Cyber Security is San Diego's Next Frontier in Rapid Job Growth

Regional Initiative Formed to Push for Further Industry Growth as Study Reveals a $1.5 Billion Cluster in San Diego

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Mar 20, 2014, 02:30 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ESET®, the global leader in proactive digital protection, has joined with San Diego business and community leaders to launch a new initiative to increase the region's leadership in the cyber security sector. In a strategic effort to accelerate growth, the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) – a public-private partnership dedicated to accelerating the cyber innovation economy – has formed. Its powerfully diverse founding partners from leading cyber-related companies, the military and world-class academic institutions are uniting in pursuit of a common economic-driven agenda to promote and develop the region's cyber strengths.

The cyber security industry impacts more than 13,000 jobs with an economic footprint of $1.5 billion - more than the impact of hosting three Super Bowls every year, according to "Cybersecurity in San Diego: an economic impact and industry assessment," a report released today by the San Diego Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

"San Diego is uniquely poised to capitalize on its position as a leader in cyber security because of the many diverse companies, organizations and people who call the region home and see the value in protecting cyberspace," said Andrew Lee, CEO of ESET. "ESET has always been committed to robustly supporting our region's current efforts, as well as finding innovative and collaborative new strategies to address the challenges of the future and we're excited to be involved with the CCOE initiative."

The EDC study revealed that cyber security firms are expected to experience rapid employment growth. While the entire San Diego County employment base is expected to grow 2.2 percent from 2013-2014, cyber security firms are expected to grow by 13 percent. Overall, cyber security-centric jobs, such as software developers and information security analysts, are expected to grow by 25 percent.

"Cyber can be San Diego's next big jobs generator," said Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of San Diego Regional EDC. "Like biotech was 30 years ago, cyber has the potential to be a driving force for growth in both our innovation and military economies."

Nationally, cyber security has emerged as a priority as global retailers, medical providers, and critical infrastructure fall prey to significant data breaches and cyber theft. In an increasingly hyper connected, internet driven culture, cyber security has evolved to become a critical business and consumer issue. In San Diego, more than 100 core cyber firms call the area home and create a strong opportunity for the region to lead.

On the heels of another round of sequestration, the cyber industry has even greater significance in both the national and local dialogue. Cyber security is one of two areas where the Department of Defense is adding resources. Locally, the cyber security industry is anchored by Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). SPAWAR alone impacts more than 6,100 jobs and generates more than $705 million in total economic impact locally. SPAWAR is a central source of innovation for cyber security with more than 90 percent of SPAWAR's budget dedicated to serving private-sector companies.

As the study suggests, The Cyber Center of Excellence will be partnering with San Diego's prestigious universities to attract and train entry- to mid-level cyber security workers. As part of this commitment, EDC will continue its "iTrends @ UCSD" series, which will focus on cyber security. Open to individuals across all majors and schools, the program works to educate students about industries with growth opportunities throughout the San Diego region.

"UC San Diego has always worked hand-in-hand with the community to refine our curriculum and prepare our top-notch graduates for in-demand jobs," said Pradeep K. Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego. "Our graduates already go on to hold positions in some of the most competitive companies around the globe. As home to the San Diego Super Computing Center, we will continue to produce the talent to ensure San Diego remains a cyber center of excellence."

The EDC study was underwritten by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Sentek Global.

About ESET
ESET® is on the forefront of proactive endpoint protection, delivering trusted security solutions to make the Internet safer. For over 25 years, ESET has helped customers get the most out of their technology by creating a more secure and trusted online experience with antivirus software for consumers and endpoint security solutions for businesses. Award-winning ESET NOD32® Antivirus technology has detected 100% of the WildList Organization "In-the-Wild" malware samples since testing began in 1998. ESET has received over 75 VB100 awards and consistently earns high ratings from AV-Comparatives, Virus Bulletin, AV-TEST and other independent testing organizations. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, ESET Smart Security®, ESET® Endpoint Solutions, ESET® Mobile Security and ESET® Cyber Security (solution for Mac®) are trusted by millions of users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world. IDC has recognized ESET as a top-five corporate anti-malware provider.

ESET has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with operations in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Singapore; and offices in Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Prague (Czech Republic). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Košice (Slovakia), Krakow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia) and an extensive partner network for more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.eset.com/us or call + 1 (619) 876 5400.