Cyber Florida

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So far Cyber Florida has created 87 blog entries.

Resources for CyberLaunch

REMINDER: Faculty advisors and chaperones are responsible for their respective students AT ALL TIMES. Cyber Florida cannot accept responsibility for student safety. Please ensure your students treat the event team, the hotel, and other guests respectfully.

Join us on WhatsApp:
Cyber Florida CyberLaunch

We have created an optional WhatsApp Community to connect the event administrators with team faculty leads in case you have questions or problems during the event (i.e, running late, can’t find the venue, etc.). It is not required, just an option to help you connect with the event team. Please do not share the link with students; this is intended for event staff and faculty leads only. Thank you!

Agenda

  • 8:00-9:00 AM: Check-In + Breakfast Grand Sierra Ballroom + Hallway
  • 9:00–10:00 AM: Welcome Remarks + Keynote Address Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM:
    • Competition Grand Sierra Ballroom
    • Faculty Breakout Sessions: Antigua Rooms 1-3
  • 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 1:00-3:00 PM:
    • Competition Grand Sierra Ballroom
    • Faculty Breakout Sessions Antigua Rooms 1-3
  • 3:00-3:30 PM: Break
  • 3:30-4:00 PM: Awards Ceremony Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 4:00 PM: Event Concludes

Students and faculty advisors are encouraged to visit with exhibitors and cyber mentors throughout the event to learn more about cyber careers.

Faculty advisors may check in on their teams anytime, but we ask that you do not assist with the challenges. Trained volunteers will be available to assist teams as needed while keeping a fair playing field for all participants.

Resort Map

Resources for CyberLaunch2025-03-31T17:20:42-04:00

The Search for the Cyber Unicorn

Are Cyber Unicorns Real? The Truth About Entry-Level Cybersecurity Hiring

Every industry event echoes the same frustration—employers can’t find the right cybersecurity talent, and eager candidates can’t even get an interview. Is the mythical “cyber unicorn”—the perfect entry-level hire with advanced skills and experience—just that, a myth? The Search for the Cyber Unicorn dives deep into this paradox, uncovering the real disconnect between job expectations and candidate qualifications. Through candid interviews with HR professionals across Florida, this report reveals what’s really happening in cybersecurity hiring: how collaboration, internal hiring, and experience weigh into the equation. If you’re tired of the talent gap narrative and ready for real solutions, this report is your guide to bridging the divide.

The Search for the Cyber Unicorn2025-03-28T17:26:27-04:00

Red Dragon Rising II: China in Cyberspace

Join as we once again convene some of the world’s leading scholars to discuss China’s power projection through cyberspace. Since this group last convened, the world has seen an explosion in the availability and use of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as an extension of the digital attack surface. Some questions they’ll ponder include: How might an AI capability enhance China’s security? What is China’s current cyberspace strategy and how might it be augmented by AI? Will AI make China more effective with cyber-enabled information operations, cyber espionage, and offensive cyber? How might China’s terrestrial ambitions be reflected in cyberspace? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some of the top experts discuss cyberspace, China, and national security!

Moderator: Dr. Mark Grzegorzewski

Panelists:

Red Dragon Rising II: China in Cyberspace2025-01-06T10:12:26-05:00

The McCrary Institute: Securing America’s Digital Future

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security—a Cyber Florida at USF partner organization—and the Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0 released a timely report entitled “Securing America’s Digital Future: A Bipartisan Cybersecurity Roadmap for the Next Administration.” The report includes dozens of recommendations for improving the cybersecurity of the United States, based on input from the task force’s subject matter experts. To develop the report, the task force consisted of thought leaders in the field of cyber policy, including industry experts and former federal officials. Among those who contributed to the report was Cyber Florida at USF Director Ernie Ferraresso, who is also a Senior Fellow at the McCrary Institute.

The report includes dozens of recommendations for improving the cybersecurity of the United States, based on input from the task force’s subject matter experts.

The report includes dozens of recommendations for improving the cybersecurity of the United States, based on input from the task force’s subject matter experts.

“With the release of this important report, we are offering the next administration a set of sound policy recommendations to further improve national security in the face of growing cybersecurity threats,” said Frank Cilluffo, director of the McCrary Institute. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our distinguished panel of experts, these recommendations come at a critical time in the cyber policy arena, and we look forward to engaging the next administration to advance these proposals.”

Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0 added, “The cyber threats to U.S. critical infrastructure emanating from both state and non-state adversaries continues to evolve and grow, and so must our policy approach to mitigating them. I am pleased that this impressive cohort of subject matter experts came together with actionable recommendations to address some of the most pressing policy questions facing government and industry today.”

The task force recommendations include calls to harmonize a cumbersome regulatory landscape; improve coordination across federal agencies; provide exercised playbooks for stakeholders to prepare for and respond to cyber attacks; develop a process for labeling state sponsors of cybercrime; develop a system for critical asset identification; establish standards for cloud, IT, and OT security; improve cyber workforce development and retention; and resource key organizations more effectively, among many others. Irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election, these task force recommendations will provide a framework for the incoming administration to engage in important policy efforts and improve the security of U.S. critical infrastructure.

The McCrary Institute, based at Auburn University with additional centers in Washington, D.C., and Huntsville, seeks practical solutions to pressing challenges in the areas of cyber and critical infrastructure security. Through its three hubs, the institute offers end-to-end capability — policy, research and education — on all things cyber-related.

To learn more and download a copy of the report, please visit https://eng.auburn.edu/mccrary/pttf/index.

The McCrary Institute: Securing America’s Digital Future2025-03-28T07:57:09-04:00

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities

Being a Sunshine Cyber Con sponsor is an opportunity to expand your brand recognition while supporting an educationally focused, nonprofit event. Our attendees are cyber practitioners, researchers, students and organizational leaders from across the public and private sectors, including law enforcement, the military, and municipal, county, and state government. Browse the Sponsor + Exhibitor Prospectus below to find the sponsorship opportunity that fits your goals and budget. We sincerely appreciate your support!

To become a sponsor via credit card, please use the button below. If you prefer to be invoiced or would like to discuss a customized sponsorship, please email us at [email protected].

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Networking Lunch Sponsor $10,000 (1 available)
  • EXCLUSIVE recognition in the Networking Lunch space
  • One standard exhibitor package
  • Ten conference registrations
  • Company logo with link prominently featured on event web page
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo prominently featured on event signage
  • Company logo included in the event app
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the event bag (item can only be name and logo)*
  • Dedicated social media post thanking the company for their sponsorship
  • Will honor early-bird registration rates for up to ten sponsoring organization employees to attend, once the organization has used all registrations provided with sponsorship
Reception Sponsors $8,000 (2 available)
  • EXCLUSIVE recognition in the Reception Space
  • One standard exhibitor package
  • Eight conference registrations
  • Company logo with link prominently featured on event web page
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo prominently featured on event signage
  • Company logo included in the event app
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the event bag (imprint name and logo only)*
  • Dedicated social media post thanking the company for its sponsorship
  • Will honor early-bird registration rates for up to eight sponsoring organization employees to attend once the organization has used all registrations provided with sponsorship
Mobile App Sponsor $5,000 (1 available)
  • EXCLUSIVE recognition on the mobile app splash page
  • One standard exhibitor package
  • Four conference registrations
  • Company logo with link prominently featured on event web page
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo prominently featured on conference signage and all marketing materials
  • Company logo included in the event app
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the event bag (item can only be name and logo)*
  • Dedicated social media post thanking the company for its sponsorship
  • Will honor early-bird registration rates for up to six sponsoring organization employees to attend once the organization has used all registrations provided with sponsorship
WiFi Sponsor $5,000 (SOLD!)
  • EXCLUSIVE recognition on WiFi splash page
  • One standard exhibitor package
  • Four conference registrations
  • Company logo with link prominently featured on event web page
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo prominently featured on conference signage and all marketing materials
  • Company logo included in the event app
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the event bag (item can only be name and logo)*
  • Dedicated social media post thanking the company for its sponsorship
  • Will honor early-bird registration rates for up to six sponsoring organization employees to attend once the organization has used all registrations provided with sponsorship’
Coffee Station Sponsors $3,000 (4 available)
  • EXCLUSIVE recognition at one of four coffee stations
  • One standard exhibitor package
  • Two conference registrations
  • Company logo with link prominently featured on event web page
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo prominently featured on conference signage and all marketing materials
  • Company logo included in the event app
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the event bag (item can only be name and logo)*
  • Dedicated social media post thanking the company for its sponsorship
  • Will honor early-bird registration rates for up to four sponsoring organization employees to attend once the organization has used all registrations provided with sponsorship
Partner Sponsor $1,000 (unlimited)
  • Four conference registrations
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo with link included on event web page
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the conference bag (item can only be name and logo)*
Supporter Sponsor $500 (unlimited)
  • Two conference registrations
  • Company logo featured in onsite digital display
  • Company logo with link included on event web page
  • Opportunity to include giveaway item in the conference bag (item can only be name and logo)*

*Subject to Cyber Florida at USF approval

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities2024-12-12T14:15:22-05:00

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 Exhibit Table Registration

Please use the form below to register for an exhibit space. Each exhibit space includes free event Wi-Fi and digital lead generation via the conference app. Once registered, you will receive an Exhibitor Kit with instructions for purchasing power and additional amenities for your space through the JW Marriott vendors.

If you have any questions and/or prefer to be invoiced, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for being a part of the Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025!

Sunshine Cyber Conference 2025 Exhibit Table Registration2024-12-12T14:16:55-05:00