News

National Cyber Director Announces Service for America

Sept. 4, 2024—Washington, D.C.—Today, the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), in partnership with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is proud to announce Service for America, the Biden-Harris Administration’s recruiting, hiring, and engagement sprint aimed at preparing our country for a digitally enabled future by connecting Americans to good-paying, meaningful jobs in cyber.

The #ServiceForAmerica sprint is launched in support of the 2023 National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, a multi-pronged approach to expand the cyber workforce and education system to better prepare all Americans for jobs in cyber. The sprint will continue through Cybersecurity Awareness Month and highlight the importance of skills-based hiring and work-based learning opportunities to support expanding the cyber workforce in government and private industry.

Find out more about this launch at the ONCD blog and follow @ONCD on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and amplification.

National Cyber Director Announces Service for America2024-10-08T14:28:15-04:00

FloridaMakes Partnership Announced

FloridaMakes logo

Cyber Florida at USF and FloridaMakes Forge Partnership to Bolster Cybersecurity and Economic Resilience in Florida

August 30, 2024—Tampa, Fla—In a strategic move to fortify local economies across the Sunshine State, Cyber Florida at USF and FloridaMakes proudly announce a collaborative partnership aimed at amplifying economic growth and resilience while bolstering cybersecurity measures and awareness. The pervasive and costly cybersecurity threats facing businesses in Florida pose a significant challenge, particularly for small businesses with limited resources to recover from cyber incidents such as data breaches, ransomware attacks and business email compromise. Moreover, critical infrastructure businesses, including critical manufacturing and defense industrial base (DIB) companies, have increasingly become targets for threat actors due to their substantial impact on state and national security.

“This partnership with FloridaMakes is a significant step forward in our mission to help protect and empower Florida’s critical industries,” said Ernie Ferraresso, Director of Cyber Florida at USF. “By combining our cybersecurity expertise with FloridaMakes’ deep industry knowledge, we are not only enhancing the resilience of our manufacturing and defense sectors but also ensuring that businesses across the state can thrive in a more secure digital environment.”

Cyber Florida at USF, dedicated to advancing cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives across the state, offers an array of resources ranging from research and development to community grant programs and training opportunities. Central to its mission is the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment (CIRA) platform, a vital tool developed in partnership with the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Lab (INL) and based on the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity Evaluation Tool (CSET) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).

FloridaMakes has experience working with the state’s manufacturing and defense industries to provide awareness training on information security vulnerabilities and best practices. FloridaMakes also has substantial experience facilitating assessments of information security posture, policies and preparedness of Florida manufacturers and defense contractors in relation to federal and customer requirements.

“This partnership exemplifies the synergy between industry and government in addressing cybersecurity challenges head-on,” said Kevin Carr, President and CEO of FloridaMakes. “By joining forces, we are not only bolstering the security of Florida’s manufacturing and critical infrastructure sectors but also positioning the state as a national leader in secure manufacturing and critical infrastructure protection.”

Cyber Florida at USF, in collaboration with INL, integrated the new NIST CSF 2.0 update earlier this year into the CIRA platform. This integration represents a significant update to the cybersecurity assessment capabilities available to enterprises and institutions across the state and will be made available to manufacturing and DIB companies statewide through the joint efforts of Cyber Florida and FloridaMakes.

For additional information or to arrange an interview, please contact Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC at jennifer437@cyberflorida.org.

ABOUT CYBER FLORIDA AT USF
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. Visit cyberflorida.org for more information and valuable resources.

ABOUT FLORIDAMAKES
FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida’s regional manufacturer associations and organizations that serve manufacturers. FloridaMakes’ sole mission is strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principal value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, visit www.FloridaMakes.com.

FloridaMakes Partnership Announced2024-08-30T11:39:42-04:00

Cyber Florida 23-24 Annual Impact Report

What did we do during Fiscal Year 2023-2024? Cyber Florida experienced an incredibly powerful year of successful events and initiatives. It marked the return of an annual conference, rebranded Sunshine Cyber Con, and the addition of the first statewide CyberLaunch competition for high school students. The Security Operations Center Apprentice Program brought in engagement with internal and external organizations. The CyberWorks Rapid Training Program aided veteran and first responder transitions. The ARCS Range debuted for state-of-the-art public-sector network defense training. Internationally, Cyber Florida hosted the Red Dragon Rising symposium. The year culminated in several grant project successes, alongside diverse outreach efforts. Full details inside.

Cyber Florida 23-24 Annual Impact Report2025-02-02T12:47:16-05:00

Cyber Florida and SimSpace Featured on National News

Cyber Florida and our ARCS Ranger partner, SimSpace, have recently been featured in national news stories about the use of AI in the nation’s cybersecurity efforts. We’re proud to be at the forefront of statewide cybersecurity enhancement efforts.

Learn more about what the ARCS Range can do in this two-part Fox News story (click to watch on FoxNews.com).

Cyber Florida and SimSpace Featured on National News2024-09-20T12:35:25-04:00

CyberWorks Alumni Profile: William Mechler

CyberWorks grad William Mechler

William Mechler, Master Police Officer, Tampa area

William Mechler has worked in law enforcement his entire adult life. During that time, he has observed a significant trend: almost all crimes now have a digital connection.

“Whether the device is the medium for the crime or there’s a piece of evidence that links the criminal to the crime scene via router interrogations and IP address geolocating, almost every crime has a link to something cyber,” he explained.

A few years ago, William turned to the internet to find educational opportunities to enhance his cyber skills, not only to help catch criminals but also to seamlessly transition into his next career upon retirement from law enforcement. He has completed several cyber courses through various organizations and has been given opportunities to teach classes, which he loves. “I have a passion for empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity,” he said.

Through his experience with Cyber Florida’s CyberWorks program, William gained hands-on cyber skills he could use immediately at work and much more. “The most valuable skill I gained from the program isn’t even related to cybersecurity at all,” he said. “Every one of the programs I attended focused on networking without us even realizing it.” Cyber Florida provided a career coach, dynamic guest speakers, and recruiters to ensure participants had the best shot at securing employment in cybersecurity.

“Everyone in the program invests so much time and effort into helping you succeed,” William said about his CyberWorks experience. “You will not fail unless you don’t ask for help or give up on yourself.”

William is now well-known for his cybersecurity knowledge and teaching abilities, which has led to consulting opportunities and invitations to speak at several conferences. He has received several job offers for when he retires in a few years.

Ready to learn more about CyberWorks? Visit https://cyberflorida.org/cyberworks/.
CyberWorks Alumni Profile: William Mechler2024-11-18T10:24:10-05:00

Cyber Florida Launches Timely Cybersecurity Policy Podcast

chat:CYBR podcast graphic

chat:CYBR offers expert insights and discussion for daily life

August 6, 2024—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF has launched chat:CYBR, Cyber Florida’s policy podcast, dedicated to exploring the intersection of cybersecurity and policy making. chat:CYBR delves into the complex landscape of cybersecurity policy, offering expert insights and discussions on the most pressing issues facing today’s digital world.

From debates on data privacy and encryption to discussions on defending critical infrastructure and combating cybercrime, chat:CYBR equips leaders with the knowledge and understanding needed to make informed decisions and shape effective cybersecurity policies. Whether a legislator crafting new laws, a government official implementing cybersecurity strategies, or a policy advisor navigating the complexities of digital security, chat:CYBR is the go-to resource for staying ahead in the evolving realm of cybersecurity policy.

Join Cyber Florida hosts James Jacobs and Jordan Deiuliis as they unravel the challenges, explore innovative solutions, and chart the course toward a safer and more resilient digital future. Each episode takes you beyond the jargon and technical details, focusing on how cyber policy impacts our daily lives, businesses, and communities. chat:CYBR offers clear, accessible insights to keep you informed and empowered in the digital age so listeners can discover how new policies might affect their online behavior, what businesses need to know to stay compliant, and how governments are shaping the future of cybersecurity.

chat:CYBR podcasts can be found on the Cyber Florida website at https://cyberflorida.org/chatcybr/, on the Cyber Florida YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@cybersecurityfl, or on your favorite podcast platforms.

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.

Cyber Florida Launches Timely Cybersecurity Policy Podcast2024-08-08T14:47:44-04:00

Operational Technology Defender Fellowship Program

Elite Training for Energy Sector Front-Line Managers

The application for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) Operational Technology (OT) Defender Fellowship Program is open through August 29, 2024. This prestigious program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of middle- and senior-level OT security managers within the U.S. energy sector, playing a crucial role in safeguarding our nation’s energy infrastructure.

About the Fellowship:

Protecting the nation’s energy infrastructure from modern threats is essential for maintaining national security, a vibrant economy, and public health and safety. Security managers are the first line of defense against cyber-enabled sabotage and physical security breaches, tackling challenges from financially motivated material theft to sophisticated cyber-attacks.

To better equip these front-line managers, the OT Defender Fellowship Program provides an intensive educational experience. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cyber strategies and tactics used by adversarial state and nonstate actors targeting U.S. energy infrastructure, as well as insights into the U.S. government’s countermeasures.

Program Highlights:

  • Sponsorship and Hosting: The fellowship is sponsored by the DOE and hosted by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with support from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI).
  • Target Audience: The program is designed for security managers in U.S. energy sector organizations who hold decision-making authority and oversight responsibility for operational technology systems.
  • Commitment: Fellows are required to attend quarterly in-person seminars, complete assigned activities between seminars, and promote information sharing. Participants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to hold an active federal security clearance.

For more information on the OT Defender Fellowship Program and how to apply, please visit https://otdefender.inl.gov/.

Operational Technology Defender Fellowship Program2024-08-05T16:14:30-04:00

Enhancing CI Cyber Resilience through Maturity Modeling

31 July 2024 – Tampa, FL: In 2023, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida (aka Cyber Florida at USF) conducted a statewide analysis to assess the cyber readiness of Florida’s critical infrastructure (CI) providers across 16 critical infrastructure sectors. The study – conducted on behalf of the State Legislature in fulfillment of Appropriation 2944B – offered several recommendations to improve cyber resilience and protect Florida’s people, property, and prosperity. Among these recommendations was a call to “Adopt a Florida-specific cyber maturity model for critical infrastructure providers.” Since those recommendations were offered in July of 2023, subsequent cyberattacks against CI providers in Florida have led to data breaches and service disruptions across several critical infrastructure sectors, including healthcare5, education6, the judicial system7, and essential government services8. While a commitment to maturity modeling may not prevent every such incursion, it is a critical step in improving cyber readiness across the state’s critical infrastructure sectors. Maturity models offer organizations a means to assess essential practices and metrics to guide cyber-management decisions strategically. In short, maturity models – like the Balanced Scorecard – help organizations to systematically measure the systems, processes, and practices that determine their cyber health because what gets measured, gets managed.

In recognition of the critical role that cyber resilience plays in protecting Florida’s people, property, and prosperity, this policy brief provides an overview of maturity modeling as well as some suggested steps state leaders may consider to ensure that Florida’s critical infrastructure providers are measuring the right things and deliberately aligning organizational practices with their cyber-readiness goals. This report provides (1) a brief overview of how maturity models work, including a summary of the most commonly employed models in key CI sectors; (2) a review of current cyber vulnerabilities among Florida’s critical infrastructure providers as well as an analysis of how maturity modeling can help CI providers overcome these vulnerabilities; and (3) specific recommendations for integrating maturity modeling into Florida’s ongoing cybersecurity initiatives. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will serve the diversity of Florida’s critical infrastructure sectors adequately, the goal of this policy brief is to provide state leaders with practical, data-driven guidance so that they can drive data analysis efforts and better incentivize and support the state’s CI providers in these increasingly critical efforts.

Enhancing CI Cyber Resilience through Maturity Modeling2024-07-31T15:07:34-04:00

High School CyberCon Builds Community for Future Cybersecurity Workforce

USF High School CyberCon
University of South Florida’s Annual High School CyberCon Youth Experience Summer Camp

The University of South Florida’s (USF) annual High School CyberCon youth experience summer camp is a week-long immersive experience, supported by passionate educators and volunteers. The program is designed to offer many fun and engaging opportunities to explore technology, talk to professionals about their work, and discover the multitude of interesting career paths available.

High School CyberCon offers a unique opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to dive deep into the world of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Supported by local cybersecurity industry leaders, participants explore various careers while networking with professionals in the Tampa-area cybersecurity community. The program’s curriculum is enriched by resources from Florida CyberHub and lesson plans from the Florida Center for Instructional Technology.

Throughout the week, students engage in hands-on technical workshops, attend lectures from industry leaders, and network with cybersecurity students and professionals. The camp provides a conference-like experience, allowing students to select sessions presented by various experts and participate in interactive activities.

A Glimpse into High School CyberCon

The camp schedule is packed with informative and engaging sessions, with a different focus every day:

Monday: Introduction to Operating Systems
Tuesday: Introduction to Networking
Wednesday: Introduction to Vulnerabilities
Thursday: Introduction to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Friday: Cybersecurity Workforce Panel

Student Experiences

The impact of CyberCon is best understood through the voices of its participants. Ayaan Bhadouria, a 10th grader from Carrollwood Day School, shares his excitement: “I like the feel of cybersecurity. There are so many cool things about this camp you can’t find anywhere else. Everyone at camp is friendly and welcoming, making me want to try new things and learn more.”

Emily Haack, a 10th grader from Central High School, was encouraged by her parents to attend CyberCon. Already comfortable with technology from her STEM-focused middle school, Emily finds joy in programming and coding. “It’s kinda like art; you can create anything your mind and heart want to make and help people,” she says. For Emily, the best part of camp is the people, enhancing the learning experience through networking and fun.

Rocco Conte, a 12th grader from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is passionate about a career in cybersecurity. Rocco has attended CyberCon for three consecutive summers. “I feel like I belong,” she says. “The camp community is incredible, and I look forward to every day.” Rocco’s curiosity and problem-solving skills shine in activities like hardware hacking and capturing packets over the internet.

The Visionaries Behind High School CyberCon

Nathan Fisk, the camp’s founder and co-director, and an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Education at USF, emphasizes the importance of building connections and community. “What matters is the connection to real people,” he says. “The students don’t remember everything we share this week, but they remember the connections they made.”

Julian Maguregui, Assistant Director, Operations, Florida Center for Instructional Technology echoes these sentiments. “The USF High School CyberCon aims to build a supportive community for high school students interested in cybersecurity by showcasing various career pathways. We achieve this by bringing together USF departments, colleges, student organizations, and cybersecurity professionals from both the public, private and military sectors.”

Partners Make the Difference

Camp leaders appreciate the many local cybersecurity professionals who join the fun, which grows larger each year. Volunteers conduct workshops, mentor students, and share their career experiences. With partners like Neon Temple, CISCO, Microsoft, and many more, the camp is able to offer a rich and diverse learning environment.

Brad Jungemann, a public sector account manager, is one of 10 volunteers who assisted this year from CISCO, a company that fully supports volunteer days away from work. He highlights the sense of community and the impact of professionals who volunteer. “This camp and the professionals who volunteer will have an impact on these students for their lives and careers for many years to come,” Brad says. The CISCO volunteers have professional roles in network engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and more.

Camp counselor Mars Barns agrees that having industry professionals involved makes a difference. “It’s a unique space; students won’t be bored! With professionals here volunteering their time, we can be flexible and customize to students’ interests.”

Empowering the Next Generation

High School CyberCon is more than just a camp; it’s a launchpad for future cybersecurity leaders. By fostering a passion for cybersecurity, building a supportive community, and providing hands-on experience, High School CyberCon empowers students to explore and pursue careers in this dynamic field. As we look to the future, programs like this camp are essential in preparing the next generation to defend and innovate in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Thank you to our camp partners for sharing their expertise:
CISCO
Citi
Fizen Technology
HSB
IEEE Computer Society – student chapter at USF
Microsoft
Mitre
Neon Temple
Tampa Electric
The 502 Project
The University of Tampa
U.S. Secret Service
UPS
USF Federal Credit Union
USF Information Technology

High School CyberCon Builds Community for Future Cybersecurity Workforce2024-08-16T13:58:16-04:00

CyberWorks Alumni Profile: Amber Waters

Amber Waters, CyberWorks alumna

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 Waters2024-11-18T10:23:36-05:00

CONTACT US

Cyber Florida at USF
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ISA7020
Tampa, FL 33620

Office meetings by appointment only

PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright 2024 The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. Information on this website is made available for general educational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of obtaining competent legal advice from a licensed attorney or cybersecurity professional with sufficient expertise necessary to address your specific needs. Use of this website does not create any special or fiduciary relationship between you and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity or the University of South Florida.