April 12, 2022

Resources Keep Businesses Cybersecure in Colorado Springs

The National Cybersecurity Center is a cyber defense agency in Colorado Springs

Cyberattack attempts were up by more than 50% per week in 2021, creating a cause for concern for many IT and tech firms. Recently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a rare cyber “Shields Up” warning, noting that while there are currently no specific or credible cyber threats to the U.S. homeland, every organization—large and small—must be prepared to respond to disruptive cyber activity.  

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is working to keep our community cyber safe and aware. More than 150 cybersecurity agencies exist within the city, including the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC), a non-profit that serves both public and private organizations and individuals through training, education, and research.  

In 2018, NCC took on executive and operational duties for Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) and under a partnership with Tusk Philanthropies, the NCC is piloting an initiative to secure online voting and electronic ballot return technologies. The pilot is a project of the NCC’s Secure the Vote Program, seeking to increase confidence in the integrity of elections and improve security around gaps in the infrastructure.   

Agencies such as the NCC and an array of IT companies are solidifying the Pikes Peak region as a national leader in cybersecurity commerce, employment, and innovation. While not an exhaustive list, here are resources helping businesses stay cyber smart. 

Space ISAC employees promotecybersecurity in colorado springs at a chamber event

An Established Ecosystem of Cybersecurity Agencies and Businesses  

Smart companies understand the importance of being protected against a cyberattack, even if their allocation of resources is minimal. Thankfully, Colorado Springs is uniquely suited to help, with a diverse set of IT companies, higher education and national cyber defense agencies keeping businesses cybersecure. In fact, a 2021 report from LinkedIn named Colorado Springs one of the nation’s Top 10 Most Resilient Tech Hubs, benefiting established companies, startups, and job seekers. 

Cyber Mountain is a Colorado Springs brand and coalition, consisting of the Chamber & EDC, the National Cybersecurity Center, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Space ISAC, Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation, and several defense contractors. With a dedication to positioning the Pikes Peak region as the nation’s core for cybersecurity in space operations, Cyber Mountain presents a wealth of cybersecurity resources in Colorado Springs, including employment and training opportunities, support for transitioning military personnel, and industry news. 

Business professionals can also join free Cyber Mountain events throughout the year, including Cybersecurity First Friday and Women in Cybersecurity Fireside Chats. These events are focused on furthering business leaders’ understanding of the cyber industry and present a networking opportunity within Colorado Springs’ growing cybersecurity ecosystem.   

Veteran Skills Translate to Cybersecurity Expertise 

Colorado Springs is home to five military installations, two Air Force bases, and an 84,000-strong veteran community. Military service provides many of the skills necessary for a job in IT or cybersecurity, including an already established security clearance which is often required for high-level positions. There are also five National Security Agency (NSA) certified colleges in the region, allowing veterans to earn further degrees.  

Here are a few of the great programs designed to assist veterans with cybersecurity training.   

  • ACI offers IT training and certifications, career services, veteran resources, and enterprise team training customized to a business’ cybersecurity needs. Additionally, ACI maintains a core of IT graduates that are qualified to strengthen an organization’s defense against cyberattacks. 
  • Hire Heroes USA empowers U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. They provide talent sourcing services for employers, allowing prescreened resumes to be sent directly to your inbox. 
  • The Veterans Integration Program (VIP) at Mt. Carmel specializes in providing services to transitioning Military members through training and education resources. VIP also offers an internship program, industry-specific career fairs, and hosts employer days at their facility for companies seeking to fill many positions.  
  • Onward to Opportunity (O2O) provides transitioning service members, veterans, and military families with access to career counseling and job training. Employers can get involved in O2O’s career training program, allowing them to influence curriculum according to industry trends and their hiring needs and providing them with connections to the region’s current military-connected candidates prior to separation.  
  • VetSuccess Academy provides veterans with advanced technical training, GIAC certifications, and a pathway to employment and careers in cybersecurity. The programs are 100% scholarship based, overcoming a barrier between the ever-evolving needs of employers and cyber defense candidates.  

Businesses have an abundance of resources to assist with cybersecurity in Colorado Springs. Read more about the IT industry in the region and contact us to learn how the Chamber & EDC helps businesses avoid cyber threats and stay protected.