Cyber NYC Initiative: Will NYC Become the Next Cybersecurity Hub?

by Sarah Harvey / April 2nd, 2019

New York City is known for its state-of-the-art architecture, fast-paced lifestyle, variety of cultures, and endless supply of street food, but it’s about to be known for an initiative that some might believe to be long overdue: Cyber NYC.

As cybersecurity threats continue to impact businesses and cities of all sizes, local governments, like that of New York City’s, have taken it upon themselves to ensure the security of their city and the longevity of their economy by creating cybersecurity initiatives.

Let’s take a look at what Cyber NYC is, what influenced it, and other similar initiatives.

What is Cyber NYC?

In October 2018, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) launched its $100 million initiative, Cyber NYC, with the intention of growing New York City’s cybersecurity workforce, helping companies drive innovation and business development, and building networks and community spaces.

Cyber NYC is made up of six unique but connected efforts that will allow the initiative to position NYC as the next cybersecurity hub. These efforts include:

Global Cyber Center: Operated by SOSA, the Global Cyber Center is slated to become a co-working space for startups, a place to foster collaboration, and a space to train the next cybersecurity workforce.
Hub.NYC by JVP: Operated by Jerusalem Venture Partners, Hub.NYC will be a place where enterprise-ready cyber companies can develop and connect with investors.
Inventors to Founders: Operated by Columbia University, the Investors to Founders effort will serve as a space where new cybersecurity startups that are sourced from university campuses that commercialize IP research can launch.
Cybersecurity Moonshot Challenge: Hosted by NYCx in the Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, NYC Cyber Command, and NYCEDC, this effort is a unique, global competition that challenges competitors to create and deploy technologies that are specifically designed to protect small businesses from cyber attacks.
Applied Learning Initiative: Operated by CUNY, NYU, Columbia University, Cornell Tech, and iQ4, this effort seeks to address the workforce shortage in cybersecurity by offering four different educational programs across NYC.
Cyber Boot Camp: Hosted by Fullstack Academy and LaGuardia Community College, this effort also seeks to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by providing an accelerated training program that will help prepare individuals, including those from many of NYC’s underserved communities, for jobs in cybersecurity.

What does all of this mean for New York City and its businesses? Endless opportunities for growth, a community that fosters cybersecurity best practices, and a growing cybersecurity environment for new businesses to thrive in.

What Influenced Cyber NYC?

According to NYCEDC, Cyber NYC grew out of the rapid increase in cybersecurity attacks around the globe.

As New York City is already a hub for startups and is home to 45 Fortune 500 headquarters, establishing an initiative that combines the efforts of both public and private sectors will help position NYC as an epicenter for cybersecurity wherein businesses can feel secure and empowered to focus on mitigating advancing cyber threats.

Additionally, the extreme shortage in cybersecurity professionals has created a need for initiatives like Cyber NYC to be established. In fact, Cyber NYC is projected to create 10,000 new middle-class cybersecurity jobs in New York City.

What Cities Have Similar Cybersecurity Initiatives to Cyber NYC?

While Cyber NYC has gained a lot of attention, it’s not the only cybersecurity initiative of its kind.

For example, Ohio’s Attorney General, Mike DeWine, led the CyberOhio initiative into fruition in August 2018. Similar to Cyber NYC, CyberOhio aims to help businesses defend themselves against the ever-changing threat landscape via educational programs, new data privacy legislation, and information sharing. Beyond the state-level initiative in Ohio, smaller, local groups have jumped into action to form cybersecurity initiatives in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Collaboratory and the Ohio Cyber Collaboration Committee (OC3) both seek to find ways to research and find solution to the growing cyber threats, develop a stronger cybersecurity infrastructure, and educate individuals so that they’re prepared to enter the cybersecurity workforce.

Cities and states around the globe are faced with increasing cybersecurity threats, so it’s critical that businesses everywhere show a heightened awareness for cybersecurity. Establishing cybersecurity initiatives like Cyber NYC to combat the threat of cyberattacks is a much needed and proactive step in the right direction. If you’re interested in learning more about these initiatives or how your organization can strengthen your cybersecurity efforts, contact us today.