Manufacturing is one of Kentucky’s economic backbones, accounting for one out of every six employment. Manufacturing jobs account for nearly a quarter million in the state, with 4,500 manufacturing facilities. These factories generate a lot of things, and Kentucky set a new record for exports in 2018 with $31.8 billion in exports. These figures, which represent a 2.9 percent rise in exports over 2017, put Kentucky on par with Greece as an exporter. While Canada is Kentucky’s greatest trading partner, the state’s products reach almost 200 countries each year. Aerospace items are the most popular produced export. Manufacturing, on the other hand, does not give the complete storey. Another multibillion-dollar sector grows in Kentucky thanks to the state’s favourable location. Kentucky isn’t quite in the middle of the country, but when it comes to population, it’s pretty close. As a result, a large shipping and logistics business has emerged, one that is unrivalled anyplace in the world. Take, for example, parcel sorting. “The UPS Worldport facility at Louisville International Airport is the world’s largest completely automated package-handling facility.” That facility handles over 1.5 million shipments every day, or 17.4 packages per second. That’s a lot of shipments, and it only reflects one company’s work. DHL also operates a plant in Kentucky that was recently expanded by $100 million. FedEx is also extending its presence in the state. These facilities, while impressive, have a flaw. They’re extensively mechanised out of necessity. Anything that is automated is vulnerable to hacking, and while interrupting America’s package supply may not be a cybercriminal’s first priority, the threat is genuine. Thankfully, Kentucky recognises the critical role that cybersecurity plays in today’s computer-driven world. They aim to raise cybersecurity awareness and identify solutions to today’s most critical digital concerns through conferences and state-led initiatives.
Cybersecurity in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the Cyber Security Conference has become an annual event. The conference is an opportunity to learn about the latest cybersecurity risks and how to combat them. It is designed specifically for enterprise IT personnel as well as government security technicians. Attendees will also learn about compliance, which will help them ensure that their company’s digital systems are up to date. A resolution requesting a full examination of and future plan to cope with the burgeoning blockchain technology was recently passed by Kentucky legislators, in addition to the conference. What’s fascinating is that, unlike many others, the state of Kentucky recognises the promise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. “As many new firms and entrepreneurs have entered the blockchain sector, these advancements in blockchain technology have significant potential in the area of economic development.” However, the Act acknowledges that without proper control and regulation, blockchain and cryptographic currencies may cause more harm than benefit. Finally, Kentucky’s Owensboro Community & Technical College’s computer and information technology programme was recently awarded a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. The certification honours the program’s high level of cybersecurity and cyber defence instruction. It demonstrates Kentucky’s commitment to cybersecurity education. They do, in fact, offer a variety of cybersecurity degrees to prospective students.
Cybersecurity Degrees in Kentucky
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREES
While an associate’s degree may limit the amount of cybersecurity jobs that a graduate can apply for, the two-year programme is less expensive than a bachelor’s degree.
Online cybersecurity associate’s degrees in Kentucky
Sullivan University provides an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity, which is currently the only online associate’s degree available in Kentucky.
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Most cybersecurity positions require a four-year degree or higher, so a bachelor’s degree is a fantastic option. Many of the most frequent types of cyber dangers can be recognised and neutralised with a bachelor’s degree. Students can also study courses other than IT, such as history or English literature.
Campus-based cybersecurity bachelor’s degree in Kentucky
Several cybersecurity bachelor’s degree programmes are currently available on campus in Kentucky. For more information, please see the table below. Kentucky students have the option of enrolling in one of two online bachelor’s degree programmes.
Sullivan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Sullivan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
MASTER’S DEGREE
The main benefit of obtaining a master’s degree is that the graduate will not be held back inside the organisation. Some companies, for example, may require employees in upper management to have a master’s degree or above. Graduates with a master’s degree also make more money and have more job opportunities because their expertise is in higher demand. Online cybersecurity master’s degrees in Kentucky Kentucky has a number of cybersecurity master’s degrees available, many of which are available online. In the state, there are currently no campus-based choices. Please consult the table below for more details.
Campus-based cybersecurity certification programmes
There are roughly a half-dozen campus-based certification programmes in Kentucky. For more information, please see the table below.
Online cybersecurity certification programs
Students in Kentucky can choose from a number of online certification programs. See the table below for more information. Voting is one area where the job scarcity has been particularly severe. Kentucky’s voting equipment security issues were recently exposed in a CNN piece. While a large part of the issue is connected to finance, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals to work with the digital voting equipment is also addressed. This is only one example of the many industries that are short-staffed in terms of cybersecurity. Because of this scarcity, candidates with a cybersecurity degree have a lot of options for where they want to work. Voting in government, advanced manufacturing, shipping, and logistics, and so forth. The demand for cybersecurity technicians will only increase as more sectors get digitised.
Cybersecurity in Kentucky
Kentucky, like the rest of the United States, is becoming increasingly automated. Everything depends on computers, from their advanced manufacturing business, which employs a sizable portion of the state’s overall workforce, to its shipping and robust export economy, and those computers are vulnerable to a cyberattack. Kentucky’s businesses and government agencies are aware of the issue, and there is a high demand for cybersecurity technicians, with a shortage of qualified candidates. In fact, according to CyberSeek, Kentucky has a “very low” number of cybersecurity technicians. There has never been a better time to get a cybersecurity education, given the high demand and limited supply. The work market is plentiful, and the pay is competitive. Kentucky offers a wide range of cybersecurity education programmes, particularly at the undergraduate level, and earning a degree could be a fantastic way to jumpstart a new career in an industry that is only expected to grow.
