South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development are highlighting the state’s place as a national leader in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this month (Oct. 2025).
GOED Commissioner Bill Even said the state’s cybersecurity and AI industry has grown 350% over the past decade, the second-fastest rate in the nation. He said South Dakota is building good careers, driving research that matters and making sure the state is “Open for Opportunity in this rapidly changing field.”
In 2024, South Dakota recorded nearly 10,000 computer and mathematical jobs, with 7,840 of those considered core cybersecurity and AI positions. The sector’s real GDP reached $953 million, up 105% in the last five years. South Dakota is currently home to 1,618 core cybersecurity and AI business establishments.
Workforce development continues to grow alongside industry demand. Last year, 618 computer and information sciences degrees were awarded in South Dakota. The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University plays a central role in this pipeline, with 1,936 students currently enrolled. DSU is one of only 11 universities in the nation to carry all three National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence designations.
DSU’s Applied Research Corporation is a key driver of South Dakota’s cybersecurity growth. With a mission to strengthen national security and foster innovation, DARC also creates career opportunities that keep top tech talent in the state.
Find more information about South Dakota’s cybersecurity industry on the GOED website, https://sdgoed.com/key-industries/cybersecurity/.
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