Wichita Cybersecurity Job Market: Trends and Growth Areas for 2024

The cybersecurity scene in Wichita, Kansas is absolutely popping off in 2024! With more companies going remote and cyber threats on the rise, digital security has become a major priority across industries.

Some key areas driving the demand for cybersecurity pros here are aviation and aerospace manufacturing companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, healthcare orgs like Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi Health needing to lock down patient data, and finance giants such as Intrust Bank and Fidelity Bank requiring tight security for financial transactions.

But it's not just the big names – businesses of all sizes are recognizing the value of skilled cybersecurity talent to protect their digital assets and stay ahead of the game.

According to the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, cybersecurity job postings surged by 27% from 2022 to 2024 – that's a serious spike! With high-profile security incidents constantly making headlines, companies here understand they can't afford to slack on their cyber defenses.

So if you've got the right skills and certifications, Wichita could be your ticket to an awesome cybersecurity career.

Wichita's cybersecurity scene is going through some serious changes in 2024, and we've got the inside scoop straight from the streets. This year's Kansas Cyber Summit really opened our eyes to the wild world of digital threats plaguing the city.

First up, ransomware attacks are hitting us like a ton of bricks.

These hackers are bold enough to literally hold the city hostage, copying sensitive data and demanding a fat ransom to keep it under wraps.

And let's not forget about the massive financial hit Wichita's taking to recover from these attacks – we're talking millions of dollars down the drain.

• Cloud vulnerabilities: With more businesses going cloud-crazy, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and wreak havoc.
• Emerging IoT threats: The Internet of Things (IoT) devices taking over our smart city are like open doors for hackers to waltz right in and cause chaos.
• Remote work risks: The rise of remote work has turned our homes into potential battlegrounds, with unsecured networks and lack of awareness being attractive to cybercriminals.

Thankfully, the tech wizards in Wichita are fighting back with some serious AI and machine learning firepower.

Companies like CyberShield Inc. and SecureWave Solutions are using these cutting-edge technologies to detect threats in real-time, automate security processes, and analyze data like it's nobody's business.

As John Jackson from CyberShield Inc. puts it,

"AI/ML is a game-changer for cybersecurity in Wichita. It enables us to stay ahead of the curve, anticipate emerging threats, and fortify our digital defenses proactively."

It's like having a superhero on our side, keeping the bad guys at bay.

Alright, so Wichita's tech scene is booming right now, and cybersecurity is where it's at! The hottest jobs are in cloud security, network defense, and getting certified as an ethical hacker.

It's crazy how many businesses are going all-in on the cloud, meaning cloud security specialists are in super high demand to keep data locked down and compliant.

• Cloud Security: Businesses are rapidly shifting to cloud solutions, creating a high demand for specialists to keep data secure.
• Network Defense: With increased remote work, networks are vulnerable, leading companies to prioritize hiring network security professionals.
• Ethical Hacking: Projections show a booming growth of 18% per year through 2028 for ethical hacking careers.

But it's not just the cloud - companies are also desperate for network security pros to monitor their systems 24/7 and stop any breaches before they happen.

With so many people working remotely now, networks are more vulnerable than ever. That's why organizations are throwing money at network defense analysts to tighten up their security game.

These skilled hackers basically get paid to think like the bad guys and find weaknesses before criminals can exploit them. Wichita companies, government agencies, schools - they all need ethical hackers on their team to stay ahead of the cyber threats.

So if you're looking to break into Wichita's booming cybersecurity industry in 2024, focus on building skills in cloud security, network defense, and ethical hacking.

Those specialties are red hot right now and the money is great. Just be ready to hit the ground running - Wichita's cyber job market is on fire!

The cybersecurity job scene in Wichita is lit, but you gotta have the right skills and certifications to make moves.

According to the latest data, risk management is where it's at. With cyber threats getting crazier by the minute, companies are hunting for pros who can sniff out risks and shut 'em down before they cause chaos.

But that's not all.

Certificates like CISSP and CISM are like golden tickets in this town. The stats don't lie - 85% of job postings require or prefer CISSP, and 72% want you rocking CISM or something similar.

These bad boys show you're a boss at security ops, risk management, and keeping everything on lockdown.

The real deal, though - the cybersecurity game never stops evolving.

The Kansas Department of Labor predicts a 21% spike in job openings by 2026, so you better keep leveling up. Lucky for us, Wichita has some sick training programs to help you stay sharp:

• CyberSec Bootcamp at Wichita State University - Hands-on experience with ethical hacking and network security.
• Cybersecurity Specialist Program at Wichita Area Technical College - Comprehensive coverage from risk management to incident response.
• Cybersecurity Support Technician Apprenticeship - Learn on the job while earning a paycheck.

Bottom line? If you want to crush it in Wichita's cybersecurity scene, invest in the right skills, rack up those certifications, and never stop learning.

The future is bright for those who stay ahead of the game.

The cybersecurity job market in Wichita is lit, and if you're looking to break into this field, now's the time. Certstaff Training offers a ton of cyber security classes in Wichita, like CompTIA CASP+, Security+, and PenTest+.

They've got options for individuals and corporate teams, so you can level up your skills and get certified.

If you're a student at Wichita State, you're in luck! They offer an undergraduate certificate in cybersecurity essentials, covering digital forensics, cyber risk management, and secure web development.

It's a 13-credit program, so you can add it to your plan of study and get a head start on your cyber career.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, Butler Community College's cyber security program has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

They offer associate's degrees and certificates in cyber security, internetworking management, and more. Plus, with the Kansas Promise Scholarship, you can get your tuition, fees, and books covered!

Don't forget to check out Nucamp's article on Wichita cybersecurity salaries to get an idea of what you can earn in this field.

And if you're looking for a comprehensive guide to landing a tech job in Wichita, Nucamp's got you covered.

Start your cybersecurity journey today!