The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has announced the winners of the 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Competition. This event, organized by the Florida College System (FCS) in partnership with FDOE and Tallahassee State College, highlights the importance of cybersecurity as a rapidly growing industry and its role in meeting workforce demands in Florida.
Students from various FCS institutions participated in the competition, showcasing their skills in detecting and mitigating cyber threats through a virtual-protected platform known as a cyber range. They worked in teams to navigate real-world scenarios, gaining valuable experience for their future careers.
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. expressed his admiration for the participants and their advisors, stating, “I am truly inspired by the hard work of each student participant and the FCS faculty advisors that supported this innovative competition. In today’s ever-expanding digital world, it is imperative to have skilled professionals who are equipped with knowledge and practical experiences to protect our schools and communities."
FCS Chancellor Kathy Hebda also commended the students' achievements: “I am FCS-proud to celebrate our students' accomplishments and congratulate them for the excellence they have demonstrated today."
The event was supported by various organizations including Cyber Florida, Bill Cramer Chevrolet, Tallahassee State College, and others. Each participant will receive a cyber range certification from Global Business Solutions, Inc. The winning teams were selected based on their performance in managing network infrastructures within limited timeframes.
Notable colleges among the winners include Northwest Florida State College, Palm Beach State College, and Daytona State College.
This initiative is part of FCS's Cybersecurity Collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing cybersecurity education across member colleges through regular meetings to discuss best practices and new opportunities.
For further information about the Florida College System's programs, visit www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/.