Cybersecurity is a large and important industry in the Commonwealth. It’s an expanding field that not only helps individuals stay safe online by protecting personal information, but it also serves the larger community and state by mitigating cyber risk.
Through Virginia’s Community Colleges’ FastForward program, eligible Virginia residents from across the Commonwealth can take advantage of an Information Technology curricula designed to help prepare graduates for careers in cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors.
From Northern Virginia to Southwest Virginia, there are numerous and varied opportunities available in the cybersecurity field. In fact, from September 2023 to August 2024, over 51,000 cybersecurity positions were posted in Virginia (vedp.org), helping make the Commonwealth one of the largest cybersecurity workforces in the nation. Government and military facilities and the rising data center boom are helping fuel demand for cybersecurity professionals.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use. Companies rely on IT and cybersecurity professionals to maintain their internal networks, replace aging equipment, and keep their data secure from malware and security threats.
Obtaining Credentials
The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, is the information technology trade association that issues professional certifications for the industry from cloud to cybersecurity.
FastForward offers the fundamentals to pass the CompTIA A+ exam, among others. From configuring specific operating systems to troubleshooting network issues, these courses prepare students for the real world of IT and cybersecurity.
Given the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the Commonwealth and the curricula available at Virginia’s Community Colleges to get started, Virginia provides an ideal path for a career in cybersecurity.
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