April 29, 2010

Cyber Security Hub in Maryland Will Bring Jobs and Housing

Can you say . . . cha-ching?!!  Here's why: the Pentagon is seeking $139 million from next year's federal budget to set up a cyber security hub at Fort Meade in Maryland.  The hub would be a military division that would benefit the region in two fantabulous ways.  It would: (1) generate billions of dollars in government investment (cha-ching!); and (2) create jobs, jobs, and more jobs! (cha-ching! cha-ching!)

[Sidebar: not for nothing, but when I started writing this post I didn't exactly have a clear idea of what cyber security was! Because . . . well . . . I'm not exactly a techie (I mean . . . I don't even have a Blackberry or an iPhone. I'm still using a day planner for goodness sake!)  So I had to do a little digging.  And here's what I learned: cyber security is more than just antivirus software, spyware, and firewalls.  It also involves all the stuff you need to know and do (e.g., good security habits, staying safe online) to safeguard the data on your computer, mobile devices, and networks to protect against hackers and attackers.  These so-called cyber terrorists have become very sophisticated and can do things like steal money from banks, access extremely sensitive military documents and put regional electronic grids on complete lockdown.]  

State officials are excited and believe the military's war on cyber terrorism will lead to lucrative federal contracts for Maryland companies that specialize in information technology.  They also believe the initiative will create a sharp demand for office and research space.  Not to mention the demand for housing for workers who will want to live in the area. The Department of Defense estimates it would pay approximately $25 million in annual wages. Can you say . . . cha-ching, again?!!!

The details of the Pentagon's "U.S. Cyber Command" are still being worked out and the proposal requires Senate approval.  But Governor Martin O'Malley is totally behind this initiative.  In January, he released a report entitled CyberMaryland. He believes Maryland is the epicenter of cyber security and that the initiative will bring "more and better jobs." More jobs = more people with money = more qualified buyers = more settlements and home sales. Do you see where I'm going with this?

Alrighty, that's all the cyber security talk for today. I'm getting dizzy!

Until next time.

Be well.

Posted by: shana@lakeviewtitle.com