Florida Department of Education

15/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 15/11/2024 21:35

Florida Department of Education Announces 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Competition Winners

November 15, 2024

FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
[email protected]

Florida Department of Education Announces 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Competition Winners

Tallahassee, Fla., November 15, 2024 - Today, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the winners of the 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Competition. The Florida College System (FCS) held the Cybersecurity Competition in partnership with FDOE and Tallahassee State College. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, and FCS institutions are key to meeting Florida's workforce demand in this important field.

During the competition, FCS students demonstrated their expertise in detecting and mitigating various cyberthreats using a cyber range virtual-protected platform. Working in teams, students navigated real-world scenarios, showcasing their skills and abilities while gaining experience for the real-world challenges they will face in their careers.

"I am truly inspired by the hard work of each student participant and the FCS faculty advisors that supported this innovative competition," said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. "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. These students are well-prepared, and I am confident that their futures will be bright and that Florida's future is in good hands."

"I am FCS-proud to celebrate our students' accomplishments and congratulate them for the excellence they have demonstrated today," said FCS Chancellor Kathy Hebda. "We are also deeply grateful to our FCS leaders for their commitment to advancing cybersecurity programs and offering students real-world experiences that ensure that they are workforce-ready and that Florida remains a leader in cyber defense."

The event was made possible through the support of the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System Foundation, Cyber Florida, Bill Cramer Chevrolet and Tallahassee State College.

Each student participant will receive a cyber range certification provided by Global Business Solutions, Inc. The winning teams were selected based on an established ranking system for their ability to successfully manage, operate and defend network infrastructures of several fictitious organizations in the shortest amount of time.

First Place

Northwest Florida State College

Second Place

Palm Beach State College

Third Place

Daytona State College

The Cybersecurity Competition is an initiative of the Florida College System, which established the Cybersecurity Collaborative. The Cybersecurity Collaborative is comprised of cybersecurity leaders representing each college and meets regularly to discuss best practices, new opportunities for program expansion, and other issues related to improving cybersecurity education and workforce partnerships in the Florida College System, including student competitions.

For more information about the Florida College System, visit www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/.

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