From: Washington Business Journal

Jeff Clabaugh, Broadcast/Web Reporter

A survey of cybersecurity professionals shows 44 percent think Greater Washington is the center of innovation in cybersecurity, topping second-ranked California.

The survey, commissioned by Alexandria-based Semper Secure, a public-private partnership focused on increasing cybersecurity jobs in Virginia, says cybersecurity professionals earn on average $116,000 a year, but the paycheck isn’t the top motivation.

Among the findings:

  • 56 percent say the challenge is the most interesting part of their job
  • 44 percent say its doing something important and meaningful
  • 39 percent say they love technology
  • 25 percent said salary and benefits was the best part of their job

“The Cyber Security Census paints a very different picture of cybersecurity processionals,” said Lee Vorthman, chief technology officer for federal civilian agencies at NetApp, one of the survey’s sponsors.

“These people aren’t jumping from job to job looking for salary bumps and signing bonuses. Many of them want to work for federal agencies and most of them tend to stick with employers for the long term.”

The majority of cybersecurity professionals work in government, manufacturing, defense and aerospace.

Jeff Clabaugh covers general assignment and provides business coverage for WTOP.