The exotic nature of the work, coupled with the deep recession, is enabling the companies to attract top young talent that once would have gone to Silicon Valley. Nearly all of the largest military firms – including Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon – have major computer-related contracts with the military and intelligence agencies.

The companies have been moving quickly to lock up the relatively small number of specialists with the training and creativity to block the attacks and design countermeasures. They have been buying smaller firms, financing academic research, and running advertisements for “cyberninjas” as other industries are shedding workers. (Boston Globe)