South Carolina Hosts Annual Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition

News Summary

The Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition took place at Trident Technical College in South Carolina, featuring high school and college students as well as industry professionals. The event focused on enhancing cybersecurity skills through various STEM-related challenges. NIWC Atlantic’s economic impact and commitment to workforce development were highlighted, showcasing its organizational contributions to the state’s cybersecurity sector and job creation efforts. The state’s growth in the tech employment sector emphasizes the importance of events like this in fostering local talent and economic resilience.

South Carolina Hosts 12th Annual Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition

The Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition (PCDC) took place from April 12-14, 2025, at Trident Technical College in North Charleston, South Carolina. Organized by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic in collaboration with the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), the event featured participation from high school students, college students, and industry professionals across its three days.

The competition aims to enhance networking and cybersecurity skills among participants through robust engagements centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year’s format allowed participants to showcase their talents, critical thinking, and teamwork as they faced various cybersecurity challenges in both academic and professional settings.

NIWC Atlantic’s Economic Impact

In the fiscal year 2024, NIWC Atlantic significantly contributed to the economy, adding $10 billion to the United States economy, with South Carolina’s share amounting to an impressive $2.1 billion, primarily benefiting the Lowcountry region. The center employs nearly 8,000 individuals across Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties, with labor income for its employees surpassing $648 million.

Research indicates that approximately half of NIWC Atlantic’s workforce is involved in cybersecurity-related fields, marking a substantial contribution to 25% of Charleston’s cybersecurity sector. As a major employer in the area, NIWC Atlantic plays a pivotal role in insulating Charleston’s economy from cycles of growth and recession, as noted by economic analysts.

Job Creation and Workforce Development

Engineering represents the largest job category at NIWC Atlantic, which accounts for about 90% of electronic engineers within Charleston. Additionally, the average wage of employees at NIWC is around 65% higher than the state average, showcasing the center’s value to the local economy. It is estimated that for every 10 jobs NIWC Atlantic creates, an additional 18 jobs emerge in the surrounding South Carolina economy, indicating a strong multiplier effect.

NIWC Atlantic is committed to boosting the state’s knowledge economy by attracting and retaining talented individuals. The organization continues to forge partnerships with local educational institutions and private sectors to foster youth engagement in technology and engineering fields, ultimately aiding in workforce development.

Recognition and Awards

The Best Places to Work in South Carolina rankings will be announced on August 25, 2025. Sharp Business Systems (SBS) South Carolina branch has distinguished itself by being acknowledged as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for two consecutive years, highlighting excellent employment and training practices. The selection process for companies included thorough evaluations based on workplace policies, practices, and employee experiences through comprehensive surveys.

This year, six companies from South Carolina made it to the Forbes list of the best companies to work for in 2025: Michelin Group, University of South Carolina, Sunbelt Rentals, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Movement Mortgage, and Milliken & Company, reflecting the state’s growing prominence as a favorable environment for employment.

Conclusion

As South Carolina continues to cultivate its cybersecurity landscape and bolster its economic impact through institutions like NIWC Atlantic, events such as the Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition not only provide critical learning and networking opportunities for participants but also reinforce the state’s reputation as a leader in technological advancements and workforce development.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The State
• Wikipedia: Cyber Security
• Business North Carolina
• Google Search: Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition
• Greenville Business Mag
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Impact
• PR Newswire
• Google News: NIWC Atlantic