TEDCO and regional partners were working to understand the growing talent shortage in Maryland’s cybersecurity sector, which had become one of the state’s most strategically important industries. Employers were reporting difficulty filling roles that required both technical competencies and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing security environments. TEDCO needed a clear picture of which cybersecurity occupations were most affected, how skill requirements were shifting, and where workforce supply was not meeting industry demand. Lightcast analyzed hiring patterns, job posting activity, wage trends, and regional workforce characteristics to identify the depth of the talent gap and the roles experiencing the greatest pressure. The research also clarified the specific skills that were becoming more essential as security threats and technologies evolved.

The results helped TEDCO and its partners understand where targeted workforce investments could have the strongest impact. Findings informed discussions with education and training providers, supported the development of new pathways into cybersecurity careers, and guided planning for initiatives that aim to increase the number of qualified workers in the state. By grounding the conversation in measurable labor market data, the project strengthened efforts to align Maryland’s workforce development strategy with the evolving needs of its cybersecurity employers.