Jennifer Kleman, Author at Cyber Florida at USF

CyberWorks Alumni Profile: Amber Waters
CyberWorks Alumni Profile: Amber Waters

CyberWorks Alumni Profile: Amber Waters

Amber Waters, Junior Cybersecurity Analyst, Home Depot, Tampa

In 2022, Amber Waters was a full-time student at USF and a full-time employee in health care. The 31-year-old veteran was enrolled in a Health Information Technology degree program with an eye toward entering the cybersecurity field. She knew she needed hands-on experience in cybersecurity to secure a good job but wasn’t sure how to do that when, “Boom! I saw New Skills for a New Fight promoted on LinkedIn,” Amber said.

The 22-week program, now known as CyberWorks, was designed specifically for veterans looking to reskill. With grant funding available to cover the cost for all participants, Amber saw an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

“I am a lifelong learner and had maxed out my capabilities at work. I was bored!” Amber recalled. From her research, she knew cybersecurity, with its constant need for problem-solving and innovation, was her future career goal.

She applied to the program, was accepted, and added the course to her already heavy schedule. Time management became crucial. Despite difficult times when she fell behind, the support from Cyber Florida staff helped her complete the program and gain confidence to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

In addition to the hands-on experience available through the virtual machines and lab work, the program taught foundational skills and soft skills such as networking and resume building. Amber met and learned from various cybersecurity professionals, hearing about their experiences. She realized there were many career paths in cybersecurity she could pursue.

Securing her first job in cybersecurity did not happen overnight, however. She continued to network, meet with mentors, and research companies that aligned with her own values. It wasn’t until she attended a Cyb(H)er Ally brunch that she really felt at home and made connections that led to her first cybersecurity job offer. The course prepared her well to enter the workforce as a tier 1 security operation center (SOC) analyst. This role suits her perfectly, as she enjoys learning and doing “a little bit of everything.”

Amber now enjoys the flexibility of working from home in a dynamic and rewarding career. She appreciates the security of knowing she will be able to advance in her field as she continues to learn and grow.

Ready to learn more about CyberWorks? Visit https://cyberflorida.org/cyberworks/.

CyberWorks Alumni Profile: Amber WatersJennifer Kleman2024-11-18T10:23:36-05:00

Teacher Spotlight: Tanisha Richardson
Teacher Spotlight: Tanisha Richardson

Teacher Spotlight: Tanisha Richardson

Teacher: Tanisha Richardson

School: Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED Magnet School

County: Broward

Tanisha is a dynamic educator who has been making waves within Broward County Public Schools since 2018. Based at Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED Magnet School, Tanisha has been instrumental in shaping the minds of young learners, particularly in the exciting realm of computer science and cybersecurity.

With a thirst for knowledge and a drive for excellence, Tanisha embarked on her journey into cybersecurity education while pursuing her second master’s degree in Cybersecurity Management. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of the field is evident through her attainment of industry certifications, including the Information Technology Specialist certification in Cybersecurity and the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification.

Tanisha is currently on the path to further bolster her expertise as an ISC2 Candidate, aiming for additional cybersecurity certification and pursuing the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification.

Tanisha’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She has coached and led Broward County’s first and only team to participate in the inaugural Florida Cyber Launch competition. Her passion for fostering talent and interest in cybersecurity education is further demonstrated as she prepares to launch the first CyberForce Elite Team, a cybersecurity club at her school, in the upcoming academic year.

With Tanisha’s passion for cybersecurity, her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, and her extensive professional background, she stands as a beacon of inspiration and excellence within both the education sector and the cybersecurity industry, leaving an indelible mark on the students she guides and the field she serves.

Teacher Spotlight: Tanisha RichardsonJennifer Kleman2024-08-19T11:42:56-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Eric Koff
Teacher Spotlight: Eric Koff

Teacher Spotlight: Eric Koff

Teacher: Eric Koff

School: Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology

County: Duval

Eric is one of our rockstar teachers in Duval County where he serves as the lead teacher for the Andrew Jackson High School Cybersecurity Master Academy in Jacksonville. This is his fifth year at AJHS, where they became a Master Academy in 2023.

They are doing incredible things at Andrew Jackson to ensure their students graduate at the highest level of college and career readiness. Eric’s students are learning the fundamentals of computer and network security, the essentials of modern cybersecurity principles, and operational cybersecurity which focuses on ethical hacking and the basics of penetration testing.

Seniors have the opportunity to graduate with industry certifications in CompTIA Tech+ and CompTIA Security+ and also participate in soft skills workshops, resume reviews, and mock interviews.

They have also built partnerships with leading regional employers that offer students internship opportunities. The academy is visited throughout the year by industry guest speakers and student experiences extend beyond the school walls through field trips to industry sites.

The Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology and the Cybersecurity Master Academy is a leader in northeast Florida where a quality IT education is provided for every student every day.

We are so grateful for Eric’s expertise and his dedication to cybersecurity education!

Teacher Spotlight: Eric KoffJennifer Kleman2024-08-19T11:43:50-04:00

Innovative Virtual Cyber Program for Florida Public Schools

Cyber Florida and Teaching Digital Natives Introduce Innovative Virtual Cyber Program for Florida Public Schools

No-cost curriculum supports Florida legislative requirements

July 15, 2024—Tampa, Fla— The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, also known as Cyber Florida at USF, and Teaching Digital Natives are delighted to introduce a collaboration to bring a new program to Florida Public Schools, titled Cyber Hygiene and Digital Citizenship. Developed by Teaching Digital Natives, this innovative virtual learning program features a gamified, interactive virtual reality environment designed for elementary and middle school-aged students.

In response to recent Florida legislation, the program includes curriculum covering social media etiquette to meet the mandated requirements for instruction on the social, emotional, and physical effects of social media.

To encourage students to learn about good cybersecurity practices and consider cybersecurity as a potential career path, Cyber Florida at USF is sponsoring a substantial number of seats on a first come – first serve basis in Florida public schools.

The virtual reality experience is currently offered in both English and Spanish languages and incorporates real-life locations where cyber threats are likely to take place, including in home, school, and even a local restaurant. One of the advantages of the digital curriculum is its agility. The Cyber Hygiene and Digital Citizenship course can be run synchronous or asynchronous allowing flexibility to complete on the student’s own timeline.

The program covers four core modules that include 20 lessons, five-to-seven minutes each, for about two hours of learning. These short and engaging lessons are designed to keep the attention of students and increase their learning retention.

Cyber Florida at USF is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity across Florida for grades K-12, leading cyber workforce development initiatives, and facilitating advanced applied research. Cyber Florida also engages millions through awareness campaigns and resources, safeguarding vulnerable populations and organizations.

Cyber Florida at USF Director Ernie Ferraresso says, “Incorporating Cyber Hygiene and Digital Citizenship highlights our commitment to integrate cybersecurity awareness and career education in Florida’s public schools while fulfilling our broader mission to lead the nation in cybersecurity education, research, and community engagement.”

Teaching Digital Natives is a non-profit educational initiative that provides technology, cybersecurity and digital literacy for kids. Its mission is to educate today’s youth and families and retool underserved communities to mitigate the dangers of the online world. It also aims to cultivate a strong technology workforce, making the Internet a more secure experience for everyone.

Teaching Digital Natives Director of Outreach Danielle Reyes says, “Our immersive, device-agnostic platform was created after years of research and development with leading professionals in the cybersecurity and education industries and aligns with the national standards for cybersecurity education. Additionally, our program supports the instructional requirements of House Bill 379, ensuring comprehensive education on the effects of social media. We are so excited to partner with Cyber Florida at USF to bring this program to Florida Public Schools at no cost to them.”

For more information and to submit a registration request, visit: https://www.teachingdigitalnatives.org/cyber-fl-program/.

ABOUT CYBER FLORIDA
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly referred to as Cyber Florida at USF, was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014. Its mission is to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and extensive outreach. Cyber Florida leads various initiatives to inspire and educate both current and future cybersecurity professionals, advance applied research, and enhance cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

ABOUT TEACHING DIGITAL NATIVES
Founded in Miami in 2017, Teaching Digital Natives is a nonprofit initiative focused on equipping youth with essential skills in technology, cybersecurity, soft skills, and leadership. Teaching Digital Natives is dedicated to empowering young people and families with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the online world safely and confidently, fostering a secure digital environment for future generations.

Innovative Virtual Cyber Program for Florida Public SchoolsJennifer Kleman2024-08-06T13:05:16-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Michael Marchesano
Teacher Spotlight: Michael Marchesano

Teacher Spotlight: Michael Marchesano

Teacher: Michael Marchesano

School: Angeline Academy of Innovation

County: Pasco

Michael Marchesano is a part of the teaching team at Angeline Academy of Innovation, where he brings his 20+ years of IT experience into the classroom.

Currently in his second year of teaching cybersecurity and his first for artificial intelligence, he’s on an exciting journey from having worked in the IT field, where he earned my Master of Science in Information Technology Management along with multiple industry certifications.

Michael’s transition from the industry to teaching at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and now at Angeline Academy of Innovation has been fueled by his passion for technology and desire to share knowledge. He strives to make his classes engaging by incorporating real-world examples from his career, hoping to inspire and prepare his students for the tech-driven future.

Outside the classroom, he’s always exploring the latest tech or indulging in creative projects, staying true to his belief in constant learning and innovation.

Teaching has allowed him to share his love for technology and guide students as they grow into tomorrow’s tech leaders.

We are so grateful for Michael’s contributions for cybersecurity education!

Teacher Spotlight: Michael MarchesanoJennifer Kleman2024-08-19T11:44:46-04:00

Student Spotlight: Ramón González Fernández

Meet Ramón González Fernández, a recent graduate of John A. Ferguson Senior High, Miami, Florida. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ramón moved to the USA at the age of 5. He always had a passion for computers, and from a young age was fascinated by the way they worked and the endless possibilities they offered.

It wasn’t until 4th grade that Ramón really began to dive into the world of computer science. He joined a programming club in 5th grade and quickly fell in love with the problem-solving and satisfaction that came with getting a program to work. He found great inspiration in learning from Coding Train, a popular online coding YouTube channel, and decided to pursue a career in computer science.

Ramón’s dedication to computer science ended up paying off. He gained a strong foundation in many programming languages including EcmaScript, C++, and Rust, and is always eager to learn more. During his sophomore year he earned the Unity Artist industry certification, in his junior year, he earned his Unity Programmer, Unity VR Developer, Java, JavaScript, and Python certifications. In addition, this year he earned the HTML 5 Applications Development certification. during his senior year, he took AP Computer Science: A, Multi-User Game and Simulation Programming, Introduction to Computer Programming Dual Enrollment with FIU, along with AP Calculus BC, IB Physics SL, and AP Physics C: Mechanics. His Unweighted GPA is 4.0 and his Weighted GPA is 5.014.

In March, Ramón won 1st place in the advanced track in the Cyber Launch competition, presented by Cyber Florida in Orlando, Florida.

During his free time, Ramón enjoys playing FPS games, like Valorant, and heavily modded Minecraft. Recently, he has been using the mod CC: Tweaked to play more efficiently by programming machines in game.

In five years, Ramón sees himself in a junior system programming job, working with a team to design, develop, and maintain complex computer systems.

Ramón’s advice to other young students interested in computer science is to try and connect their interests to programming. Whether it’s music, video games, or art, there are always ways to incorporate programming into their passions. By doing this, they will be able to see the potential of programming beyond just coding, but as a tool to create something unique and interesting. “Programming is a versatile tool, but it’s easier to learn if you’re invested.”

Ramón is an excellent example of how dedication and passion can lead to a successful career in computer science. His journey from a young student in Buenos Aires to John A Ferguson Senior High School in Miami-Dade County, Florida is a testament to the opportunities available for those who pursue a career in computer science. If a student is interested in computer science, they should take Ramón’s advice and connect their interests to programming and see where it takes them.

Student Spotlight: Ramón González FernándezJennifer Kleman2024-07-08T11:40:13-04:00

Closing the Ransomware Readiness Gap
Closing the Ransomware Readiness Gap

Closing the Ransomware Readiness Gap

This policy brief builds on findings from a 2023 statewide assessment of cyber-readiness across Florida’s critical infrastructure sectors. Commissioned by the State Legislature, the original report emphasized the urgent need to close the maturity gap in basic ransomware readiness by 2025. In light of continued ransomware attacks that have disrupted vital services—including healthcare, education, the courts, and local government—this follow-up brief provides a focused analysis of ransomware vulnerabilities among CI providers and outlines a clear, actionable path to enhance statewide cyber-resilience.

Closing the Ransomware Readiness GapJennifer Kleman2025-06-06T13:36:12-04:00

Update to Program to Enhance Cybersecurity
Update to Program to Enhance Cybersecurity

Update to Program to Enhance Cybersecurity

Cyber Florida Announces Update to Program to Enhance Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Organizations

The Critical Infrastructure Protection program assessment aligns with the recently released National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework 2.0

June 6, 2024—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida, in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has updated its Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) program to align with the recently released National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, widely used to reduce cybersecurity risk across public and private sectors and subsectors. Cyber Florida’s multi-assessment platform leverages the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Security Evaluation Tool’s (CSET®) containing both the NIST 2.0 CSF Standard Question Set and Ransomware Readiness Assessment modules. The tools and resources available through the CIP program are state-funded and provided at no charge for Florida’s private and public critical infrastructure organizations.

NIST CSF 2.0 is designed for all audiences, businesses, critical infrastructure (CI) sectors, and organizations, regardless of their degree of cybersecurity sophistication. NIST CSF 2.0 has added governance to the CSF’s core guidance to help organizations assess and achieve their cybersecurity goals.

“Since October 2022, more than 655 Florida organizations, companies, businesses, and government agencies have participated in the CIP program,” said Bryan Langley, Lead Program Manager at Cyber Florida. “We continue to support, develop and adopt greater cybersecurity measures and services to support the State of Florida’s public and private sector CI owners and operators.”

The State of Florida’s Legislature funded the risk assessment effort to support the state’s public and private sector entities with numerous, no-cost benefits for participating organizations, companies, and businesses. The assessment covers the NIST CSF 2.0 desired outcomes and provides several reports detailing an organization’s strengths and weaknesses to determine and leverage cyber risk reduction resources from Florida agencies, universities, and colleges. Measuring success comes from both the improvements made by the participants based on their individual reports and using the customized statewide dashboard (visualization tool) developed by INL to analyze CI sector/subsector risk across the state.

The CIP program is intended to assist small and medium-sized enterprises and resource-constrained county and municipal government entities in implementing basic cybersecurity protocols and policies to achieve a fundamental cybersecurity posture. This comprehensive initiative is designed to fortify the cybersecurity resilience of public and private critical infrastructure across the state.

In an era of increasing cyber threats and incidents, safeguarding critical infrastructure is paramount. The CIP program aims to empower organizations by providing high-quality cybersecurity resources, training, and support to defend against evolving cyber risks and recover from incidents. The resources available on the platform include the following:

A 20-question NIST CSF and DHS Ransomware Readiness Assessment (RRA) aligned entry-level assessment based on the most-reported cybersecurity gaps from the initial statewide risk assessment period between October 2022 and June 2023.
A Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan Template to help organizations think through and plan how to recover from a cyber incident.
A 154-question assessment that covers key cybersecurity desired outcomes and practices outlined in the NIST CSF 2.0 and the DHS RRA.

To learn more about the CIP program and how your organization can participate, please visit the program’s official webpage: https://cyberflorida.org/cip or contact the program lead, Bryan Langley at bjlangley@cyberflorida.org.

ABOUT CYBER FLORIDA
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly referred to as Cyber Florida at USF, was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014. Its mission is to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity through comprehensive education, cutting-edge research, and extensive outreach. Cyber Florida leads various initiatives aimed at inspiring and educating both current and future cybersecurity professionals, advancing industry research, and enhancing cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

Update to Program to Enhance CybersecurityJennifer Kleman2024-08-05T11:14:04-04:00

Jennifer Kleman

About Jennifer Kleman