.

Suffolk's security infrastructure is set to level up with AI-powered solutions and scalable systems to combat those pesky cyber threats. We're talking 75% of organizations ready to invest in AI cybersecurity goodness, according to the CISA squad.

The IoT craze is sweeping through industries like healthcare and manufacturing, and cybersecurity startups in Virginia are on the grind to safeguard these interconnected devices.

Over 60% of businesses are bracing for an influx of IoT security roles by 2024, so you better start brushing up on those skills!

With the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act dropping in 2023 and FedRAMP guidelines getting an update, data privacy and cloud security experts are about to be in high demand.

The job market is projected to see a 25% spike in cybersecurity openings by 2024, so you better get ready to cash in!

To stay ahead of the game, here's what you need to focus on:

• AI and machine learning for cybersecurity: Harness the power of AI to enhance security measures.
• IoT security and embedded systems: Secure interconnected devices from potential threats.
• Cloud security and compliance: Ensure data is protected in cloud environments.
• Data privacy and regulatory frameworks: Stay aligned with ever-evolving privacy regulations.

Level up your skills in these areas, and you'll be a cybersecurity superstar ready to take on Suffolk's job market in 2024!

The cybersecurity job market in Suffolk, Virginia is booming! According to the latest data from USAJobs, there's a ton of openings for certified pros who know their stuff.

We're talking positions like Information Security Analysts, Cybersecurity Engineers, and Incident Response Analysts – all roles that are in high demand right now.

• Analyze network vulnerabilities: These gigs require some serious skills, including the ability to analyze network vulnerabilities, design secure systems, and respond to cyber threats like a boss. Employers are looking for certifications like CISSP, CEH, CCSP, and CSSLP to prove you've got the knowledge.

Major players hiring in Suffolk include government agencies, defense contractors, healthcare providers, and banks.

We're talking about names like Huntington Ingalls Industries, Sentara Healthcare, and TowneBank – companies that need top-notch cybersecurity talent to protect their digital assets.

Company	Industry	Need
Huntington Ingalls Industries	Defense	Cybersecurity Talent
Sentara Healthcare	Healthcare	Digital Asset Protection
TowneBank	Banking	Cybersecurity Expertise

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, the average salary for these roles is around $92,500 – not too shabby for keeping the cyber world safe.

But the real perk? You'll be part of the front line, defending against the latest threats and staying ahead of the game.

If you're into coding, problem-solving, and keeping the bad guys at bay, Suffolk is definitely the place to be. Just be ready to bring your A-game and land one of those sweet cybersecurity gigs that everyone's after.

Suffolk's cybersecurity scene is booming in 2024! The demand for cybersecurity pros in the area is expected to skyrocket by 18%, way higher than the 14% national average.

This growth is fueled by the region's commitment to protecting critical systems, banks, and healthcare orgs from cyber threats. One hot area is network security, driven by the rise of cloud computing and IoT devices.

A Norfolk consulting firm reported that job openings for network security analysts in Suffolk could jump by a whopping 22% this year.

Data protection is also killing it, with a projected 25% spike in job opportunities for data security specialists, according to the Hampton Roads Cybersecurity Alliance.

As businesses prioritize data privacy and compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA, the demand for pros skilled in data encryption, access controls, and incident response is through the roof.

The cybersecurity job boom is happening across multiple industries, like:

• Financial Services: With digital banking and fintech startups on the rise, banks and financial institutions are aggressively recruiting cybersecurity experts to protect sensitive financial data and transactions.
• Healthcare: The increasing use of electronic health records and telemedicine services has amplified the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient privacy and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Manufacturing: As smart factories and industrial control systems become more connected, cybersecurity pros are essential to mitigate risks associated with operational technology (OT) security breaches.

To cash in on these growth opportunities, aspiring cybersecurity pros in Suffolk should focus on developing skills in areas like network security, cloud security, risk management, and incident response.

Certifications like CISSP, CCSP, and CEH can give you a serious edge in the job market. As Dr. Elizabeth Taylor from the Virginia Cyber Range said,

"The digital landscape continues to evolve, so must our strategies to protect it,"

emphasizing the importance of continuous upskilling and training to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The cybersecurity job market in Suffolk is heating up, and 2024 is shaping up to be an epic year for anyone looking to get their foot in the door. According to the Cybersecurity Fundamentals program at Suffolk Public Schools, this field is blowing up, and employers are hungry for fresh talent.

If you're feeling lost on where to start, no sweat.

The Tidewater Community College has your back with their Cyber Security associate's degree and certificate programs.

You'll learn the ins and outs of network defense, ethical hacking, and all the juicy stuff that'll make you a cybersecurity wizard.

For those seeking a faster track, check out the cybersecurity bootcamps offered by Nucamp Coding Bootcamp and other local organizations.

These intensive programs will have you certified and job-ready in no time, like a superhero donning their cape.

• Employers in Suffolk are interested in professionals with certifications like CompTIA Security+, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Snag one (or all) of these credentials, and you'll be a total catch on the job market.
• Don't forget to check out the in-demand entry-level cybersecurity roles like Information Security Associate or Cybersecurity Analyst that Suffolk has to offer.

It's not just about the technical know-how.

Suffolk employers are also looking for people who can communicate clearly, solve problems like a boss, and stay sharp with continuous learning. So brush up on those soft skills, practice those mock interviews, and get ready to wow them with your passion and dedication to the cybersecurity game.

Employers seek individuals with both technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively and continue learning.