Top 5 Cyber-Secure Cities in the US and Abroad
by Sarah Harvey / April 25th, 2019
The growing cyber threats across the globe are a sobering reminder that no matter where you’re located, hackers will find a way to exploit your business – or worse, an entire city. Cities all over the US, including major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Dallas, have all experienced some type of data breach or security incident, heightening the urgency for cities to place more of an emphasis on their cybersecurity initiatives. While municipal governments are faced with improving education, decreasing poverty levels, and improving their city’s economy, cybersecurity can easily get put on the back burner. However, the reality of advancing cybersecurity threats has people around the world asking, where are the most cyber-secure cities? Which cities are taking cybersecurity the most seriously?
How to Make a Cyber-Secure City
When it comes to being a cyber-secure city, there’s a few key components that come into play:
- Financial Investment: Investing in cybersecurity is not cheap. In fact, many cities – especially smaller cities – are often targeted by malicious hackers because they don’t have the funds to invest in or create a robust information security program. Considering this, cities where large venture capitalist and investors are likely to reside helps fuel cybersecurity awareness and establish strong cybersecurity programs.
- Research and Development: The threat landscape is ever-changing and malicious hackers continue to be creative and cunning. Cities that are cyber-secure will be hubs for research and development of new cybersecurity best practices and initiatives to combat these increasing threats.
- Cybersecurity Personnel: There’s nearly a 2 million deficit in cybersecurity professionals around the world. Cyber-secure cities will be those that can attract cybersecurity professionals by providing ample housing, funding, and competitive job opportunities.
Best Cities for Cyber Security in 2019
1. New York City, New York
New York City is a well-known hub for the financial services and banking industry, but there’s so much more to the city than Wall Street. In October of last year, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) recognized this and put plans into action to establish Cyber NYC, an initiative dedicated to growing New York City’s cybersecurity workforce, helping companies drive innovation and business development, and building networks and community spaces. Made up of six unique efforts, Cyber NYC helps position New York City as a cyber-secure city because of its focus on financial investments to grow cybersecurity awareness, research and development of cybersecurity attacks and best practices, and booming economy that will attract cybersecurity professionals.
2. Silicon Valley, California
While Silicon Valley has established itself as the tech start-up capital of the world, it also has all of the key components to make it one of the most cyber-secure cities. Not only have some of the world’s most advanced technologies grown out of Silicon Valley, there’s ample venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, researchers and developers, and a burgeoning economy to attract cybersecurity professionals. In addition to this, the state of California recently introduced the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), giving consumers in California more control over how their personal data is used. California’s focus on ensuring the privacy and security of consumers’ data in conjunction with the growing technology industry located in Silicon Valley helps position itself as a cyber-secure city.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Though not quite up to the same caliber as New York City and Silicon Valley, Boston is quickly positioning itself as one of the United States’ most cyber-secure cities. With both Harvard and MIT located within the city, there’s no shortage of cybersecurity research and development, financial investors, or cybersecurity professionals.
4. Tel Aviv, Israel
Given Israel’s geographic location, advancing security threats, growing start-up scene, and reliance on military intelligence, there’s no wonder why Tel Aviv is one of the most cyber-secure cities. In fact, Tel Aviv and its innovative businesses have positioned themselves as leaders in the cybersecurity industry – the founders of Cyber NYC even went so far as to chose Israeli partners to establish their Global Cyber Center innovation hub.
5. London, United Kingdom
London’s cybersecurity initiatives are some of the most robust of their kind in Europe. Similar to Cyber NYC, London’s cybersecurity startup accelerator, Cyber London, or CyLon, is dedicated to helping businesses develop information security technology and products, furthering the city’s focus on cybersecurity. London is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and research facilities, making it an attractive hub for cybersecurity professionals. All in all, London is an up-and-coming cyber-secure city.
Whether located in the United States or across the globe, cyber-secure cities are continuing to develop at a rapid pace. Want to learn more about the latest cybersecurity initiatives or how KirkpatrickPrice can keep your organization’s data secure against advancing threats? Contact us today.
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