A US cyber-security firm has announced plans to create a total of 65 jobs in a new European security operations centre (SOC) in Belfast.
Boston-based Cygilant has already recruited 25 staff for the hub in the Centrepoint building on Ormeau Avenue. The remaining jobs are expected to be created over a number of years.
The company set up the new centre in an Invest NI backed move during February, before the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions.
Cygliant provides cyber-security-as-a-service to medium sized organisations across the financial services, education, retail and healthcare sectors. Its cloud based security monitoring service will be capable of accommodating up to 200 organisations around the world.
The SOC is continuing to operate on a remote basis, with staff working from home. The firm’s chief executive Rob Scott, said around ten new staff had been recruited since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
Invest NI has offered the US firm £455,000 in funding toward the new jobs.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the 65 jobs will eventually contribute £2.8m in annual salaries, with wages averaging around £43,000.
“In these challenging times it is welcome news to be able to announce new cyber-security jobs for Northern Ireland," she said.
“This is an important endorsement of Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for excellence in cyber-security.”
Mr Scott added: “Opening this SOC is our first foray into the European market and thanks to the support of Invest NI, we made the decision to invest here in Belfast.”
