The Connecticut CyberHub Initiative
As you are probably aware, DAS and other State agencies have intentional efforts underway to streamline and digitize services for the residents we serve. And as these resources move online, combatting cybersecurity threats remains a top priority. To do so requires a talented army of cyber experts, working across agencies, private organizations, and local towns to set up and manage the vast array of technology tools and practices needed to train and protect Connecticut residents. Indeed, the 2022 Connecticut State Cybersecurity Strategy calls attention to the cyber skills shortage and for partnering with educational institutions to support training and education programs.
To that end, the BITS team in DAS has created the Connecticut CyberHub (CT CyberHub). The CyberHub has received Governor Lamont’s endorsement and stems from a broader initiative through the National Governors Association. Run in partnership with both the iQ4 Corporation and SDG, and with support from private sponsors here in Connecticut, the program fast-tracks the development of cyber skills through formal education and hands-on internship experience for students at the high school, community college, university, and adult education level. The intent is to help these learners up-skill or re-skill to a new career, as well as to fill the shortage of cybersecurity experts in the state. In addition to helping students qualify for jobs in cybersecurity, the CyberHub also reduces the cost of finding, developing, and retaining cybersecurity talent in the State of Connecticut for public and private sector organizations. Some highlights and benefits of the program include the following:
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Provides a pipeline of talent to fill security jobs
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Attracts diverse, multi-disciplinary students to explore cybersecurity as a career objective
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Moves the State forward in reaching its workforce diversity objectives
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Helps mitigate security risks on a local and state level
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Makes Connecticut a destination to find, train, and develop cybersecurity talent
Connecticut’s CyberHub is an equal opportunity program with the mission of leveling the playing field for talent by including underserved populations, the unemployed, underemployed, and military veterans.
Over the next 12 weeks, the goal is to gather top industry leaders to join in this united effort to recruit and enroll at least 200 students in the program this year. With continued collaboration across BITS, the Governor’s office, education institutions, and private sector businesses, the CyberHub will help to secure Connecticut’s private and public information assets now and in the future.