WATCH: US cyber security firm to create 120 jobs in Belfast

by Gráinne Connolly

A US based cybersecurity firm is creating 120 jobs at it's new development and delivery centre in Belfast. 

'Contrast Security' is a pioneer in making software safe from cyber attacks. 

It's software security platform is built to allow software developers to easily and quickly write secure software and to protect running and currently deployed applications from data breaches. 

The technology includes sensors that work inside applications to uncover vulnerabilities, prevent data exfiltration and secufre enterprise assets. 

The new development centre in Belfast is part of the company’s international expansion, including serving companies worldwide in key verticals such as financial services, eCommerce, retail, insurance, healthcare, enterprise IT and technology companies. 

CEO at Contrast Security Alan Naumann said the new roles will be created over the next three years: 

🎥@contrastsec is creating 120 new jobs at it’s new development and delivery centre in Belfast.
CEO of the firm Alan Naumann says the new roles will be rolled out over the next three years. pic.twitter.com/nhm50MEIR4

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 24, 2019

Mr Naumann said, “We’re continuing to execute on our vision to ‘Finally Make All Software Secure’ and be the global leader in application security. 

“There are 30 million developers worldwide and our job is to enable them to easily deliver software that is inherently secure and built to withstand sophisticated attacks. To do this, we have ambitious plans to expand our footprint across Europe and the team here in Northern Ireland will be crucial to helping us achieve this. 

“Access to experienced professionals, strong technical universities, and the proximity to our European customer base makes Northern Ireland the right choice for this new centre. We are very grateful for Invest NI’s support to help make this happen.”

Meanwhile, Invest Northern Ireland, has offered £786,500 towards the creation of new jobs, which should attract an average salary of over £30,000. 

🎥@InvestNI has offered £786,500 towards the creation of 120 new jobs at @contrastsec new development and delivery centre in Belfast.
Invest NI CEO Alistair Hamilton says over the next 3 years, the jobs will contribute nearly £4M annually in additional salaries once operational. pic.twitter.com/34uf6CWqYd

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 24, 2019

Alastair Hamilton, CEO Invest NI said: “Cybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges facing the public, private and third-party sectors.

"In today’s digital world every major company across almost every industry is building software to empower the digital experiences consumers expect.

“As more products and services are procured, delivered or operated via the internet, the risk of security breaches by well organised, highly motivated criminals increases daily.

“The new centre will include an R&D team of software developers to help create new innovative products, along with sales and marketing teams to support the company’s European growth plans. Over the next three years, 120 jobs will be created, contributing nearly £4million annually in additional salaries when fully operational.”

The cybersecurity industry in Northern Ireland is on course to employ almost 1,700 cybersecurity professionals, generating salaries of over £70m each year in the field.