Maryland Launches Comprehensive Cybersecurity Talent Strategy to Drive Economic Growth and Secure the Future

New strategy will position Maryland as the nation's cybersecurity capital

COLUMBIA, Md., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces its Cyber Maryland Program released the "Maryland's Cybersecurity Talent Strategy" report (Cyber Maryland report). The report, created in collaboration with the Governor's Workforce Development Board, follows a recent study conducted to better understand the current status of Maryland's cybersecurity workforce pipeline. The study found more than 6,500 open public and private cybersecurity positions were available in Maryland and Washington, D.C. between December 2023 and January 2024; this demand is expected to continue to grow by nearly 40% over the next 10 years.

The Cyber Maryland report meets this growing demand with strategy, outlining a plan to prioritize economic growth, diversification and resilience through the Cyber Maryland program. This includes creating a more robust catalog of registered apprenticeships, incorporating more cyber literacy into K-12 classes, and more.

"We must take action now if we want to continue to lead," said Portia Wu, Maryland's Secretary of Labor. "We have thousands of high-paying jobs waiting for skilled workers. Our strategy connects the dots—leveraging our world-class institutions, cutting-edge private sector and proximity to federal cyber agencies to ensure that Maryland remains the epicenter of cybersecurity innovation."

Governor Wes Moore has identified three key industries as Maryland's economic beacons: aerospace, technology and life sciences. Cybersecurity underpins all three, making Maryland's leadership in this sector critical to securing jobs, innovation and national security.

"Maryland is at a pivotal moment," added Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. "The talent is here, the resources are here and now we have the strategy to match. This is Maryland's opportunity to double down on our strengths and secure our place as the nation's cybersecurity capital."

"There's no question that Maryland's cybersecurity sector is one of the strongest foundations upon which we can build," said Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. "From protecting small businesses from cyber threats to developing security protocols for federal agencies, our local talent pool is at the top of its game. Enhancing our cybersecurity strategy will critically support each of our industries and spur economic growth across the state."

Maryland Must Act to Stay Ahead

The Washington, D.C./Maryland region has more open cybersecurity jobs than anywhere else in the country, but neighboring states are aggressively investing in workforce development to compete for cyber talent and industry growth. Cyber Maryland's strategy ensures that the state remains a leader in this high-stakes race.

"As a leader in the tech and cyber industry, I see firsthand the urgent need for a strong, strategic approach to building our cybersecurity workforce," said Delali Dzirasa, CEO of Fearless and vice-chair of the Governor's Workforce Development Board. "Maryland's Cybersecurity Talent Strategy is a bold step toward ensuring we have the talent pipeline necessary to protect our critical infrastructure and drive innovation. This plan not only strengthens our cyber ecosystem but also creates real opportunities for individuals looking to enter and grow in this field. As vice chair of the Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board, I am proud to support this talent strategy and the vital work we are doing to secure Maryland's leadership in cybersecurity for years to come."

Maryland's Unmatched Cybersecurity Ecosystem

Maryland is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in cybersecurity. It is home to key federal cybersecurity agencies—including the National Security Agency (NSA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and U.S. Cyber Command—alongside a thriving private-sector cyber ecosystem and world-class academic institutions.

This unparalleled combination of assets, infrastructure and expertise makes Maryland the ideal location for businesses, government agencies and institutions looking to grow, innovate and protect the digital future.

"Maryland has always been at the forefront of cybersecurity," said Roger Austin, chair of Cyber Maryland. "But leadership is not a given—it's a choice. With this strategy, we are choosing to lead."

For more information about the Maryland Cybersecurity Talent Strategy, please visit tedcomd.com/cybermdstrategy.

About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.

About The Governor's Workforce Development Board
The Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) serves as the governor's chief strategy and policy-making body for workforce development. The Board engages key business, labor, education, community and State and local government leaders to develop strategies, drive alignment and accelerate implementation of innovative workforce development solutions that build robust talent pipelines, boost Maryland's economic competitiveness, and advance pathways to work, wages and wealth for all Marylanders. gwdb.maryland.gov

TEDCO Media Contacts
Tammi Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO, [email protected]
Rachael Kalinyak, Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, TEDCO, [email protected] 

GWDB and Maryland Department of Labor Media Contact
Dinah Winnick, Director of Communications, Maryland Department of Labor, [email protected]

SOURCE TEDCO