Exactly one year after opening its Henrico County Information Security Technology Center, GE has already hired 100 people.

Following the company’s announcement in April 2011, GE is ahead of schedule for the 200 new jobs it expects to create over the next few years.

With more than 300,000 employees operating in 100 countries, safeguarding GE and customer data is an enormous task. Utilizing the center’s state-of-the-art cyber forensics lab and cyber intelligence monitoring center, teams are focused on developing innovative solutions to keep company information secure.

Locating near a skilled, high-tech workforce was critical for GE. With the highest concentration of high-tech workers according to Cyberstates 2011, Virginia proved to be the right location.

Virginia also offers companies the ability to partner with leading universities at the forefront of research and development in the field of cyber security.

George Mason University’s International Cyber Center, The Hume Center for National Security and Technology at Virginia Tech, and James Madison University’s Institute for Infrastructure and Information Assurance are just a few of the leading programs preparing a solid pipeline of high-tech workers in Virginia.

To learn why companies consider Virginia a world-class center for technology, investing more than $7.9 billion in Virginia IT projects over the last ten years, click here.