Cybersecurity
& Defense
Where Your Future’s Secure
Nebraska’s defense and cybersecurity sectors are on the rise — and so is the demand for top talent.
The state is home to three military installations, including Offutt Air Force Base. Here, the 55th Wing (the largest in the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command) drives both national security and local economic strength. Dozens of defense-related companies collaborate with their mission, creating opportunities for cybersecurity analysts, information security analysts, and other cybersecurity consultant jobs.
Such a concentration of military bases also creates a need for cybersecurity in the defense industry, from cyber threat detection to threat intelligence to cloud security solutions. University of Nebraska-affiliated Peter Kiewit Institute is training the next wave of tech, information systems, and cybersecurity engineering leaders in Omaha, while Bellevue gears up for a new cybersecurity innovation hub that could create over 1,000 jobs.
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Cybersecurity & Defense Industry
The Future of Defense in Tech
Home to several key military installations, Nebraska plays a central role in national security. Offutt is one of Omaha’s largest employers, with nearly 10,000 military and civilian personnel. It houses the 55th Wing (Air Combat Command’s largest wing), the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the new Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) Annex.
Key Defense Installations:
Several aerospace and defense contractors also find their homes in Nebraska, including:
- Duncan Aviation
- Lockheed Martin
- General Dynamics
- National Strategic Research Institute
- Collins Aerospace
Known as the Silicon Prairie, Nebraska has embraced a strategic approach to cybersecurity, with plans to build one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs. The state is among the fastest-growing for IT security jobs and defense industry jobs, supported by major employers like Cox Enterprises, FNTS, and nonprofits such as the Cyber Security Forum Initiative.
Modern defense means staying ahead of emerging cyber attacks — and Nebraska’s tech ecosystem is built to support that. From firewalls and automation tools to advanced threat intelligence programs, the state’s defense sector is focused on staying secure from cyber risks. Workers in cybersecurity and information technology here also enjoy some of the highest wages in the Midwest — proof that in Nebraska, protecting the future pays off.
Upskilling & Education
Authenticate Career Success
Want to build your skills in tech, computer science, and cybersecurity? Nebraska is the place to do it. The University of Nebraska Omaha’s College of Information Science & Technology offers cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence, computing & informatics, cybersecurity, data science, and IT innovation. Whether you’re earning a bachelor’s degree or pursuing professional certifications, you’ll find the education and support you need.
The UNO and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln-affiliated Peter Kiewit Institute further expands career opportunities, preparing students to navigate real-world challenges in data collection, data mining, security system frameworks, and other related fields. PKI also houses the Holland Computing Center, home to the Firefly supercomputer, which is used to advance research in everything from nanoscale chemistry to meteorology and AI.
Education opportunities don’t stop there. Institutions like Wayne State College, Northeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College, and Western Nebraska Community College offer strong, accessible programs in cybersecurity, preparing students across the state for all employment types, from full-time to part-time. Whether you’re starting out in an entry-level role or leveling up to a senior level job description, Nebraska offers the resources to sharpen your skills and future-proof your career.
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