December 18, 2017

Colorado Springs’ Cybersecurity Ecosystem Focus of Regional Plan

With 80-plus cybersecurity, more than 140 information technology companies and five high-tech military installations, Colorado Springs is home to a robust technology industry, and is regularly recognized as a top city for cybersecurity companies and their workforce.

Earlier this year, the Chamber & EDC, under a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment grant received by Pikes Peak Community College, began work on the community’s first-ever Regional Cybersecurity Strategic Plan.

“This work will help raise the national profile of Colorado Springs as a cybersecurity hub by highlighting the strengths existing within this community, as well as the unique partnership with our military installations,” said Chamber & EDC director of cybersecurity programs Vinnie Persichetti.

Over the last two months, Persichetti has led work on the program, including bringing on Simon Everett, a global strategy firm well versed in cybersecurity, to help evaluate Colorado Springs’ cybersecurity ecosystem. The process includes interviews with key stakeholders from state and local government, educational institutions, military officials, and professional cybersecurity organizations.

“As we discuss the grant and what it can do for Colorado Springs, we have found the cybersecurity community to be very supportive and excited at the prospects,” said Persichetti, who said next steps include a survey of community assets.

Plans call for research, as well as website, to be completed by the second quarter of 2018.

The Chamber & EDC and Pikes Peak Community College team was recently featured on the New Cyber Frontier, where they shared more about the grant initiative.

Companies interested in the details of the grant are encouraged to contact Persichetti at vpersichetti@cscedc.com or 719-575-4340.