$100mn Georgia Cyber Center opens its doors

The US State of Georgia has announced the opening of the Georgia Cyber Center, a $100mn facility that will aim to significantly strengthen and promote cybersecurity practices, development and education within the region.

Located in Augusta, the centre is the single largest investment in cybersecurity from any state government to date.

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It will enable collaborative partnerships between public organisations, private companies and educational bodies, encouraging cyber practices to strengthen defenses and combat the growing issue of digital crime.

According to the Georgia Technology Authority, at current rates, the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs is set to reach 3.5mn by 2021 – a rising problem that the facility will look to solve.

“The center will have a lasting impact on Augusta University,” said Brooks Keel, President of Augusta University. “It is making us a national leader in cyber training and education, and already is attracting talented students to Augusta who will in turn become highly trained cybersecurity professionals.”

Alongside the Augusta University, a number of other key bodies including the University System of Georgia’s research institutions; the Technical College System of Georgia, the City of Augusta and the Georgia Department of Defense are all looking to utilise the facility to similarly tackle these issues.

Once complete, the centre will span 332,000 square feet in total, with the second building expected to open in December of this year.