Press Releases

WHEN: April 4, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando

WHO:    Nearly 1,000 high school students, teachers, and chaperones from 90 schools in 49 Florida school districts

• The five largest school districts in Florida are attending
• The smallest district in Florida is attending (LaFayette)
• 18 CTE admin attending from 12 districts

WHAT: CyberLaunch, Florida’s annual statewide high school cybersecurity competition

CyberLaunch introduces high school students to the exciting world of cybersecurity through an engaging capture-the-flag style cyber competition, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to interact with industry professionals.

In its second year, the CyberLaunch program includes resources for teachers and students new to cybersecurity, offering classroom activities and practice tools to help competitors familiarize themselves with the platform before the competition.

Media representatives are invited to cover this event to capture high-energy moments from the competition floor, educator breakout sessions, and keynote presentations by industry leaders, including Michael Melore, CISSP, Public Sector Security Evangelist, Ambassador and Chair of Nationwide SecRT – Security Leaders Round Table & Sr Associate Partner, IBM.

Upon conclusion of the competition, Cyber Florida can provide:

• High-resolution photos of teams, speakers, and key moments
• Video footage, including B-roll of the event atmosphere and competition highlights
• Video interviews with student competitors, educators, and Cyber Florida leadership

WHY:    This event aligns with Cyber Florida’s mission to cultivate a robust cybersecurity workforce and support innovative solutions that enhance Florida’s digital resilience.

HOW:    CyberLaunch is provided free to students and schools via funding from the Florida legislature and generous donors.

Please contact Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, at [email protected] to arrange to attend in person or access assets after the event. For more information about Cyber Florida and its mission to advance cybersecurity in the state, visit cyberflorida.org.

Registered Florida School Districts:
Alachua
Baker
Brevard
Broward
Charlotte
Citrus
Clay
Collier
Columbia
Dade
Dixie
Duval
Escambia
FAU Lab School
Flagler
Gadsden
Gilchrist
Gulf
Hamilton
Hardee
Hendry
Hernando
Highlands
Hillsborough
Indian River
Jackson
Lafayette
Lee
Manatee
Marion
Martin
Nassau
Okeechobee
Orange
Osceola
Palm Beach
Pasco
Pinellas
Polk
Putnam
Santa Rosa
Sarasota
St. Johns
Seminole
Suwannee
Tallahassee State College – Academy
Florida Virtual School
Volusia
Washington

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 current and future cybersecurity professionals, advance applied research, and enhance cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

Cyber Florida at USF Announces Awardees of the phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator Seed Fund Program

February 11, 2025—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF announces today the recipients of the phaseZERO Innovation Incubator seed fund program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to support early-stage cybersecurity startups in Florida. This year’s awardees—TrustConnect, LLC; Stablein Solutions; CyberMirage, LLC; and AI-Guardian Lab, LLC—presented innovative solutions to tackle critical cybersecurity challenges across industries.

PhaseZERO, an initiative under Cyber Florida’s commitment to fostering cybersecurity innovation, provides selected startups with seed funding and strategic mentorship to accelerate their business development. This year’s recipients bring diverse cutting-edge solutions to the cybersecurity landscape, from AI-driven workforce training to anti-web scraping technologies. Each recipient will receive $60,000 in funding, mentorship, and access to resources to refine their business strategies and accelerate market readiness. The phaseZERO initiative is part of Cyber Florida’s broader mission to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity ecosystem through education, research, and industry collaboration.

Three of the four innovative recipients are affiliated with the University of South Florida.

Awardees, their innovations, and a remark about the significance of receiving the award:

• AI-Guardian Lab, LLC – Developing an AI-powered platform that safeguards teenagers from online human trafficking threats in gaming and social media environments. AI-Guardian aims to provide scalable solutions for schools and community programs using real-time behavior analysis and proactive intervention strategies.
  • Tingting Zhang, Ph.D., Muma College of Business School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of South Florida, stated, “We are deeply honored by the phaseZERO award, which fuels our passion to push the boundaries of cybersecurity. With this support, we have unleashed an AI-powered real-time monitoring and learning system. This innovation transforms our AI Guardian into a digital shield that swiftly alerts parents to hidden human trafficking risks on teens’ mobile devices.”
• CyberMirage, LLC – Pioneering an advanced data loss prevention and anti-web scraping solution that incorporates obfuscated fonts, multi-layered image protection, and document security technologies. Their early-stage technology has already secured its first customer and is positioned for broader market adoption.
  • Yao Liu, Ph.D., Professor, Computer Science and Engineering, University of South Florida, stated, “Receiving support from the Cyber Florida PhaseZERO program is of great significance to us. This support will accelerate the development and launch of our initial product for data loss prevention against insider threats and web scraping. With this backing, we can expedite the commercialization of our technologies and bring our products to market much sooner.”
• Stablein Solutions – Creating a Secure AI Automation Cybersecurity Framework that integrates machine learning and multi-layered security measures to optimize business processes. Their solution targets logistics and manufacturing industries, focusing on reducing manual processing costs and increasing workflow accuracy.
  • Marlena Harkless, COO, Stablein Solutions and Thomas Stablein, Ph.D., Muma College of Business School of IS & Management, University of South Florida, released this statement: “Receiving the PhaseZERO Cyber Florida grant is more than just a milestone for Stablein Solutions—it’s a pivotal moment of validation and potential. As a startup focused in AI powered process automation, this award will enable us to secure critical APIs and advance cybersecurity innovation, empowering us to transform our vision of a more secure digital landscape into a tangible reality. We are deeply honored to be selected and equally motivated to elevate our community’s technological infrastructure in 2025 and beyond. This grant isn’t just funding; it’s a catalyst for meaningful change, enabling us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity and contribute to Florida’s emerging reputation as a hub of technological innovation.”
• TrustConnect, LLC—Developing CyberReady in the Workplace, an AI-assisted cybersecurity training platform that personalizes learning through gamification and social engagement. The platform, designed for medium to large enterprises, aims to reduce cyber incident risks by 30%.
  • Xueping Liang, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, Blockchain and Smart Cities, Florida International University, said, “We are honored to receive the phaseZERO award, as it represents a crucial step in translating our research into real-world impact. This award enables us to advance our customer discovery efforts, refine our commercialization strategy, and strengthen industry collaborations. It is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business applications and solutions, ultimately contributing to innovation in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.”

Ernie Ferraresso, senior director of Cyber Florida at USF, emphasized the importance of supporting early-stage cybersecurity ventures in Florida. “The phaseZERO program reflects our commitment to nurturing cybersecurity innovation in Florida, reducing the barriers to getting high impact cybersecurity solutions into the marketplace. These awardees represent visionary and practical cybersecurity solutions, each addressing real-world challenges with groundbreaking technologies. We’re excited to support their journey and see their impact on the industry and cybersecurity.”

Contact Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, to coordinate interviews with the award recipients at [email protected].

For more information about phaseZERO, visit cyberflorida.org/phasezero. For more information about Cyber Florida and its mission to advance cybersecurity in the state, visit cyberflorida.org. Read an update about a phaseZERO pilot program awardee, StudySpaces, co-founded by two USF alumni, in this blog post.

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 current and future cybersecurity professionals, advance applied research, and enhance cybersecurity awareness and safety of individuals and organizations.

ABOUT PHASEZERO: INNOVATION INCUBATOR
Cyber Florida at USF’s phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator supports Florida-based researchers and entrepreneurs in commercializing cybersecurity innovations and launching new businesses. Modeled after federal SBIR/STTR Phase I programs, it complements statewide initiatives like the Florida High-Tech Corridor and I-Corps. phaseZERO provides critical seed funding and mentorship to help entrepreneurs succeed. It advances Cyber Florida at USF’s mission to foster research partnerships, attract cybersecurity companies, and support new ventures in the state.

December 9, 2024—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF is proud to announce Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment of Director Ernie Ferraresso to the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council. This appointment highlights the state’s unwavering commitment to enhancing cyber defense and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Ferraresso, a distinguished veteran of the United States Marine Corps, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the council. As Cyber Florida’s director, he spearheads efforts to advance the state’s cybersecurity initiatives through education, outreach, research, and workforce development. Ferraresso also serves as a Senior Fellow at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, contributing to national strategies for securing vital systems against cyber threats.

“I am honored to join the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council and support the state’s mission to strengthen its defenses against evolving cyber threats,” said Ferraresso. “Cyber Florida’s commitment to collaboration and innovation aligns seamlessly with the council’s goals, and I look forward to contributing to a safer and more secure Florida.”

Ferraresso earned his bachelor’s degree from Barry University and has dedicated his career to addressing the challenges of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. His expertise will help guide the council in shaping policies and strategies to bolster Florida’s cyber resilience.

The Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council plays a pivotal role in providing guidance to protect the state’s critical systems and infrastructure, ensuring Florida remains at the forefront of cybersecurity preparedness.

Ferraresso is available for interviews through December 18, 2024. Please make arrangements through Cyber Outreach Manager Jennifer Kleman at [email protected]. For more information about Cyber Florida and its mission to advance cybersecurity in the state, visit https://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.

Cyber Florida at USF Announces phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator to Boost Cybersecurity Innovation in Florida

December 2, 2024—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida at USF is proud to announce the launch of phaseZERO: Innovation Incubator, an innovative seed fund initiative designed to support Florida-based researchers and emerging entrepreneurs in transforming cutting-edge cybersecurity ideas into thriving businesses. With a focus on commercializing cybersecurity innovations, strengthening critical infrastructure, and creating new opportunities, phaseZERO aims to establish Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity entrepreneurship.

Modeled after the Small Business Administration’s SBIR/STTR Phase I programs, phaseZERO addresses critical gaps in seed funding and provides expert mentorship, complementing existing statewide efforts like the Florida High-Tech Corridor, I-Corps, and local incubators and accelerators.

“This program is about removing barriers for innovators,” said Dr. Manish Agrawal, Cyber Florida at USF academic director at Cyber Florida and USF professor. “By providing funding and mentorship without taking equity, we’re enabling Florida’s entrepreneurs to focus on what matters most: building solutions that strengthen our cybersecurity resilience.”

Program Highlights

For this round of funding, phaseZERO will award up to $60,000 each to up to four emerging Florida companies (not to exceed $240,000 total) selected through a rigorous, three-stage evaluation process:

• Stage 1: Applicants submit a completed application and a brief business plan for technical and business evaluation by a Cyber Florida Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR).
• Stage 2: Selected applicants pitch their plans to an evaluation panel during a virtual event.
• Stage 3: The evaluation panel selects awardees who receive funding in installments while working with an EIR to establish their business, secure further funding, and prepare for operations.

Funded companies gain access to Cyber Florida’s expansive network of state innovation ecosystem partners, including universities, accelerators, and industry leaders.

Timeline

• Application Launch: December 2, 2024
• Application Deadline: January 3, 2025
• Pitch Event Invitations: January 10, 2025
• Pitch Event: January 24, 2025

Through phaseZERO, Cyber Florida continues its mission to foster research partnerships, attract cybersecurity companies to Florida, and enable the creation of new ventures.

For more information about phaseZERO, application details, and how to get involved, visit cyberflorida.org/phasezero.

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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).

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.