Who’s protecting our state?
It is not a future conversation. It is happening now.
Across North Carolina, the Carolina Cyber Network is bringing together education, industry, and government to build something that works in the real world. Not just programs. Not just pathways. A coordinated system that produces capable, job-ready cybersecurity talent.
This video captures that system in motion.
Students are not waiting until graduation to contribute. Through internships, simulations, and applied learning experiences, they are already helping organizations understand risk, strengthen defenses, and respond to real-world challenges.
Faculty are aligning curriculum to what employers actually need.
Industry is stepping in earlier to shape and support talent.
State partners are investing in a model that connects it all.
The result is simple, but powerful.
A pipeline that is not theoretical.
A workforce that is not delayed.
A network that is already making North Carolina more secure.
Why This Matters
Cyber risk continues to rise across small businesses, local governments, healthcare systems, and critical infrastructure.
At the same time, the gap between available jobs and qualified talent remains one of the biggest constraints in cybersecurity.
CCN addresses both sides of that equation:
• Expanding access to cybersecurity education
• Creating meaningful, work-based learning opportunities
• Connecting students directly to employers
• Strengthening real organizations through student-led support
This is what it looks like when a state moves from awareness to execution.
And it is only getting started.