The cybersecurity field in Idaho is steadily growing, reflecting national trends. The demand for skilled professionals is increasing within the state, especially within government, research and national security sectors. Educational programs in cybersecurity, like Boise State University’s cyber operations and resilience program, are also expanding, helping to build a local talent pool.
While Idaho’s cybersecurity market is smaller compared to tech hubs like California, its focus on energy security, rural technology development and agricultural technology offers unique opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, highlighting Idaho as an emerging area for those looking to enter the field.
As the market has grown, the desire to network and build a community for cybersecurity professionals within the state has also grown. The 2024 Idaho Cybersecurity Summit presented prominent vendors in the cybersecurity industry and featured trending talks from Idaho’s talented cybersecurity professionals.
About the Idaho Cybersecurity Summit
The Idaho Cybersecurity Summit is focused on enhancing cybersecurity and collaboration among cyber entities in Idaho. The summit includes expert speakers, panel discussions and hands-on workshops to address current threats, emerging technologies and best practices in cybersecurity. It serves as a vital platform for networking and knowledge sharing in order to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity landscape.
Bridging the workforce gap
Makayla Danley, Marissa Wilson and Elizabeth Khan are affiliates of Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program who presented at the summit. Danley is a cybersecurity engineer at St. Luke’s Health System and Wilson is an IT security analyst for an engineering consultant firm. Khan is a compliance auditor at St. Luke’s Health System but also works part-time as an instructor for the cyber operations and resilience program and as a consultant on workforce development.
Reflecting on their presentation, Wilson stated, “Essentially, the presentation for the summit was three use cases of (the three of us) who have successfully pivoted into cybersecurity, the strengths we brought and how Idaho can benefit from new cyber professionals. It was a conversation with the local cybersecurity community to encourage established professionals to make room for new talent.”
Khan continued, “(It) showcased innovative ways to bridge the Idaho cybersecurity workforce gap and develop a robust security workforce and ecosystem.”
This topic was developed by Khan who has a “personal passion for helping others find their career pathway.” This transcends to connecting talent pipelines for organizations.
The trio found the presentation to be very beneficial and hopeful for many attendees who are looking for work and organizations looking for future employees.
“I think the one point that resonated with the audience was when we discussed the future development of cyber within Idaho,” Danley said. “We shared how cyber was advancing in our state and how to attract talent into our workforce.”
“A few attendees approached me afterward to talk about internships and entry-level opportunities,” Wilson added. “So I feel confident the audience is connected with the call to create more pathways for new professionals.”
With their mission accomplished at the summit, they hope their presentation will trickle down to the cyber community, especially in Idaho.
“I believe it is important that Idaho continues to strengthen our workforce by developing partnerships for organizations and those entering the workforce,” Khan said. “I hope that our presentation inspires organizations to consider mentorships, apprenticeships and internships to fill the gaps.”
Student involvement
Presenting was not the only valuable experience for the cyber operation and resilience students at the summit. Jose Hernandez (student) and Shea McNama (alumnus) were just some of the program affiliates who attended to learn, network and engage in the summit. As attendees, they found the summit to be valuable in their growth and success as cyber professionals.
“Attending the Idaho Security Summit was an amazing opportunity to meet Dr. Loo (the program director), other professors, peers and some of my students I had as a teaching assistant,” Hernandez said.
“I highly recommend everyone get involved in local cybersecurity events like these, as they play an important part in increasing awareness and promoting further conversations among the industry and within our community.
Colonel Dan Lister, Governor Brad Little and even a supervisory special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation had great presentations that made me excited to be in the right field. This culmination of industry experts and peers makes me look forward to the next Idaho Security Summit.”
“It was an inspiring Summit with some much-needed attention that was brought to different areas of the industry here in Idaho,” McNama said.
“It was also great how (Danley, Wilson and Khan) brought the current struggles to light that people face in the industry but also starting in the industry. There is so much that we as Idahoans here can assist and help others in the industry succeed if we work as a team.”
Promoting connection
Many cyber operations and resilience students thank their program for being able to discover opportunities like the Idaho Cybersecurity Summit. One of the program’s goals is to foster engagement and networking for students within the cybersecurity industry, promoting events like the summit and many more in hopes of helping students learn, grow and ultimately have guidance to land jobs during their studies or after graduation.
Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program
Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.
Written by Ranier Lieberman.