Ala. (WAFF) – Huntsville built its national reputation on rockets, missiles and aircraft. Now, the Rocket City’s role in national defense increasingly extends to the online battlefield
The FBI, Redstone Arsenal and major technology companies all have a presence in Huntsville, where cybersecurity professionals, federal agencies and students are gathering this week for the National Cyber Summit.
For decades, Huntsville’s defense identity has centered heavily on aerospace and missile technology. Industry leaders at this year’s summit say continued investment is also strengthening the city’s role in cybersecurity.
Chris Klein, regional director for cybersecurity for Google Public Sector Security, travels to cybersecurity conferences across the country. He said the growth at this year’s National Cyber Summit is noticeable.
“There’s a phenomenal buzz,” Klein said. “The buzz compared this year compared to last year is just phenomenal. There’s so much more activity. There’s so much more interest.”
Klein said years of investment from the city and federal agencies are helping fuel that growth.
“The city of Huntsville and the agencies such as the FBI have made a phenomenal investment, and it’s phenomenal to see how this is paying off because this community is so important for our country, is so important for our mission,” Klein said.
That investment is also creating opportunities for people hoping to become part of the industry.
Calhoun Community College student Jaurice Serrant came to the summit’s job fair looking to make connections, find mentorship and learn what he can do now to better prepare himself for a cybersecurity career.
“Maybe if I talk to employer, maybe I’m taking wrong courses, or I’m doing something wrong,” Serrant said. “I basically want to walk out with more knowledge than what I walked in today.”
For Serrant, any conversation at the summit could potentially open a door.
“I’m really motivated with cybersecurity because a lot of people like when they start taking courses of college, they start getting unmotivated,” Serrant said. “They drop out when things get hard, but that’s not really with me. I keep going.”
The mix of established cybersecurity professionals and students is part of what Klein said he is seeing more of at this year’s summit. His booth has drawn people connected to the FBI and military missions as well as students interested in cybersecurity technology.
For Huntsville, the growth represents another dimension of a defense industry that has shaped the city for decades — moving from protecting the country through rockets, missiles and aircraft to also defending the networks and information increasingly central to national security.
The National Cyber Summit continues through Thursday in Huntsville.
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