When you think of technological innovation, it’s areas like Silicon Valley that spring to mind. Perhaps the long history of the Valley cements that reputation, or perhaps the PR machine is a bit stronger than in the Washington, D.C. metro area — but it’s time to shine a light on how the National Capital Region is putting cybersecurity on the map.
According to a recent blog post by Tom Gann, Vice President of Government Relations for McAfee, here are the five core reasons why the D.C. metro area is poised to become a cyber hub.
RESEARCH
While Silicon Valley clearly has brain power, D.C.-area universities have received significant funding from the federal government and, in many cases, enjoy a close relationship with the National Security Agency (NSA).
FUNDING
Angel investors and venture capitalists are necessary components to any successful tech region, and that’s a part of the business world that’s clearly growing near the nation’s capital.
RISK TAKING
Anyone in business knows there are risks to trying to make a profit, but not everyone sees risk the same way. The nation’s capital isn’t famous for risk taking, but the region’s business community increasingly is not afraid of risk.
MOBILITY
Today’s mobile workforce is bringing the best and brightest talent to the region from overseas. Brilliant engineers are calling the area home and are being recognized for the excellence of their work.
GOVERNMENT THAT WON’T GET IN THE WAY
The business climate that government sets is hugely important. Places such as Silicon Valley, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland are, for the most part, notably business-friendly environments with state and local governments fostering start-ups, with business development agendas that clearly yield results.
Another driver for key innovations in the region is the demand for next-generation solutions by federal agencies who must protect government IT security, that in order to for the nation to achieve its national security mission. As we previously highlighted, a recent House Energy and Commerce Committee report found that out of 160 utilities, more than a dozen reported daily cyber attacks. In addition, one utility reported being targeted 100,000 times each month.
It is often the industry providers who are developing the most unique cybersecurity solutions that allow our nation to face 24/7 threats from hackers who are also, unfortunately, on the cutting-edge of innovation.
Thankfully many of these industry providers call the D.C. region their home.
