Reports

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

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

Florida Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Intelligence Assessment

This comprehensive assessment of the chief cybersecurity threats facing Florida’s critical infrastructure organizations was prepared for Cyber Florida by expert faculty from the University of South Florida’s School of Information.

Florida Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Intelligence Assessment2024-07-31T13:20:46-04:00

Florida Ransomware Incidents 2016-2019

n

Prepared by University of South Florida graduate students, this report provides an in-depth analysis of 18 high-profile ransomware incidents targeting Florida public sector entities between 2016-2019. This technical analysis reviews the targets, suspected perpetrators, and tactics used to conduct the attacks. The information gathered is useful for ransomware researchers and security analysts looking for patterns and commonalities among targets and tactics to aid in preventing future attacks.

Florida Ransomware Incidents 2016-20192024-09-10T13:36:58-04:00

Cybersecurity: Are Florida’s Governments Ready?

n

In 2019, Cyber Florida in partnership with the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association, and others conducted a survey of county and municipal IT managers to determine how prepared they feel they are to respond to and recover from a cyberattack and what the chief obstacles are to become better prepared and more resilient. The outcome was shared with local and state government leaders to help inform decision-making, budgeting, and future legislative initiatives.

Cybersecurity: Are Florida’s Governments Ready?2024-09-10T13:40:17-04:00

The State of Cybersecurity in Florida 2017

n

The Florida Center for Cybersecurity is proud to share The State of Cybersecurity in Florida report. The Center contracted with Gartner to conduct the study and document their findings in The State of Cybersecurity in Florida, a report that comprehensively reviews the state’s cyber threat environment, workforce supply and demand, education and training opportunities, and research initiatives. The report also examines the cyber readiness of Florida’s businesses, agencies, and organizations in 12 critical areas against industry standards as well as national averages. We hope the data and insights presented in The State of Cybersecurity in Florida will be a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders as we work together to make Florida “The Cyber State.”

The State of Cybersecurity in Florida 20172024-07-29T11:50:03-04:00