As a part of the Digital Business Association out of Berlin, SIBB’s “Berlin Meets the USA” event series, the Georgia Department of Economic Development hosted a cybersecurity-focused webinar in January. The department and SIBB brought together experts and companies from both sides of the Atlantic to highlight the current cyber market, industry trends and hot topics, and best practices for expanding to the U.S.

With more than 115 cybersecurity companies generating over $4.7 billion in revenue every year (almost 25% of the global security market) the State of Georgia has emerged as a hotspot for cybersecurity operations in the U.S. In 2020, Fort Gordon in Augusta became home to the U.S. Army Cyber Command, the central post for all of the U.S. Army’s cybersecurity operations. Augusta is also the site of the Georgia Cyber Center, which is the largest single-investment in a state-owned cybersecurity facility in the nation to date. The $100 million Georgia Cyber Center is a unique public/private collaboration and the first of its kind.

“Our vision is to lead a revolution in cybersecurity”
To kick off the webinar, Ellen Kraft, business development manager for the State of Georgia’s Europe Office, gave an overview of the role of Georgia’s Europe Office and the significant impact of cybersecurity in the state.

Eric Toler, executive director of the Georgia Cyber Center (GCC), provided an in-depth overview of the center’s activities and their unique approach to addressing new emerging cyber threats. From industry partners to nonprofits and an in-house incubator all being under one roof, collaboration has been the key to success as these groups work together toward even greater success. Eric also discussed the GCC’s active role in recruiting and training top talent to meet the growing workforce demands of the industry.

An energetic panel discussion moderated by Randall Toussaint of Partnership Gwinnett wrapped up the webinar and allowed for an engaging dialogue around recent cyber news headlines, the effect of COVID-19 and new working environments on information security, and the role of collaboration and innovation in staying ahead of new threats.