Belfast is gaining a global reputation as a cyber security hub with the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) now the largest cyber security centre in Europe and recognised by Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) as an academic centre of excellence.
‘Cyber security’ is security applied to computers and their networks with the exponential growth of Internet of Things devices over the coming decade likely to generate new challenges and opportunities for the sector Market research firm Gartner says global spending on IT security is set to reach $101bn in 2018.
Belfast is currently the number one in the world for USA Foreign Direct Investment in the sector, with 1,200 new jobs created here in recent years by companies including IBM, AlertLogic, Proofpoint, Whitehat, Rapid7 and BlackDuck.
Queen’s University’s CSIT has fostered a world-class reputation and developed relationships with many multinational partners. It supports over 900 jobs in the sector through FDI, with up to 300 jobs in the medium term pipeline – representing over £60 million per annum. The university has strategically focused on nurturing and developing its world leading capability and expertise in cyber security.
