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Resources for CyberLaunch

Pre-Event Read-Aheads

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REMINDER: Faculty advisors and chaperones are responsible for their respective students AT ALL TIMES. Cyber Florida cannot accept responsibility for student safety. Please ensure your students treat the event team, the hotel, and other guests respectfully.

Join us on WhatsApp:
Cyber Florida CyberLaunch

We have created an optional WhatsApp Community to connect the event administrators with team faculty leads in case you have questions or problems during the event (i.e, running late, can’t find the venue, etc.). It is not required, just an option to help you connect with the event team. Please do not share the link with students; this is intended for event staff and faculty leads only. Thank you!

Agenda

  • 8:00-9:00 AM: Check-In + Breakfast Grand Sierra Ballroom + Hallway
  • 9:00–10:00 AM: Welcome Remarks + Keynote Address Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM:
    • Competition Grand Sierra Ballroom
    • Faculty Breakout Sessions: Antigua Rooms 1-3
  • 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 1:00-3:00 PM:
    • Competition Grand Sierra Ballroom
    • Faculty Breakout Sessions Antigua Rooms 1-3
  • 3:00-3:30 PM: Break
  • 3:30-4:00 PM: Awards Ceremony Grand Sierra Ballroom
  • 4:00 PM: Event Concludes

Students and faculty advisors are encouraged to visit with exhibitors and cyber mentors throughout the event to learn more about cyber careers.

Faculty advisors may check in on their teams anytime, but we ask that you do not assist with the challenges. Trained volunteers will be available to assist teams as needed while keeping a fair playing field for all participants.

Resort Map

Resources for CyberLaunch2025-03-31T17:20:42-04:00

MEDIA ADVISORY: Nation’s largest (state-wide, state-sponsored) in-person high school cyber competition

CyberLaunch Logo 2025

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 Jennifer437@cyberflorida.org 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.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Nation’s largest (state-wide, state-sponsored) in-person high school cyber competition2025-03-28T08:50:33-04:00

FirstLine Election Infrastructure Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise Series

Join our FirstLine team for a dynamic Election Infrastructure Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise!

This event is designed to bring together elections officials, IT teams, law enforcement, and other key personnel to walk through realistic scenarios and strengthen coordinated responses to cyber and physical security threats.

Don’t miss this chance to improve your cybersecurity posture and resilience!

Where Can I Join?

Remaining summer road trip stops:

Dates are subject to change. If updates are made, notifications will be sent by email to registrants.

Is This Event for You?

This tabletop exercise series is designed for professionals who understand election processes or support them, as well as those responsible for protecting systems, data, and public trust. If you’re involved in planning, incident response, or decision-making in these areas, this is the event for you.

Election Leadership & Administration

  • Supervisors of Elections (SOEs)
  • Assistant SOEs
  • Chief Deputy SOEs
  • Deputy Directors of Voter Services

IT & Systems Personnel (with Elections Focus)

  • IT & Election Systems Supervisors
  • Elections IT
  • IT Analysts / Coordinators
  • IT Managers

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

  • Cybersecurity Manager
  • Sr. Cybersecurity Manager
  • Cybersecurity Community Operations
  • IT Security Administrators
  • Digital Forensics / Incident Response Roles

Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership

  • Detectives / Investigators
  • Crime Intelligence Analysts
FirstLine Election Infrastructure Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise Series2025-06-14T13:18:33-04:00

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

Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Florida Manufacturers: FloridaMakes Webinar

This webinar will cover how to plan a simple roadmap and additional recommendations for getting started defending your company from Cybersecurity attacks.

For FloridaMakes clients working with Defense customers, provided is an overview of the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, and recommendations for getting started and achieving this critical compliance requirement.

Speakers will present the no-cost programs and services available to Florida companies, including the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment.

The presentation will conclude with next steps and additional resources to get you on a path toward CMMC compliance.

Finally, extra time will be allocated for a robust Q&A starting with a review of the concerns posed at the prior webinar.

Key Takeaways:        

  • Briefly review the key concepts of cybersecurity, CMMC Level 1 and Level 2, DIB, FCRA and other pertinent acronyms;
  • Resume learning the roadmap for starting a Cybersecurity practice if you don’t already have one;
  • Overview and key steps for achieving CMMC compliance for Defense suppliers;
  • No-cost resources provided by Cyber Florida, including the Critical Infrastructure Risk Assessment.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals for Florida Manufacturers: FloridaMakes Webinar2025-04-14T11:18:32-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Jim Brockman

Jim Brockman

Teacher: Jim Brockman

School: Plant High School

County: Hillsborough

Meet Jim Brockman, a fantastic teacher at Plant High School in Hillsborough County. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jim has been a passionate educator since the start of his career. After teaching in Ohio and Kentucky, he moved to Tampa, Florida, in 2005 to join Jefferson High School, where his dedication to teaching and student success quickly stood out.

In 2010, he joined Strawberry Crest High School to lead the IB Physics program, playing a key role in shaping the school’s academic environment. Now in his fourth year at Plant High, Jim has expanded his expertise to include computer science and cybersecurity, pioneering the integration of advanced technology into the curriculum.

His contributions to curriculum development in Hillsborough County Public Schools are significant—he has written state course descriptions and exam content. Beyond academics, Jim has coached various extracurricular teams and founded Tampa’s first high school rowing club.

Embracing the opportunity to teach cybersecurity, Jim sees it as a modern solution to the decline of vocational programs, offering students both immediate job prospects and pathways to further education.

Outside the classroom, Jim is also an accomplished musician and a founding member of the band Dads of Lore, showcasing his diverse talents and dedication to enriching lives.

Jim Brockman’s career exemplifies his commitment to education and innovative teaching. He has made a lasting impact on students and the broader educational community.

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Jim Brockman2025-03-25T13:43:13-04:00

OpK12 Virtual Session – April 17, 2025 @ 5pm EST

Join us on April 17, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST

Virtual CyberLaunch debrief: Exploring trends and takeaways from the 2025 Capture the Flag competition

Did you bring students to CyberLaunch and/or want to learn more? Join Cyber Florida and EC Council as we review the results and takeaways from CyberLaunch, the nation’s largest state-wide cybersecurity competition. Together, we will review general results/trends, examine individual scores, answer questions about the competition, and explore future teaching/learning opportunities for your classroom.
OpK12 Virtual Session – April 17, 2025 @ 5pm EST2025-03-14T10:26:40-04:00

OpK12 Virtual Session – March 27, 2025 @ 5pm EST

Join us on March 27, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST for a virtual session just for cyber teachers.

Are you teaching high school cybersecurity in Florida next year? Join Cyber Florida and UTeach to explore instructional resources and an exciting scholarship available for summer professional development. Potential teacher scholarship includes: $500 stipend, professional development ($1,000 value), curriculum licenses ($950 value), on-demand support, and Codio platform accounts!
OpK12 Virtual Session – March 27, 2025 @ 5pm EST2025-03-14T10:07:14-04:00

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen

Rob Allen — Chief Product Officer at ThreatLocker and Advocate of Buc-ee’s, Mascots and Buc-ee Mascots

On this episode, we sit down with Rob Allen, the Chief Marketing Officer at ThreatLocker, live from the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference. From his early days “locked” in an IT closet to his current role in the C-suite, Rob’s journey is one of curiosity, adaptation, and a passion for cybersecurity. At ThreatLocker, he takes customer ideas and use cases and transforms them into solutions for organizations of all sizes.

Rob shares why businesses shouldn’t fear the “deny by default” approach, explaining how the zero-trust mindset is essential in today’s threat landscape. He also discusses with hosts Jack Clabby of Carlton Fields, P.A., and Kayley Melton, Director for Strategic Initiatives at the Cognitive Security Institute and the Bob Ross of infosec, how media coverage often distorts public perception of cybersecurity by only highlighting major breaches and incidents.

In the Lifestyle Polygraph segment, Rob reveals his love for Apple products, why he wishes he could have met Steve Jobs, and his obsession with Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches. He also shares a hilarious (and perhaps exaggerated) story about the Cyber Florida team “infiltrating” ThreatLocker and taking his backpack back to Tampa!

You can learn more about ThreatLocker, here: https://www.threatlocker.com
You can follow Rob Allen on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/threatlockerrob/

No Password Required Podcast Episode 57 — Rob Allen2025-03-13T14:15:29-04:00

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.