The CyberSecureFlorida training initiative stems from Florida Legislation HB5001, Section 2944B, which directs Cyber Florida “to conduct cybersecurity training for state and local government executive, managerial, technical, and general staff.” Every employee has a role to play in preventing cybercrime, and this effort aims to make Florida’s public sector workforce the most cyber-ready in the nation!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Scroll down for the current list of available courses. Courses are presented as self-paced online, scheduled online, and in-person, offered at locations throughout the state to minimize travel for participants. Select the course that aligns with your organizational role and schedule, and you will be taken to our partner’s website to formally register for the course. When you complete the course, you will receive a digital badge for your records.
COURSE CATALOG
Please note: Registration links are in the course descriptions. Many courses are online and self-paced, so you can enroll when you’re ready and progress as your schedule allows.
*Indicates that the course covers all the topics included in the curriculum of “Cybersecurity Awareness Training” as described in The Local Government Cybersecurity Resource Packet of FL[DS].
General Staff Courses
Self-paced online courses that cover fundamental cybersecurity awareness topics such as phishing and business email compromise.
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
This course covers all the topics included in the curriculum of “Cybersecurity Awareness Training” as described in The Local Government Cybersecurity Resource Packet of FL[DS].
Description: This course is designed to equip state and local government employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their workplaces as well as themselves against cyberattacks. Through interactive modules and engaging content, this course educates participants on topics such as phishing, email scams, password security, scareware, ransomware, viruses and malware, social engineering, and best practices in online security. The course empowers state and local government employees to prevent cyber threats and to serve as the first line of defense.
Target audience: This course is specifically designed for state and local government employees who use computers regularly to perform their organizational tasks. It suits participants of all backgrounds, working in various departments and agencies in technical or non-technical roles and performing various non-managerial or managerial tasks. No prior technical knowledge or skills are required to complete the course successfully.
Mode: This online, self-paced course allows participants to learn at their convenience. The course consists of four modules, which can be completed in multiple sittings, accommodating participants’ busy schedules. On average, participants are expected to complete the entire course in approximately four hours.
Certification: Upon successfully completing the course, participants will receive an authenticated certificate as a digital badge issued by the University of South Florida (USF), demonstrating their proficiency in cybersecurity awareness. This certificate can be showcased on professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, and serves as tangible proof of their commitment to protecting state cyberinfrastructure.
For questions about this course, please contact CyberReady@usf.edu
Executive Courses
Half-day, one-day, and two-day courses that cover topics like cyber risk management and incident response and business continuity planning.
<<Register Here>>
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
Description:
This course is specifically designed for mid-level managers in Florida state and local government agencies, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage cybersecurity within their departments. Through interactive modules and engaging content, this course provides mid-level managers with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk management strategies, incident response planning, and compliance frameworks relevant to the government sector. Participants will learn how to assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks, develop and implement cybersecurity policies, lead incident response efforts, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. The course empowers mid-level managers to play a critical role in safeguarding their departments’ digital assets and ensuring the resilience of government operations.
Target Audience: This course is tailored for mid-level managers within Florida state and local government agencies who are responsible for overseeing cybersecurity within their departments. It is ideal for managers, supervisors, team leads, and individuals in similar roles with prior knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals. While technical expertise is not required, participants should have a solid understanding of their department’s operations and possess basic familiarity with cybersecurity concepts.
Mode: This online, self-paced course allows mid-level managers from Florida state and local government agencies to learn at their own convenience. The course can be completed in multiple sittings, accommodating participants’ busy schedules. Each module includes video lectures, case studies, interactive exercises, and knowledge assessments to reinforce learning outcomes. On average, participants are expected to complete the entire course in approximately eight hours.
Certification: Upon successfully completing the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by the University of South Florida (USF). This certificate acknowledges their proficiency in cybersecurity management and demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. Participants can showcase this certificate on their professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, to highlight their expertise.
<<Register Here>>
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
<<Register Here>>
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
Description: This course is tailored for senior-level administrators in Florida state and local government agencies, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective cybersecurity leadership and management. Through interactive modules and engaging content, participants gain a high-level understanding of cybersecurity principles, strategies, and best practices tailored to the unique challenges faced by government agencies in Florida.
Participants learn to navigate complex cybersecurity challenges, develop policies compliant with state and local regulations, construct resilient security frameworks, and communicate cybersecurity risks and strategies effectively to government stakeholders. This course empowers senior-level administrators to make informed decisions and provide strategic guidance in safeguarding their agencies against cyber threats.
Target Audience
- C-level executives
- Department heads
- Managers
- Senior-level IT professionals in Florida state and local government agencies
Participants should possess a solid understanding of organizational operations and cybersecurity fundamentals. No technical background or prior certification is required for enrollment.
Mode: This online, synchronous course offers real-time learning experiences for participants from Florida state and local government agencies. The course is designed to be completed in four hours. Participants join scheduled virtual sessions led by expert instructors, enabling interaction, questions, and collaboration with peers in a dynamic online environment. Course content is delivered through live lectures, interactive discussions, and activities, ensuring active participation and immediate feedback.
This synchronous delivery mode allows participants to deeply engage with the material, share insights, and benefit from real-time discussions while maintaining flexibility to fit the course into their busy schedules. Additionally, those who attend at least one live hour of the four-hour session can complete the remaining hours asynchronously at their convenience, providing a tailored and accommodating learning experience.
Upcoming Dates:
- November 30, 2023
- December 7, 2023
Certification: Upon successful course completion, participants receive a certificate of completion from the University of South Florida (USF) as recognition of their training. This certificate highlights their commitment to cybersecurity excellence and demonstrates their ability to provide strategic guidance in managing cybersecurity risks specific to state and local government agencies in Florida. Participants can showcase this certificate on their professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, to signify their proficiency in high-level cybersecurity leadership within the Florida government context.
<<Register Here>>
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This link will take you to the Florida International University registration page for this course.
Description: This one-day intensive seminar is specifically designed for executive and managerial public-sector employees without a technical background. It provides an accessible overview of cybersecurity leadership and strategy, equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills in cybersecurity policy, strategy, and response. The focus is on the requirements of FL SECTION 282.3185, FLORIDA STATUTES (F.S.), THE 2022 “LOCAL GOVERNMENT CYBERSECURITY ACT, and the application of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Target Audience: Executive and managerial public-sector employees without a technical background
Mode: In-person event available at multiple locations
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This link will take you to the Florida International University registration page for this course.
Description: This hybrid comprehensive course is tailored for executive and managerial public-sector employees without a technical background, offering a blend of in-person and online learning experiences. The program provides an in-depth, non-technical exploration of cybersecurity leadership and strategy, incorporating practical exercises and simulations for hands-on learning.
Participants will engage in two course modules in person in a one-day intensive session, focusing on emerging threats and organizational cybersecurity. The remaining two modules, focusing on developing cybersecurity policy and strategy and implementing these policies and strategies, will be completed on our online learning platform at the participants’ own pace. The course places a strong emphasis on the requirements of FL SECTION 282.3185, FLORIDA STATUTES (F.S.), THE 2022 “LOCAL GOVERNMENT CYBERSECURITY ACT and utilizes the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a guiding standard. Practical exercises and simulations are included to ensure real-world application of the concepts learned.
Target Audience: Executive and managerial public-sector employees without a technical background
Mode: In-person event available at multiple locations
>> REGISTRATION COMING SOON <<
Description: This comprehensive course is tailored for executive and managerial public-sector employees without a technical background. It offers an in-depth, non-technical exploration of cybersecurity leadership and strategy over several sessions in two days, incorporating practical exercises and simulations for hands-on learning. Participants will delve into the intricacies of emerging threats, organizational cybersecurity, policy and strategy development, and effective implementation, with a strong emphasis on the requirements of FL SECTION 282.3185, FLORIDA STATUTES (F.S.), THE 2022 “LOCAL GOVERNMENT CYBERSECURITY ACT. The course utilizes the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a guiding standard and includes practical exercises and simulations to ensure real-world application of the concepts learned.
> REGISTER HERE <<
Use this link to register for this course. This link will take you to the Florida International University registration page for this course.
Technical Courses
Courses ranging from one to eight weeks that prepare technical personnel for cybersecurity industry certifications, with exam vouchers included!
Technical and Industry Certification Prep Courses
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
Description: This course is designed to prepare participants for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2-CC) certificate. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts covered in the ISC2-CC certification exam, enabling participants to take the exam and validate their cybersecurity expertise. Through interactive modules and real-world examples, this course equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect organizations against cyber threats.
Target audience: This course is designed for professionals who aspire to obtain the ISC2-CC certification. It is ideal for cybersecurity practitioners, IT managers, network administrators, system analysts, and individuals responsible for securing organizational assets. Participants should have a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, but no prior certification or specific technical background is required to enroll in this course.
Mode: This online, self-paced course provides the flexibility for participants to learn at their own convenience. The course comprises of five modules, allowing participants to progress through the material at their preferred pace. Each module consists of engaging video lectures, interactive assessments, and case studies that reinforce the learning experience. On average, participants are expected to complete the entire course in approximately 20 hours.
Certification: Upon successfully completing the course, participants will receive an authenticated digital badge issued by the University of South Florida (USF), indicating their readiness to take the ISC2-CC certification exam. This badge serves as tangible evidence of their mastery of the concepts covered in the course and their preparedness to take the certification exam. Participants can highlight this badge on their professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, to demonstrate their proficiency in fundamental cybersecurity concepts. Additionally, participants will gain access to exclusive study materials and practice exams to enhance their exam preparation further.
This link will take you to the University of South Florida registration page for this course.
Duration: 2 weeks
Contact Hours: 15
Instructor(s): Dr. Elizabeth Rasnick
Delivery Format: Online, scheduled
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This link will take you to the University of West Florida registration page for this course.
Scroll to the bottom to register.
Tabletop Exercises
Contact Hours: 7
Instructor(s): Mr. Guy Garrett
Delivery Format: Online, scheduled
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This link will take you to the University of West Florida registration page for this course.
Scroll to the bottom to register.
Law Enforcement Courses
In-person education and training courses specifically designed for Florida law enforcement personnel. More courses will be announced later in November.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These courses are free to any Florida-based public sector employee, including state, county, and municipal employees, elected officials, law enforcement personnel, public school teachers, and public college and university employees.
Yes, it’s really free! Florida is serious about cybersecurity, and the Florida Legislature provided funding for this initiative to help improve the cybersecurity posture of all Florida public entities. Most cyberattacks involve a human component—usually an employee who is tricked into clicking a malicious link or unwittingly sharing information that helps cybercriminals access an organization’s network. Training people is a crucial step in preventing cyberattacks.
Multiple courses will be offered in three categories: general staff, managerial and executive, and technical. Consider your work role within your organization to determine the appropriate category, then select the most convenient course for your location and schedule. Consult your supervisor for guidance if needed.
Participation in the CyberSecureFlorida training program is voluntary unless otherwise directed by your organizational leadership. We strongly encourage all public sector employees to take advantage of this unique opportunity as it is good for their resume, their organization, and the State of Florida.
Yes! Participants may take more than one course. Technical employees are encouraged to take multiple courses to maximize their skill set.
Have a question?
Please use this form if you want more information or need assistance. This is NOT a registration form. Please use the links in the course descriptions to register for that course.
Please note: this program is ONLY for state and local government employees.