Cyber Florida News

Cyber Bulls-i Critical Infrastructure Support Tool is Here.

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:20:49 GMT

Statewide platform simplifies cybersecurity assessments and provides customized action plans for Florida organizations at no cost

July 1, 2026—Tampa, Fla—Cyber Florida today announced the launch of Cyber Bulls-i, a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity assessment and planning platform designed specifically for Florida’s critical infrastructure organizations.

As the next generation of Cyber Florida’s Critical Infrastructure Program (CIP), Cyber Bulls-i provides organizations with a faster, easier, and more effective way to assess cybersecurity risks and connect with free resources and expert assistance.

At the heart of the new platform is a significantly streamlined assessment experience. The Florida Cyber Risk Assessment (FCRA), a cornerstone of the CIP, has been reduced from 164 questions to 106 questions, making it easier for organizations to evaluate their cybersecurity posture while still receiving meaningful, actionable insights.

“Cyber Bulls-i reflects years of experience working alongside Florida’s critical infrastructure organizations,” said Emeka Okammor, M.S., CISSP, CISA, cybersecurity resource manager. “We’ve taken what we’ve learned and built a modern platform that reduces barriers, saves time, and helps organizations quickly identify their risks and the resources available to address them.”

Cyber Bulls-i guides participants through three simple steps:

Complete the Florida Cyber Risk Assessment (FCRA) to receive a customized cybersecurity report.
Receive a personalized cybersecurity improvement plan tailored to the organization’s unique needs.
Continue improving over time through progress tracking, updated recommendations, and ongoing support.

The launch comes at a critical time. Recent assessments conducted through the CIP found that approximately half of participating organizations lacked a formal recovery plan. Similarly, nearly half had not implemented formal cybersecurity awareness training. Many organizations also reported limited cybersecurity staffing, expertise, and budgets.

Cyber Bulls-i was specifically designed to address these challenges by providing:

No-cost participation through state funding
Florida-specific recommendations and resources
Customized guidance aligned to organizational needs
Secure handling of assessment data
Ongoing support to help organizations improve over time

Importantly, many organizations that qualify as critical infrastructure do not realize they fall within that category. While hospitals, utilities, and government agencies are often recognized as critical infrastructure, many small and medium-sized businesses also provide essential goods and services that support Florida’s economy, public safety, and daily operations.

Organizations operating within Florida and serving any of the nation’s 16 critical infrastructure sectors are encouraged to participate, including those in communications, energy, healthcare, transportation, information technology, financial services, manufacturing, agriculture, emergency services, government, and other essential industries.

“Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, but protecting your organization doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive,” said Okammor. “Cyber Bulls-i gives Florida organizations a practical, user-friendly roadmap to help reduce risk, improve resilience, and meet cybersecurity requirements.”

Participation in Cyber Bulls-i is completely free for eligible Florida organizations. To learn more or begin the assessment process, visit Cyber Florida’s critical infrastructure program webpage.

To receive timely updates about Cyber Florida’s news and resources, please sign up or visit the Connect with Cyber Florida webpage.

The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, commonly referred to as Cyber Florida, 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.

Career Launch Series: From SOCAP to Security Engineering

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:17:14 GMT

Originally Published 6/02/2026

Meet Sanaan Wani, an accomplished student, now a cybersecurity professional at Amazon

For recent USF graduate Sanaan Wani, cybersecurity has never been just a career path; it has been a challenge worth pursuing.

After years of competing, researching, building tools, and securing systems, Wani is now taking the next step in his professional journey. This summer, he will relocate to Dallas, Texas, to begin a full-time role as a security engineer with Amazon. Before graduation, however, he added another impressive accomplishment to an already distinguished résumé: the discovery and responsible disclosure of a software vulnerability that earned an official Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) designation.

His journey reflects the hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience that define Cyber Florida’s Security Operations Center Analyst Program (SOCAP).

Finding his place in cybersecurity

Wani graduated from USF in May with a degree in computer science, but his interest in cybersecurity began outside the classroom.

Toward the end of his freshman year, he started attending meetings hosted by USF’s cybersecurity student organizations and quickly discovered that protecting systems was more compelling to him than simply building software.

“I realized I found securing systems much more interesting than just building software,” Wani said.

That curiosity led him to become involved with CyberHerd, USF’s nationally recognized cybersecurity competition team, where he eventually served as blue team captain. Through competitions, training opportunities, and mentorship from coaches and faculty advisors, Wani developed both technical skills and a passion for solving difficult security challenges.

His path to joining the SOCAP began through Cyber Florida’s NIST-funded Industrial Control Systems (ICS) training program, where he learned from Cyber Florida faculty and staff and completed a SANS certification funded through the program. After successfully earning the certification, he applied to SOCAP and officially joined the team in August 2025.

Building skills through real-world security operations

As a SOCAP analyst, Wani worked alongside other students to help monitor and secure networks, investigate security incidents, and support clients across Florida.

His responsibilities ranged from incident response and threat analysis to developing operational improvements for the security operations center itself. One project involved collaborating with fellow SOCAP students to develop a SOC console designed to streamline ticket processing and accelerate response times.

“We do a bit of everything,” Wani said. “From weekly incident responses to writing threat advisories.”

The experience gave him exposure to the realities of cybersecurity operations while also allowing him to pursue emerging areas of research that interested him.

Discovering a vulnerability through AI-assisted research

Outside of his operational work, Wani has spent significant time exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Inspired and encouraged by his CyberHerd teammate, Yeran Gamage, he began building his own autonomous tools to identify security weaknesses in open-source software projects.

“Seeing his success with finding vulnerabilities really inspired me,” Wani said. “He encouraged me to start looking into securing open-source software, which is what originally got me started in vulnerability research.”

Because open-source software powers much of today’s technology ecosystem, Wani saw vulnerability research as an opportunity to strengthen the tools used by organizations worldwide.

His AI-powered systems scan software repositories for potential security flaws. Once a possible issue is identified, he manually investigates the findings, validates the results, and determines whether the vulnerability could have broader security implications.

That process recently led to the discovery of CVE-2026-45675, a vulnerability in Open WebUI.

The flaw involved a race condition in the platform’s authentication process. During an initial deployment, the first user to log in is intended to become the system administrator. Because of the vulnerability, however, multiple users logging in simultaneously could potentially receive full administrator privileges.

In practical terms, that could allow an unauthorized individual to gain complete administrative control over the platform and its data.

Responsible disclosure in action

After identifying and validating the vulnerability, Wani followed the industry’s responsible disclosure process.

Because Open WebUI accepts vulnerability reports through GitHub, he submitted his findings directly to the project’s maintainers. The development team reviewed the report, verified the issue, implemented a fix, and ultimately assigned an official CVE identifier.

For Wani, the milestone was meaningful not simply because of the CVE designation itself, but because it validated the effectiveness of the research methodology he had been developing.

“I’ve been using my AI tooling to find and submit vulnerabilities for a while now,” he said. “Having this one fully verified, patched, and assigned a CVE was a nice nod that the methodology works.”

The accomplishment may be his first officially assigned CVE, but it is unlikely to be his last. He currently has additional vulnerability reports under review and remediation.

The power of mentorship

Wani credits much of his success to the mentors and teammates who encouraged him to pursue ambitious goals.

Within SOCAP, he found a culture that supported innovation and exploration. He points to Duy Dao, assistant security operations center manager, as a major influence on his interest in AI-driven security research.

“Duy encouraged us to consider new research and tools in the AI space,” Wani said. “He didn’t just talk about concepts; he built things and showed them to us.”

He also credits SOCAP Program Manager Ryan Irving for creating an environment where student accomplishments are recognized and celebrated.

“There was a point where I worried I wasn’t completing enough tickets because I was spending so much time focused on AI vulnerability research,” Wani said. “Ryan and Duy were incredibly supportive. They encouraged me to keep going and fully supported my work.”

That encouragement helped him continue pursuing research that ultimately resulted in a verified vulnerability disclosure and CVE assignment.

Looking ahead

With graduation complete, Wani is preparing for his next chapter as a security engineer at Amazon. Having previously interned with the company’s red team, he is eager to return and continue building his cybersecurity career.

Beyond his professional goals, he hopes to make cybersecurity and artificial intelligence more accessible to broader audiences. One of his long-term aspirations is to create educational content that helps people better understand complex technical concepts.

“Breaking down complex technical concepts into ideas that are accessible and engaging for everyone is a fun challenge,” he said. “I think bridging that knowledge gap is incredibly important.”

Outside of cybersecurity, Wani channels his competitive nature into soccer and competitive gaming, particularly Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant.

Whether on the field, in competition, or researching the next vulnerability, he is constantly looking for opportunities to learn, improve, and push himself further. As he begins his professional career, his accomplishments already demonstrate what can happen when technical talent, curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on experience come together.

Jack Voltaic® Tampa Strengthens Regional Cyber Readiness

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:15:40 GMT

Originally Published 5/21/2026

Successful Multi-Sector Cyber Exercise Strengthens Tampa Bay Preparedness

From May 18–20, 2026, Cyber Florida, in partnership with the Army Cyber Institute and a broad coalition of federal, state, local, military, academic, and private-sector partners, successfully completed the Jack Voltaic® Tampa Cyber Incident Exercise at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center.

The three-day, immersive exercise simulated a coordinated cyberattack targeting Tampa Bay’s critical water infrastructure, creating cascading impacts across essential services and adjacent military operations. The event brought together decision makers and technical responders to test coordination, improve readiness, and strengthen cyber resilience across the region.

About Jack Voltaic®

Jack Voltaic® is an initiative led by the Army Cyber Institute designed to evaluate and enhance the resilience of communities surrounding U.S. military installations.

Because modern infrastructure systems are deeply interconnected, disruptions in cyber-physical systems, such as water, energy, transportation, and communications, can quickly ripple across both civilian and defense environments.

Since its launch in 2016, the Jack Voltaic® series has focused on:

Strengthening civil-military cyber coordination
Testing multi-sector incident response capabilities
Identifying infrastructure interdependencies and vulnerabilities
Improving regional resilience through realistic scenario-based training

The 2026 Tampa exercise built on this foundation with an expanded focus on operational execution and cross-sector integration.

Exercise Scenario: Coordinated Cyberattack on Water Infrastructure

Participants worked through a realistic, escalating cyber incident affecting water treatment and distribution systems in the Tampa Bay region. The scenario was designed to reflect the complexity of modern cyberattacks against operational technology (OT) and critical infrastructure environments.

Scenario progression included:

Corruption of vendor-managed PLC systems
Altered chemical setpoints impacting water treatment processes
Theft of sensitive utility operational data
Loss of SCADA control and degraded system visibility

These events created cascading operational challenges for utilities, emergency managers, and defense-supporting infrastructure, requiring coordinated response across multiple jurisdictions.

Exercise Objectives and Outcomes

The exercise successfully met its core objectives:

Strengthening Regional Response Capabilities

Participants tested and refined the ability of the Tampa Bay region to respond to a sophisticated, multi-sector cyberattack under realistic operational pressure.

Evaluating Emergency Management Under Stress

State and local agencies examined response coordination in an environment reflecting concurrent emergency demands and infrastructure disruption.

Demonstrating Regional Leadership

The Tampa Bay region further established itself as a national leader in cyber incident preparedness and cross-sector collaboration.

Assessing Defense Operational Impacts

The exercise highlighted potential implications for nearby defense installations, including MacDill Air Force Base, as well as U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.

A Dual-Track Training Environment: Tabletop and Live-Fire Integration

A defining feature of the 2026 exercise was the integration of two complementary training environments: a facilitated tabletop exercise (TTX) and a live-fire cyber range exercise (LFX).

Tabletop Exercise (TTX): Strategic Decision-Making in Action

Led in partnership with Norwich University Applied Research Institutes, the tabletop exercise brought together leadership from across sectors to:

Evaluate response plans and procedures
Coordinate crisis communications strategies
Identify gaps in interagency coordination
Discuss policy, governance, and resource alignment

Facilitated discussions enabled participants to test assumptions and refine decision-making frameworks under evolving scenario conditions.

Live-Fire Exercise (LFX): Operational Execution at Scale

The live-fire exercise, powered by SimSpace, provided participants with a realistic cyber range environment where technical teams:

Analyzed live telemetry, logs, and simulated alerts
Identified indicators of compromise across IT and OT systems
Implemented containment and mitigation strategies
Coordinated across SOC, engineering, and leadership roles
Delivered operational briefings to executive stakeholders

The LFX environment enabled participants to directly translate tabletop decisions into technical execution, reinforcing real-world readiness.

Broad Cross-Sector Participation

The exercise brought together an extensive coalition of partners, including:

Federal and Military Partners

U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Army National Guard, the FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

State and Local Government

City of Lakeland, City of North Port, City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, along with multiple state agencies.

Critical Infrastructure and Industry

Key infrastructure partners included:

TECO Energy
Tampa Bay Water
Tampa General Hospital
BayCare Health System
AdventHealth
US Water Services Corporation
Academic and Research Partners

Idaho National Laboratory and the University of South Florida played key roles in supporting scenario design, technical integration, and research-informed facilitation.

Key Outcomes and Takeaways

Across all three days, participants identified several critical outcomes:

Stronger Cross-Sector Coordination

The exercise reinforced the importance of pre-established relationships between government, industry, and military stakeholders in responding to cyber incidents affecting shared infrastructure.

Improved Operational Awareness

Participants demonstrated improved ability to maintain shared situational awareness across IT and OT environments during rapidly evolving incidents.

Identification of Infrastructure Interdependencies

The scenario highlighted how disruptions in water systems can cascade into healthcare, energy, and defense operations.

Enhanced Crisis Communication Practices

Leadership teams refined strategies for communicating risk, coordinating messaging, and maintaining public trust during cyber disruptions.

After-Action Review and Next Steps

Following the exercise, participants contributed to a comprehensive after-action review capturing:

Key strengths in coordination and response
Gaps in technical and organizational capabilities
Opportunities to improve communication and decision-making workflows
Recommendations for future regional cyber preparedness efforts

These findings will inform ongoing efforts to strengthen cyber resilience across Florida’s critical infrastructure ecosystem.

Advancing Cyber Resilience for the Future

The successful completion of the Jack Voltaic® Tampa Cyber Incident Exercise underscored the value of sustained, cross-sector collaboration in addressing today’s evolving cyber threats.

By bringing together civilian leadership, military commands, infrastructure operators, and cybersecurity practitioners in a shared training environment, the exercise strengthened both relationships and operational readiness across the Tampa Bay region.

Cyber Florida and its partners remain committed to advancing this collaborative model, ensuring Florida continues to lead in building resilient, secure, and well-coordinated cyber defense capabilities.

Cyber Florida’s services and resources are available at no charge. To arrange for access to the ARCS Range, visit https://cyberflorida.org/arcs-range/. To explore no-cost cybersecurity training and educational opportunities for all levels of public sector employees, including certification preparation, visit our FirstLine page at https://cyberflorida.org/firstline/. Critical infrastructure organizations interested in completing the Florida Cyber Risk Assessment to access free resources and expert help should visit https://cyberflorida.org/cip/.

Romance Scams Informational Report

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:10:10 GMT

Originally Published 5/04/2026

One of today’s most pervasive threats, romance scams build fake trust and affection to defraud victims. McAfee’s 2026 report found 1 in 7 American adults lost money to online dating or romance scams, and the FTC reports a median loss of $2,000 per victim — $1.14 billion in 2023.

This Cyber Florida Security Operations Center report explains what romance scams are, as well as common tactics, prevention tips, and points to resources for reporting and recovery.

CyberLaunch 2026: Florida’s Future Cyber Defenders Took the Stage

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:07:36 GMT

April 23, 2026: Cyber Florida’s CyberLaunch 2026 brought together students, educators, and industry leaders from across the state for a dynamic, hands-on cybersecurity competition, and this year’s event delivered on every level.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Kevin O’Farrell, Senior Chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, who underscored the importance of building a strong cybersecurity talent pipeline in Florida. From there, the competition, powered by Cyber Florida’s ARCS team in partnership with SimSpace, challenged students to apply their skills in real-world cyber scenarios.

Beyond the competition floor, educators were treated to a dedicated “Cyber Café” featuring meals, networking opportunities, professional development sessions, giveaways, and a campus tour showcasing academic programs, student life, and USF’s eSports Lab. These experiences created space for teachers to connect, learn, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms.

A major highlight included an announcement from Dr. Sudeep Sarkar of Bellini College introducing the new Cyber/AI Scholars Program, further strengthening Florida’s pathway from education to career. The event also featured a Signing Day celebration, recognizing graduating seniors as they take the next step into higher education.

Cyber Florida proudly recognized the following outstanding educators:

Trailblazer Award: John Kux, West Boca Raton Community High School
Veteran Cybersecurity Teacher Award: Scott Tumelty, Wendell Krinn Technical High School
New Cybersecurity Teacher Award: Michael Marchesano, Angeline Academy of Innovation

The day concluded with an inspiring keynote from Caitlin Sarian, also known as “Cybersecurity Girl,” who encouraged students to pursue their passions in cybersecurity.

A special thank you goes to ThreatLocker, our lead sponsor, whose support helped make CyberLaunch 2026 possible. We were especially pleased to have Collin Ellis, Senior Solutions Engineer at ThreatLocker, join us on stage to help present trophies, prizes, and ThreatLocker T-shirts to the winning teams, an exciting moment that capped off the competition and celebrated students’ hard work and achievements.

Congratulations to this year’s student competition winners:

Advanced Level
1st: Hernando High School (Hernando County)
2nd: Countryside High School (Pinellas County)
3rd: Hialeah Gardens High School (Miami-Dade County)

Intermediate Level
1st: West Boca Raton Community High School (Palm Beach County)
2nd: Middleton High School (Hillsborough County)
3rd: Wendell Krinn Technical High School (Pasco County)

Beginner Level
1st: Kirkland Ranch Academy (Pasco County)
2nd: Kirkland Ranch Academy (Pasco County)
3rd: iPrep Academy North (Miami-Dade County)

The impact of CyberLaunch 2026 is perhaps best reflected in the words of those who experienced it firsthand. One teacher shared, “My students absolutely loved it. I can’t say enough good things about it.” Educators also highlighted the importance of logistical support, such as transportation and lodging, which made participation possible for many schools.

From first-time participants to returning teams, the feedback was clear: CyberLaunch continues to provide an unforgettable, meaningful experience that inspires the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Cyber Florida extends its sincere thanks to every student, teacher, partner, and volunteer who made CyberLaunch 2026 a success!

Meet the First McConnell Scholarship Recipient

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:06:43 GMT

Originally Published 4/28/2026

At Cyber Florida, we believe the future of cybersecurity is built by passionate individuals driven not only by innovation, but by purpose. That’s exactly what makes Ahmed Ghoneim, a doctoral student in computer science & engineering, such a powerful example. He is also the inaugural recipient of the McConnell Scholarship.

Ghoneim’s journey into technology didn’t begin in a classroom. It started with curiosity.

“As a child, I loved playing video games,” he shares. “But every time I picked up a new game, I found myself wondering, how did they build this? I wanted to create something of my own and even had ideas for how I’d do it differently.”

That early curiosity evolved into a clear sense of direction. Rather than pursuing a conventional career path, Ahmed set his sights on something bigger.

“I’ve always wanted to do more than hold a typical 9-to-5 position,” he says. “I want to contribute to society in a meaningful and lasting way. Pursuing a doctorate felt like the path that would allow me to do that through research and innovation.”

Like many graduate students, Ghoneim’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. When he first began his program, he felt isolated. But over time, he found a welcoming and collaborative community at the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing, an environment that helped him grow both academically and personally.

Today, as a graduate research and teaching assistant working within the Interface Research Lab, Ahmed is advancing knowledge while helping shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. As part of the USF NSF Research Traineeship Program, he contributes 20 hours each week to a National Science Foundation-supported project focused on building platforms for hands-on cybersecurity education, work that directly supports the development of future talent in the field.

As part of the Interface Research Lab (IRL), led by Dr. Robert Karam, he collaborated with fellow lab members on HaCKSEE, a team-driven startup concept. Together, the group participated in the Democratizing Cybersecurity Challenge at CyberBay Summit 2026, where HaCKSEE was selected as one of three featured pitches.

Receiving the first-ever McConnell Scholarship has been both an honor and a turning point.

“It’s an incredibly meaningful and humbling opportunity,” Ghoneim explains. “Beyond the recognition, it has genuinely relieved a significant amount of financial pressure in both my personal and educational life. That kind of relief allows me to focus more fully on my research and studies. I’m deeply grateful to those who made this scholarship possible.”

That impact is precisely why the McConnell Scholarship exists, and why growing its support is so important.

For doctoral students like Ghoneim, financial barriers can limit the time, energy, and focus they can devote to high-impact research. In addition to his academic and research commitments, Ghoneim also works part-time on weekends, a role that, he notes, has strengthened his time management skills. With the support of the scholarship and a strong foundation at home, including an encouraging spouse, he’s able to balance the many demands of graduate life.

Scholarships like this one don’t just ease that burden; they unlock potential. They create space for innovation. And they empower scholars to pursue work that can strengthen our cybersecurity ecosystem and benefit society.

Ghoneim credits his success not only to discipline, but to balance.

“Time management and mental stability are everything at this level,” he says. “Graduate school is demanding, and protecting your mental well-being is just as important as any academic skill. For me, that means spending quality time with my family.”

When asked how he unwinds, his answer is simple: “Spending time with my daughter and enjoying a good meal together. It’s the best reset there is.”

That sense of balance extends into how he gives back. Since January, Ghoneim has served as a mentor through the Undergraduate Research to PhD (UR2PhD) program, which connects students across academic levels to expand access to research opportunities. Through that experience, he discovered that mentorship is a two-way street.

“I realized I was learning from my mentee, not just the other way around,” he says.

Even his approach to late nights reflects a lesson learned.

“I used to rely heavily on energy drinks, and it took a toll on my health,” he shares. “Now, I stick to coffee for the most part and only reach for an energy drink when it’s truly necessary. Moderation matters.”

As the first McConnell Scholar, Ghoneim represents what’s possible when talented students are given resources to pursue their ambitions. With additional support, this scholarship can grow, expand its reach, increase its impact, and help more students like Ghoneim turn their potential into progress.

If you’re inspired by Ghoneim’s journey, consider contributing to the McConnell Scholarship fund. Your support can help empower the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

Powering Florida’s Cyber Future: Inside the ARCS Range

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:03:21 GMT

Originally Published 4/17/2026

Cyber Florida’s Partnership with SimSpace

At Cyber Florida, our mission is to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity ecosystem. A key part of that work is our partnership with SimSpace, which enables us to deliver a comprehensive platform for both offensive and defensive cybersecurity training.

Through this partnership, we power the ARCS (Aligned Realistic Cyberattack Simulation) Range, an advanced cyber range featuring high-fidelity simulations of complex networks and systems. These simulations allow users to engage in hands-on exercises that mirror today’s most pressing cyber threats, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

A national first in public-sector cyber training

Cyber Florida is delivering something unmatched: the nation’s only statewide, hands-on, customized cybersecurity training for the public sector.

This is a new level of training realism. Government systems can be fully virtualized, allowing cybersecurity professionals to defend their own environments in a safe, controlled setting. Within this space, teams can practice responding to sophisticated attacks launched by professional-grade adversaries without risking live systems.

The ARCS Range builds on this capability by offering a deeply customizable training environment that replicates entire systems and tests them against a library of real-world cyber threats. Participants are not only refining technical skills but also stress-testing response plans and gaining exposure to the tactics and techniques used by nation-state actors, including those associated with China, Russia, and Iran.

This type of immersive, high-stakes preparation is invaluable and uniquely available at scale across Florida.

Florida is a national leader in cybersecurity

We were honored to be recognized in SimSpace’s recent announcement about relocating its headquarters to Florida. The release highlights the state’s leadership in cybersecurity:

“Florida has emerged as the nation’s most sophisticated and unified cybersecurity environment. Through Cyber Florida, cybersecurity strategy, talent development, and operational coordination are aligned statewide. No other state has achieved this level of integration, with cybersecurity leadership anchored directly in the executive branch.”

This recognition reinforces what we see every day: Florida is building a model for how states can align strategy, workforce, and operations to meet evolving cyber challenges.

Read the full release: SimSpace Moves Global Headquarters to Orlando, Florida.

Strategic value across Florida’s ecosystem

The ARCS Range delivers measurable impact across multiple sectors, supporting a wide range of stakeholders:

University IT & security teams gain a safe, controlled environment to validate their security posture and rehearse incident response scenarios, reducing risk before real-world threats emerge.
Academic faculty and researchers benefit from infrastructure that strengthens competitiveness for major federal grants, including those from NSF and DoD.
State and local governments have access to no-cost, high-quality training to improve resilience and better protect critical public services.
K–12 students engage early through gamified cybersecurity competitions, helping build a strong and diverse future workforce pipeline.

Multiple university entities already leverage the ARCS Range at no cost, with additional partners continuing to join.

Operational excellence: training for the real world

The ARCS Range provides Florida’s public sector and university IT teams with a proactive, risk-free environment to test and strengthen their defenses before they are challenged by real-world adversaries.

Key capabilities include:

High-fidelity digital twin environments
Organizations can replicate complex networks, including specific hardware, legacy systems, and hybrid cloud configurations, to safely test patches and configuration changes in a sandbox that mirrors production environments.
Tailored training for local governments
Specialized modules address the unique needs and resource constraints of Florida’s counties and municipalities, ensuring that even smaller jurisdictions have access to advanced cybersecurity capabilities.
Live-fire readiness and stress testing
Teams engage in Red vs. Blue exercises against simulated nation-state-level threats, building critical “muscle memory” and improving Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR).
Security stack validation
Agencies can safely test tools such as EDR, SIEM, and firewalls against live malware to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations without risking live data.

Driving research and academic innovation

The ARCS Range is also a powerful academic resource, supporting both instruction and cutting-edge research.

As a teaching tool, it enables professors to move beyond theory, introducing students to complex technical concepts while giving them the opportunity to apply that knowledge in realistic, hands-on scenarios within a safe environment.

As a research platform, the range provides a secure, high-fidelity environment for experimentation with complex systems. This capability not only advances innovation but also enhances grant competitiveness, helping faculty secure major federal research funding.

Additional research applications include:

Critical infrastructure and OT security
Simulation of industrial control systems (ICS) to support research into protecting power grids, water systems, and election infrastructure.
High-fidelity data generation
Creation of datasets used to train machine learning models to detect evolving threats and ransomware patterns.
Human-centric AI research
Exploration of how AI-assisted tools impact analyst decision-making, cognitive load, and performance during high-pressure cyber events.

Building Florida’s cyber workforce

The ARCS Range is not just a training platform; it is a catalyst for workforce development across the state.

CyberLaunch and K–12 capture the flag competitions
Students engage in hands-on challenges that gamify cybersecurity while introducing them to real-world tools and career pathways.
Experiential learning for university students
Learners gain practical, scenario-based experience that prepares them to enter the workforce with confidence and capability.

A platform for what’s next

The combination of Cyber Florida’s statewide mission and SimSpace’s cutting-edge platform is helping define the future of cybersecurity training, research, and workforce development.

By providing a shared, high-impact resource like the ARCS Range, Cyber Florida is not only strengthening defenses today but also building a more resilient, innovative, and prepared Florida for tomorrow.

Learn more about the ARCS Range and how to get started.

ThreatLocker named lead sponsor for 3rd annual CyberLaunch

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:56:05 GMT

Originally Published 4/01/2026

CyberLaunch, presented by ThreatLocker, expands access to Florida students for the nation’s largest state-sponsored cybersecurity competition

Orlando, FL, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyber Florida at USF and ThreatLocker, a global leader in Zero Trust cybersecurity, today announced that ThreatLocker will serve as the lead sponsor of CyberLaunch, Cyber Florida’s annual cybersecurity competition for Florida middle and high school students. The financial support will help cover travel and lodging costs for participating teams, thereby expanding access to the nation’s largest state-sponsored in-person cybersecurity competition.

“Cybercriminals and nation-state actors aren’t slowing down, and we need more people ready to stop them,” ThreatLocker CEO & Co-Founder Danny Jenkins said. “Building that workforce starts with getting students interested early and giving them opportunities like CyberLaunch to develop real skills. My own interest in cybersecurity began in grade school, and we’re proud to support a program that helps foster that same interest in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”

Cyber Florida, a state-funded organization housed at the University of South Florida, works to position Florida as a national leader in cybersecurity. Programs like CyberLaunch directly support this mission by strengthening education, advancing research, and building the state’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline.

This year, 500 students representing 63 Florida high schools will compete in CyberLaunch. To qualify, students first participated in a statewide virtual qualifier held last fall, which was free and open to all middle and high school students across Florida. Of the 1,300 students who participated in the virtual qualifier, 500 of the top performers earned invitations to the in-person 2026 CyberLaunch State Championship to take place on April 24 at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. The competition features beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks to accommodate students of all experience levels.

“Florida is becoming the epicenter of forward-thinking cybersecurity companies, driven in part by the growth of organizations like ThreatLocker,” said Cyber Florida Senior Director Ernie Ferraresso. “To sustain that momentum, we must invest in the next generation by creating opportunities for students interested in cybersecurity careers. CyberLaunch plays a key role in expanding access to cybersecurity education across the state.”

About ThreatLocker
ThreatLocker is a global cybersecurity leader that stops cyberattacks before they happen. The company’s Zero Trust Platform prevents breaches from both known and unknown threats by allowing only explicitly trusted software and activity across endpoints, networks, and cloud systems. Built to deploy quickly and scale across complex environments, the platform reduces operational overhead while keeping business running uninterrupted. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with offices in Dublin, Dubai, and Brisbane, ThreatLocker protects over 70,000 organizations worldwide.

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

Contact Data

ThreatLocker Inc
321-515-3813
press@threatlocker.com

CyberBay 2026 Showcases Collaboration, Competition, Innovation

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:27:43 GMT

Originally Published 3/24/2026

Tampa Bay’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem

CyberBay Summit 2026 brought together leaders from across industry, government, academia, and defense to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age: protecting our systems, infrastructure, and data while preparing the next generation of cyber defenders.

Held at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, the three-day conference welcomed cybersecurity educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, professionals, researchers, and students from across the region and beyond. They explored emerging technologies, partnerships, and workforce initiatives shaping the future of cybersecurity and helping Tampa Bay become a growing national hub for cyber innovation.

A collaborative approach to cybersecurity

From the opening sessions through the closing events, the Summit emphasized a central theme: cybersecurity is not a challenge any single sector can solve alone.

Across dozens of panels, workshops, and technical sessions, speakers explored topics ranging from artificial intelligence and threat intelligence to critical infrastructure protection and workforce development. The discussions reflected the shared responsibility among businesses, defense partners, public agencies, and universities to strengthen cyber resilience.

Leaders from government, industry, and academia highlighted the need to align training, research, and operational experience to address the growing global cybersecurity workforce gap.

Programs like the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program (SOCAP), operated by Cyber Florida at USFhttps://cyberflorida.org/, demonstrate how collaborative initiatives can prepare students and early-career professionals to defend real-world systems while supporting public-sector organizations.

That commitment to workforce development was underscored during the summit when Tampa-based cybersecurity company and CyberBay lead sponsor, ConnectSecure, announced a $100,000 investment to expand SOCAP, adding five new student apprentices to the program.

The initiative provides hands-on cybersecurity training while helping protect Florida organizations from real cyber threats, an example of how industry investment can directly support workforce readiness.

Keynote speakers set the tone for cybersecurity’s future

Two dynamic keynote speakers helped anchor CyberBay Summit 2026, offering timely perspectives on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the shared responsibility required to defend it.

Jen Easterly, former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and now CEO of RSAC, delivered a powerful message on national resilience, emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration in protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening the nation’s cyber defenses.

Rachel Wilson, a seasoned cybersecurity executive and former intelligence leader, brought a global perspective to the stage, highlighting how geopolitical dynamics, emerging technologies, and sophisticated threat actors are reshaping risk for organizations of all sizes.

Together, their insights reinforced a central theme of the summit: that cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge but a strategic imperative that requires coordination across academia, defense, government, and industry.

Showcasing innovation and emerging technologies

CyberBay Summit also spotlighted innovation across the region’s rapidly growing cybersecurity ecosystem through the Democratizing Cybersecurity Innovation Challenge, a competition designed to accelerate practical security solutions for real-world use.

Developed by CyberBay’s Innovation Solutions Working Group and led by Manish Agrawal, professor at the University of South Florida and academic director at Cyber Florida, the challenge focuses on identifying cybersecurity technologies that are not only effective but also usable and affordable for organizations that may lack large security budgets.

During the Summit, three finalist companies pitched their solutions live to a panel of investors and technology leaders from organizations including Tampa Bay Wave, Embarc Collective, and Florida Funders.

The competition’s $70,000 non-dilutive grant, provided by Bellini Capital, was awarded to Actualization.ai for its SquarePact platform, which helps make cybersecurity tools more accessible and cost-effective for small and medium-sized organizations. The company is led by John Licato, USF associate professor, researcher, and entrepreneur focused on advancing practical applications of human and machine reasoning in cybersecurity.

Two additional companies, HACKsee and RedShield, were also recognized as finalists for their innovative approaches to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.

By bringing together startups, investors, researchers, and industry leaders, the Innovation Challenge demonstrated how collaboration within the CyberBay ecosystem is helping accelerate the development of practical cybersecurity technologies that can be deployed in organizations today.

Hands-on competition and talent development

CyberBay also served as a proving ground for rising cybersecurity talent.

Students and professionals competed in multiple cybersecurity challenges, including capture-the-flag competitions and technical exercises designed to test skills in threat analysis, problem-solving, and system defense.

And the 2nd Annual CyberBay Cup winners are…

1st Place – $20,000
Reigning Champions: Squid Proxy Lovers
• Brayden Borges (BraydenPikachu)
• Andrew Effenhauser (corgo)
• Salah Abbas (outwrest)

2nd Place – $10,000
lamenting llamas
• Beau B (corial)
• Jason Mercier (KA0x)
• Non Dylan (bobdylan)
• turingdot (turingdot)

3rd Place – $5,000
Waka Flocka Flocto – Hard in the plate
• Varun Iyer (Varoon5)
• Vishwa Iyer (vishiswoz)
• Arjun Lalith (flyingpies)

4th Place – $2,500
Kali Pro
• Derek Rook (r00k)
• Jose Rodriguez (joehacksalot)
• Ethan Puchaty (n0decaf)
• Cooper Wiegand (shiloh)

5th Place – $2,500
Five Knights at Bellini’s – University of Central Florida
• Ardian Peach (oatzs)
• Caitlin Whitehead (Knittingirl@UCF)
• Tyler Waddell (brosu)
• Andy Pompura (vv10n)

Memorable moments

Beyond the technical discussions, CyberBay Summit also delivered memorable experiences that brought attendees together, including special presentations, networking receptions, and entertainment that celebrated the energy and innovation driving the region’s cybersecurity community.

A special lunch presentation, Beyond the Imitation Game – From Alan Turing and James Bond to e-Commerce and Quantum Encryption, explored the fascinating history of codebreaking and the enduring impact of the Enigma machine on modern cybersecurity.

The supporters who made it possible

CyberBay Summit would not have been possible without the strong support of its exhibitors and sponsors.

Organizations across the cybersecurity ecosystem contributed their expertise, leadership, and resources to make the Summit a success, sharing new technologies, showcasing solutions, and building connections that will help strengthen cybersecurity resilience across the region.

Their participation helped create an environment where attendees could learn from one another and forge new collaborations.

Luminary Sponsor: ConnectSecure

Visionary Sponsors: CyberFox and SkillBit

Innovator Sponsor – Podcast: ThreatLocker

Connector Sponsor – Enigma Presentation: Rapid7 Women

Exhibitors:

Bellini Center for Talent Development, USF
Bellini College, USF
BlackCloak
Caju AI
CommHIT
Columbia Southern University
Conceal, Inc
ConnectSecure
CyberFox
Devicie
Digicert
EC-Council
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Florida International University Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
Fox Pick
Ginger Cybersecurity
Jones & Bartlett Learning
Live Wildly
Maritime Hacking Village
Mayweather Group
MSP Influencer
Netsync
Rapid7
Resecurity
Saint Leo University
SimSpace
SkillBit
Tampa Bay Wave
ThreatLocker
TierPoint
University of South Florida Cybercriminology
USF Muma College of Business
University of South Florida Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education
University of Tampa
University of West Florida
Vilkas Cybersecurity
Wolfeevo

Building the future of cybersecurity in Tampa Bay

Events like CyberBay Summit demonstrate how partnerships between academia, defense, government, and industry can accelerate innovation, develop talent, and strengthen our collective cyber defenses.

By bringing together a diverse audience from across the cybersecurity community, CyberBay plays an important role in shaping the region’s cyber ecosystem and preparing the workforce to defend tomorrow’s digital infrastructure.

Continuing the momentum

While CyberBay Summit serves as the region’s annual gathering for the cybersecurity community, the work continues long after the conference ends. Through CyberBay Working Groups, collaboration takes place year-round to turn ideas into action and advance practical cybersecurity solutions.

Commissioned by Bellini Capital and supported by institutional partners, including Cyber Florida, the working groups were created to address the key challenges identified in the CyberBay 2025 community survey. These groups focus on closing critical gaps in cybersecurity infrastructure, bridging the divide between thought leadership and real-world implementation, and maintaining momentum across the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem between annual summits.

Each working group is led by distinguished experts and focuses on a core pillar of the cybersecurity landscape: strengthening undergraduate cybersecurity education, accelerating innovation in practical security solutions, and advancing workforce development strategies to build a stronger regional talent pipeline. Leaders include USF professors and researchers Sriram Chellappan, Manish Agrawal, and Michelle Angelo-Rocha.

Building on the momentum of the CyberBay Summit 2026 and insights from the CyberBay 2026 survey, a new Cyber Insurance Working Group is being launched to address one of the most influential forces shaping cybersecurity practices today. Survey findings identified cyber insurance as a key driver for improving cyber hygiene across organizations, underscoring its growing role in risk management and resilience.

This new working group will bring together stakeholders from across industry, government, and the broader cybersecurity community to focus on two primary objectives: normalizing insurability criteria and simplifying risk management practices. By aligning standards and reducing complexity, the group aims to clarify and make more attainable cybersecurity expectations for organizations of all sizes.

CyberBay is actively seeking participants to help shape this effort and contribute their expertise. Those interested in joining the Cyber Insurance Working Group can sign up on this form.

Together, these working groups ensure that CyberBay is more than a conference; it is an ongoing collaborative effort to strengthen Florida’s cybersecurity capabilities and build a resilient digital future. Organizations and professionals interested in contributing to these initiatives are encouraged to get involved and help shape the next phase of CyberBay’s impact.

But wait! There’s more! Let’s keep the conversation going…

While CyberBay Summit 2026 may have concluded, the conversations and connections continue year-round, including through the CyberBay Podcast.

Featuring real people and real stories from the heart of Tampa Bay’s cybersecurity community, the podcast offers a more personal look at the individuals shaping the field. Each episode explores the journeys, values, and unexpected paths that brought today’s cyber leaders, innovators, and rising talent into the industry and into the CyberBay ecosystem.

From career insights and emerging tech trends to stories of growth, purpose, and community, the CyberBay Podcast goes beyond job titles to highlight the human side of cybersecurity. Tune in to stay connected, inspired, and engaged with the voices driving CyberBay forward.

Don’t miss a single CyberBay update. Follow the momentum on the CyberBay LinkedIn page and the CyberBay website. See you next March for CyberBay Summit 2027!

From High School Cybersecurity Academy to USF’s Bellini College

outreach@cyberflorida.org (Cyber Florida) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:13:58 GMT

Originally Published 01/13/2026

Alexavier Cherilus Is Just Getting Started

When you talk to Alexavier, one thing becomes clear almost immediately: he’s already thinking like a cybersecurity professional. The former George Jenkins High School (GJHS) cybersecurity academy student is now a freshman at the University of South Florida’s Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity, and Computing. He has built an academic path defined by curiosity, initiative, and hands-on experience.

He’s earned industry certifications, completed a county-level cybersecurity internship, and is on track to graduate from USF a full year early, thanks to the dual enrollment classes he completed in high school. And he’s only just getting started.

Alexavier’s journey is a powerful example of how early exposure to cybersecurity, paired with the right mentors and opportunities, can set Florida students on a fast-moving trajectory toward meaningful careers in the cyber workforce.

Discovering a Passion for Cybersecurity

Alexavier has “always loved computers,” but cybersecurity didn’t emerge as a clear career path until high school, thanks, in part, to being in the right place at the right time.

He originally chose GJHS for its soccer program. During his junior year, however, the school launched Polk County’s first and only cybersecurity academy. At the time, Alexavier was enrolled in the digital design academy, where he helped create the cybersecurity academy’s first logo and pull-up banner. As the new program took shape, it quickly captured his attention.

A key influence in that transition was Austin Walley, the teacher selected by school leadership to establish the cybersecurity academy. Alexavier knew Mr. Walley from AP U.S. Government.

“Every time he would stop me before or after class, he’d show me new and exciting developments in technology or helpful gateway opportunities,” Alexavier recalls. That consistent encouragement made a lasting impression.

As the academy gained momentum and his interest deepened, Alexavier added the cybersecurity curriculum to his schedule. It was a pivotal decision—one that would define the rest of his high school experience and ultimately set the course for his future in cybersecurity.

Hands-On Learning at GJHS

Joining the academy in its inaugural year meant being part of something new, experimental, and ambitious. Alexavier dove in immediately.

By the time he graduated, he had earned two industry certifications:

ITS Networking
CompTIA Security+

He also competed in CyberPatriot, the national youth cybersecurity competition. “I’m most proud of my CyberPatriot placement during my first year,” he says. “With almost no prior experience, my group members and I were able to qualify for the state competitions in the silver league.”

One moment stands out from his academy experience: learning how quickly a brute-force attack can crack a simple four-digit password. “Less than a second,” he recalls. “I had no idea it was that easy.”

It was a memorable lesson, and one that changed his everyday habits. He now frequently reminds his friends and family to change passwords often, avoid reusing them, and assume that attackers can break weak patterns instantly.

What surprised him most, though, was how cybersecurity shows up in unexpected places.

“It’s everywhere, even in my psychology class,” he says. “Once you understand the concepts, you start seeing it all around you.”

Alexavier gravitates toward blue team work: defending systems, fortifying networks, and “being the shield.”

Real-World Experience: Polk County IT Internship

During his senior year of high school, Alexavier was selected, along with only three other cybersecurity academy students, for a competitive internship with Polk County’s IT department. The placement matched students with roles that aligned with their strengths and interests. Alexavier’s skills and work ethic made him an ideal fit.

He left school after sixth period, four days a week, to work two-hour shifts, gaining real SOC/NOC-style experience. His responsibilities included:

Repairing and troubleshooting student laptops
Operating and updating servers
Learning the county’s ticketing system
Fortifying machines and supporting network security hygiene

The hands-on exposure confirmed that cybersecurity wasn’t just something he enjoyed learning, it was something he wanted to do professionally.

College Life at USF’s Bellini College

Today, Alexavier is a freshman at USF, pursuing a cybersecurity degree with enough dual enrollment credits to potentially graduate a year early.

The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. “Learning to say no is a big hurdle,” he admits. “There are so many distractions.”

He has also had to “rewire” how he thinks to tackle coding assignments and higher-level coursework.

Still, he’s settling in well. He’s joined the Whitehatters Computer Security Club, where he’s learning “through osmosis,” as he puts it, simply by being around other cyber-focused students.

He’s also joined a running club and has strong opinions about the best deal on campus: “Panda Express. A lot of food for ten dollars,” he says with a laugh.

One surprise about college-level cybersecurity, “There’s no standard starting point,” he explains. “Some people have barely touched a computer, and others have been coding since middle school.”

This dynamic both challenges and motivates him.

He’s currently exploring opportunities for a summer internship and plans to attend BSides Tampa 2026 to network and build connections that can open doors.

Looking Toward the Future

Alexavier’s long-term goals center on blue team cybersecurity—defending networks, managing security operations, and helping organizations stay protected.

He’s particularly fascinated by firewalls. “I want to learn not only how to properly secure them but also how red team individuals hack into them,” he says. “If I can understand both sides, I can defend better.”

This mindset—curious, proactive, and defense-oriented—makes him well-suited for SOC roles and other blue team pathways.

Advice for Cyber Curious Students

Alexavier’s advice to students thinking about pursuing cybersecurity is simple: “Pick up a computer and start learning.”

He credits much of his success to self-directed learning, watching YouTube videos, experimenting with tools, and exploring topics independently. “Don’t wait for someone else to teach you,” he says. “That’s what Mr. Walley taught me.”

His practical advice applies to everyone, not just future cyber pros:

Change your passwords frequently
Never reuse the same password
Assume simple systems can be compromised in seconds

For students intimidated by coding, he offers reassurance, “Take it one step at a time. Start as basic as possible. Tackling everything at once is overwhelming. Break it down.”

He also shared a strategy that helps him stay motivated during difficult assignments: “When I get stuck, taking a break helps. I’ll step away, come back later, and nine times out of ten, solutions come easier.”

Student Pathways Lead to Workforce Development

What began as a move to join a high school soccer program evolved into a promising cybersecurity career trajectory for Alexavier. His story demonstrates how early exposure, supportive educators, structured programs, and real-world experience can transform student interest into tangible pathways.

Programs like the GJHS cybersecurity academy are building Florida’s future workforce one student at a time. And if Alexavier’s journey is any indication, the future looks bright!