Lighting the Path for Cybersecurity Careers in North Central Washington

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to revolutionize industries, cybersecurity has emerged as an essential skill set for professionals across all sectors. From agriculture and energy to healthcare and hospitality, safeguarding digital infrastructure is no longer an optional consideration but a necessity. This evolution is particularly important for rural communities, where the adoption of technology is transforming the way work is done for many industries and creating efficiencies, but also exposes businesses to potential cyber threats and introduces new vulnerabilities.

The Rising Demand for Cybersecurity Skills

Whether it’s securing supply chain data in agriculture, or safeguarding customer information in hospitality, every sector is reliant on robust cybersecurity measures. In healthcare, rural hospitals, in particular, face unique challenges as cyberattacks can severely impact patient care and compromise private data. According to the Microsoft Cybersecurity Program for Rural Hospitals, many rural healthcare facilities operate with limited resources, making them prime targets for cyber criminals. Rural hospitals provide critical services to the communities they serve but cyberattacks have become a growing threat. Microsoft is investing in collaborative efforts to provide self-assessments and resources to secure technology, and training for rural hospitals to ensure safe and efficient healthcare delivery. 

Industry experts also report that the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is surging in other sectors. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a comprehensive framework—the NIST Cybersecurity Framework—to guide organizations in managing cybersecurity risks. This framework is widely regarded as the gold standard for identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats.

Local Efforts to Promote Cybersecurity Education

In North Central Washington, regional partners are taking proactive steps to equip educators and counselors with the tools needed to guide students into cybersecurity careers. The Apple STEM Network, North Central Educational Services District (NCESD), NCW Tech Alliance, and the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) are collaborating to host a workshop designed to inform and empower career counselors and academic advisors.

The Cybersecurity Career Advisor Workshop will take place on February 20 at the North Central Educational Services District in Wenatchee. This free, four-hour event will introduce participants to a cybersecurity career toolkit, provide insights into job openings, and offer guidance on using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Participants will also explore top cybersecurity roles, required skills, salaries, and educational pathways. Additionally, the workshop will highlight extracurricular opportunities and scholarships available to students interested in this field. STEM clock hours will be provided for educators who attend.

“We are excited to bring this opportunity and important information to schools, educators and counselors,” said Tami McBride, Career Connect Learning Specialist at NCESD. “Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and we want students to understand the wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity and recognize that the skills they develop can be applied to any field they choose to pursue. By sharing these resources with educators, we can support students in discovering and pursuing promising career paths.”

The Role of Schools and Counselors

Schools play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of cyber defenders. By participating in events like the Cybersecurity Career Advisor Workshop, educators can better understand the diverse opportunities available in cybersecurity and how to guide students toward these lucrative and impactful careers.

The workshop’s hands-on approach, featuring online tools for job searches and resources for students, aims to bridge the gap between education and industry needs. Dr. Kristine Christensen, a professor of Computer Information Systems and a presenter at the event, will provide valuable insights into aligning academic pathways with real-world cybersecurity demands.

Building a Resilient Future

For rural communities in North Central Washington and beyond, fostering a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline is critical to ensuring economic resilience and growth. By integrating cybersecurity education into career planning, regional partners are not only addressing current workforce shortages but also preparing for the future of work in an increasingly digital world.

Counselors and educators interested in attending the workshop can register now to learn how to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. As industries evolve and technology advances, cybersecurity skills will continue to be a cornerstone of innovation and security across all fields. Register to attend the workshop here: https://ncwtech.info/cyberpath