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Virtual Cyber Exercise for Critical Infrastructure 2026/03/14

Virtual Cybersecurity Workshop for Critical Infrastructure

March 14, 2026 | 8:30am – 12 Noon (Eastern Time)

Cyber Florida’s Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP) Workshop brings together public-sector leaders, IT professionals, and emergency managers to learn to better manage real-world cyber threats facing Florida’s essential services. These hands-on sessions deliver practical tools, expert insights, and interactive scenarios designed to help SLTT agencies strengthen their cyber resilience and readiness.

  • Receive actionable recommendations for enhancing compliance with Florida Statute 282.318
  • See an overview of Cyber Florida’s no-cost solutions and services to strengthen your organization’s cyber defenses.
  • Engage in an exciting tabletop exercise hosted by the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NUARI), offering hands-on experience in responding to cyber incidents.

Whether you’re securing water systems, transportation networks, or municipal services, these workshops are your front line in building a safer Florida. Don’t miss this chance to improve your cybersecurity posture and resilience!

Virtual Cyber Exercise for Critical Infrastructure 2026/03/142026-02-19T09:33:17-05:00

Sue Serna – Social Media Security and Governance Leader and Lover of All Beagles

Episode 69 — Sue Serna

No Password Required Podcast Episode 69 — Sue Serna

Sue Serna – Social Media Security and Governance Leader and Lover of All Beagles

Sue Serna is the CEO and Founder of Serna Social and the former head of global social media at Cargill. She brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and security.

In this episode, she shares her journey from business reporter to leading her own consultancy serving companies around the world on social media strategy.
Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A, joined by guest co-host Rex Wilson of Cyber Florida, welcomes Sue for a candid discussion about the realities of enterprise social media. From managing more than 150 Facebook pages for a single company, to navigating internal politics, agency relationships, and regulatory pressure, Sue explains why social media is far from “free” and why most organizations still under-resource it.

Sue dives deep into the gap between social media teams and cybersecurity departments. She outlines how personal account compromises can escalate into enterprise-level incidents, why governance frameworks matter, and how large organizations can regain control of sprawling digital footprints. Drawing from real-world examples, she argues that social media must be treated like finance or HR, a core business function requiring structure, ownership, and accountability.

The episode wraps with the Lifestyle Polygraph, where Sue reveals her love of Apollo-era space history, debates iconic Philadelphia traditions, and imagines what magical talent her beagle would bring to Hogwarts.

Follow Sue at SernaSocial.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueserna/

Sue Serna – Social Media Security and Governance Leader and Lover of All Beagles2026-02-17T09:17:50-05:00

Florida Ransomware Incidents 2020-2024

Through a search of publicly available news sources, we identified 30 ransomware incidents in the state of Florida occurring between 2020 and 2024. This is an increase from 18 ransomware incidents between 2016 and 2019 (see Florida Ransomware Incidents 16-19). Ransomware attacks have been on the rise against these targets: government agencies, local emergency services, hospitals, small and medium-sized businesses, and small NGOs. The attacked targets share a number of common features: (1) most targeted entities relied heavily on centralized information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) infrastructures; (2) they were generally not large, high-profile service providers; (3) they did not extensively investigate the incident or seek to attribute or take official action to report or prosecute those responsible; and (4) they typically had sufficient financial resources to pay out a ransom demand. Read our in-depth report for more insights.

Florida Ransomware Incidents 2020-20242026-02-16T16:38:14-05:00

FirstLine Exercise for Pinellas County April 9th, 2026

CYBERSECURITY TABLETOP EXERCISE TAILORED FOR: – PINELLAS COUNTY

Participants will engage in a dynamic tabletop exercise led by the Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) that is crucial for mastering the skills needed to tackle simulated cyber incidents more effectively. This interactive experience will sharpen your strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities, helping you to be better-prepared for real-world cyber challenges. Seize this opportunity to elevate your capabilities!
Cyber Florida invites you to a complimentary light breakfast and lunch to connect with fellow cybersecurity professionals and industry colleagues.
Once Cyber Florida processes your registration, you’ll promptly receive a confirmation email filled with essential event details. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, stay informed and prepared for an incredible experience!
FirstLine Exercise for Pinellas County April 9th, 20262026-02-18T15:52:48-05:00

CyberBay Summit 2026: Advancing the Future of Digital Defense

CyberBay

Tampa Bay conference unites cybersecurity, AI, national security leaders

February 5, 2026—Tampa, Fla—CyberBay Summit returns this spring to Tampa Bay as the next evolution of a high-impact conference that convenes the nation’s leading voices in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and national security. Building on the success of its inaugural event last fall, the Summit will once again bring together leaders from business, investment, education, and law enforcement, this time with an expanded agenda focused on accelerating innovation, strengthening cyber resilience, and shaping the future of digital defense.

Summit Details

Set for March 11-13, 2026, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, the event is hosted by Bellini Capital, Cyber Florida, and the University of South Florida (USF). Registration is now open at CyberBay.org/summit.

The agenda of speaker sessions and workshops will focus on:

  • critical infrastructure
  • cyber management
  • emerging technology
  • entrepreneur
  • law enforcement/cybercriminology
  • workforce development

Keynote Speakers

Jen Easterly, former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is one of the most influential leaders in national cyber defense. From protecting critical infrastructure to shaping the future of cyber resilience, Jen brings a perspective few can match.

Rachel Wilson, Chief Data Officer for Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, combines top-tier national security experience with financial-sector cybersecurity leadership. After 15 years at the NSA, spanning counterterrorism, Olympic cyber defense, and major cyber operations, she now leads cybersecurity, fraud, data quality, and privacy risk management for the firm.

Together, they bring unmatched expertise spanning government, intel, and finance—offering a rare, 360-degree view of today’s cyber threat landscape.

Cost

The CyberBay Summit 2026 planning committee is committed to ensuring the event remains accessible and affordable for the full cybersecurity ecosystem. Registration options are designed to support broad participation:

  • General admission is $250
  • Discounted tickets of $200 are available for government, academia, military, and nonprofit professionals
  • Deeply reduced student rate of $50 to encourage the next generation of cyber leaders to attend and engage

Survey

Insights from the inaugural CyberBay Survey, alongside a newly commissioned survey currently underway, are shaping the agenda for CyberBay Summit 2026 to address real-world cybersecurity challenges across sectors and inform CyberBay workgroup initiatives.

CyberBay Cup Competition Returns

The CyberBay Cup 2026 returns as a marquee, optional event at CyberBay Summit, bringing elite student and professional cybersecurity talent together for a live Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. Hosted by SkillBit (formerly MetaCTF), the high-energy challenge takes place on day two of the Summit and features real-world cyber scenarios, team-based competition, and significant cash prizes, showcasing the skills, innovation, and next-generation talent driving the future of digital defense.

Exhibitor and Sponsorship Packages

Building on a sold-out 2025 event, CyberBay offers unparalleled access to decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of digital defense. Sponsors and exhibitors gain high-visibility engagement with:

  • National security leaders from SOCOM, CENTCOM, federal agencies, and defense contractors
  • Cross-sector professionals spanning technical and non-technical roles across public and private sectors
  • Entrepreneurs and emerging talent, including participants in the CyberBay Cup and the new CyberBay Innovation Challenge

More than a conference, CyberBay is a rapidly growing ecosystem where organizations can showcase innovation, influence practice, and build lasting partnerships in Tampa Bay’s cybersecurity community and beyond.

Visit https://cyberbay.org/sponsor/ for more details.

Media Welcome

Journalists interested in attending should contact Jennifer Kleman, APR, CPRC, cyber outreach manager at Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org for a complimentary ticket.

About Bellini Capital
Deploying capital through a blend of seed investment and philanthropy, Bellini Capital is seeking to create an unbreakable ecosystem of cybersecurity innovation, talent development, and ecological stewardship. The firm was founded by technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Arnie Bellini, and is based in Tampa, Florida (a.k.a. CyberBay).

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 USF’s Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing
The Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing at the University of South Florida is the first named college for AI, cybersecurity, and computing, dedicated to advancing education, research and ethical innovation. The College is designed to foster interdisciplinary innovation and technology development through strong industry and government partnerships, serving as a critical talent center for CyberBay and the cybersecurity sector as a whole.

CyberBay Summit 2026: Advancing the Future of Digital Defense2026-02-07T13:46:43-05:00

Florida CI: 2025 Cybersecurity Intelligence Assessment

Florida’s critical infrastructure is facing escalating cyber threats that put essential services and public safety at risk. This report analyzes Florida-specific incidents and broader national trends to identify the most urgent threats, including ransomware, cybercriminal activity, nation-state actors, and the growing use of AI in cyberattacks. It offers practical, intelligence-driven recommendations to help leaders strengthen cyber hygiene and enhance resilience across the state.

Florida CI: 2025 Cybersecurity Intelligence Assessment2026-02-04T14:01:35-05:00

Jack Voltaic: City Cyber Incident Exercise

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Together

Join the Army Cyber Institute, Cyber Florida, and partners for an immersive, multi-sector cyber exercise that follows a coordinated cyberattack on the Tampa water sector.

Dates: May 18 – 20
Location: USF Marshall Student Center, Tampa, FL
Cost: FREE

What is Jack Voltaic®?

United States military installations and their surrounding communities share an interest in the resiliency of cyber-critical infrastructure systems. In addition to civil-military interdependencies, a failure in one critical infrastructure sector can cause cascading effects across others. The Army Cyber Institute (ACI) launched the Jack Voltaic® (JV) initiative to address gaps and build resilience.

Who Should Participate?

Utility operators, IT/OT security personnel, emergency managers, city/county leaders, and military base personnel.

Why Attend?

Realistic Scenario: A high-stakes, simulated cyberattack affecting local businesses, public sector infrastructure, and nearby military bases.

Build Relationships: Enhance collaboration between public, private, and military entities to build regional resilience.

Parallel Training Platforms

  • Managers/Executives use NUARI’s DECIDE® Platform for strategic decision-making and crisis management tabletop exercises.
  • Cyber Responders use SimSpace’s Cyber Range for hands-on, live-fire incident response and IT/OT defense.
Jack Voltaic: City Cyber Incident Exercise2026-02-05T18:04:29-05:00

It Takes More Than a Certificate

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly. In 2024 alone, the U.S. reported over $50.5 billion in losses and 4.2 million cybercrime complaints. Florida ranked third nationwide – behind only California (1st) and Texas (2nd) – in both complaints and financial losses (FBI, 2024). These threats impact not only the government but also businesses, nonprofits, families, and individuals across communities.

Today’s risks include social engineering, phishing/spoofing, ransomware, extortion, data breaches, and increasingly Artificial Intelligence (AI) attacks, such as deepfakes and automated intrusions. These tactics threaten not just infrastructure, but also public trust and operational continuity. Yet many local, state, and federal employees still lack
access to effective cybersecurity education and awareness training. Existing initiatives often measure success through certificates, digital badges, or job placement, but rarely assess real-world performance, behavior change, or mission readiness. As a result, public-sector agencies remain vulnerable.

This report identifies key challenges in cybersecurity education and awareness programs for state and local government employees and presents strategies to help build cyber-literate and resilient communities across Florida – at work, in public service, and beyond.

It Takes More Than a Certificate2026-02-02T18:08:38-05:00

Seminole County Table Top Exercise

Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise tailored for the Seminole Sheriff’s Department.

Participants will engage in a dynamic tabletop exercise led by the Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI) that is crucial for mastering the skills needed to tackle simulated cyber incidents more effectively. This interactive experience will sharpen your strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities, helping you to be better-prepared for real-world cyber challenges. Seize this opportunity to elevate your capabilities!
Cyber Florida invites you to a complimentary light breakfast and lunch to connect with fellow cybersecurity professionals and industry colleagues.
Once Cyber Florida processes your registration, you’ll promptly receive a confirmation email filled with essential event details. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, stay informed and prepared for an incredible experience!
Seminole County Table Top Exercise2026-02-19T09:34:28-05:00

CONTACT US

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

Office meetings by appointment only

PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright 2026 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.