Keywords

Cyber Florida, cybersecurity, education, workforce development, Sunshine CyberCon, CyberLaunch, leadership, strategic vision, impact, community engagement, cybersecurity, workforce development, education, cyber range, USF, cyber competitions, resilience, Florida

Summary

In this episode of Chat Cyber, hosts James Jacobs and Jordan Deiuliis welcome Ernie Ferraresso, the director of Cyber Florida, to discuss the organization's achievements over the past year and plans for the future. They delve into the impact of Cyber Florida's programs, including the Sunshine CyberCon and CyberLaunch events, and highlight the importance of cybersecurity education and workforce development. The conversation emphasizes the need for leadership in cybersecurity and the significance of community engagement in building a robust cybersecurity workforce. In this conversation, Ernie Ferraresso discusses the advancements in Florida's cybersecurity initiatives, focusing on the Cyber Range Program and its impact on workforce development. He emphasizes the importance of integrating cybersecurity education into K-12 and higher education systems. The conversation also highlights the Student Security Operations Center at USF and the rise of the USF Cyber Herd in competitive cyber challenges, showcasing Florida's growing prominence in the cybersecurity landscape.

Takeaways

• Cyber Florida has significantly expanded its reach and impact across the state.
• The Sunshine CyberCon event saw over 2000 attendees, marking a successful return post-COVID.
• CyberLaunch is a competition aimed at engaging high school students in cybersecurity.
• The CyberWorks program helps military veterans transition into cybersecurity roles.
• Community engagement is crucial for building a strong cybersecurity workforce.
• Leadership in cybersecurity is essential for organizational success.
• Cybersecurity education is not just for IT professionals; it's for everyone.
• The First Line program has trained 14,000 public sector employees in cybersecurity.
• Cyber self-defense is a proactive approach to cybersecurity awareness.
• The ripple effect of impacting one individual can lead to broader community benefits. The Cyber Range Program has trained over 400 individuals.
• Collaboration with state incident response teams enhances preparedness.
• Mainstreaming cybersecurity in education is crucial for long-term success.
• Cyber resilience is as important as workforce development.
• Florida has established a strong foundation for cybersecurity education.
• The Student Security Operations Center provides hands-on experience for students.
• The USF Cyber Herd is gaining recognition in national competitions.
• Florida's investment in cybersecurity is yielding positive results.
• The integration of cybersecurity into everyday life is essential.
• Community resilience is enhanced through student involvement in cybersecurity projects.

Titles

• Cybersecurity Initiatives in Florida
• Building a Cyber-Ready Workforce
• Innovations in Cyber Education
• The Rise of USF's Cyber Herd

Sound Bites

• "It was an emotionally charged event."
• "We are doing it again in the springtime."
• "It's not just the IT person's problem."
• "It's been a tremendous program."
• "It's really been remarkable."
• "The USF cyber herd is stampeding along."
• "We're doing something right down here."
• "We appreciate the listenership."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap

03:08 Leadership and Strategic Vision of Cyber Florida

05:55 Impact of Cyber Florida's Programs

09:05 Sunshine CyberCon and CyberLaunch Events

11:45 Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development

14:57 Full Circle Moments in Cyber Education

17:48 Target Audience for CyberCon

21:06 First Line Program and Cyber Range

24:51 Cyber Range Program and Workforce Development

27:13 Mainstreaming Cybersecurity in Education

29:43 Student Security Operations Center and Cyber Herd

32:41 USF Cyber Herd's Rise in Competitions

36:32 Florida's Cybersecurity Success Stories

Keywords

cybersecurity, Cyber Space Solarium Commission, economic competitiveness, regulatory framework, defend forward, cyber diplomacy, state-level cybersecurity, regional cybersecurity, McCrary Institute, digital future

Summary

In this episode of chat:CYBR, host James Jacobs and co-host Jordan Deiuliis engage with Frank Cilluffo, director of Auburn University's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. They discuss the Cyber Space Solarium Commission's role in shaping U.S. cybersecurity policy, the recent report 'Securing America's Digital Future,' and the importance of viewing cybersecurity as integral to economic competitiveness. Cilluffo emphasizes the need for harmonized regulations, a proactive 'defend forward' strategy, and the role of cybersecurity in U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on best practices for state-level cybersecurity and the importance of regional collaboration.

Takeaways

• Cybersecurity is a national security issue and an economic issue.
• The Cyber Space Solarium Commission has made significant recommendations.
• Harmonizing regulations is crucial for effective cybersecurity.
• Defend forward is a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
• Cybersecurity must be integrated into U.S. foreign policy.
• Trust and collaboration are essential in cybersecurity efforts.
• State and local agencies face the same threats as larger organizations.
• Regional approaches can enhance cybersecurity effectiveness.
• Empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is vital.
• Cybersecurity is a societal problem that requires collective action.

Titles

• Securing America's Digital Future: Insights from Frank Salufo
• The Role of Cybersecurity in National and Economic Security
• Harmonizing Cyber Regulations: A Path Forward

Sound Bites

• "We need to impose costs on bad actors."
• "Defend forward is a proactive strategy."
• "Trust is everything in cybersecurity."
• "It's everyone's problem."
• "We need strong women in cybersecurity."
• "It's a societal problem, not just IT."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and the Guests

02:32 The Cyber Space Solarium Commission: Purpose and Impact

06:55 Securing America's Digital Future: The New Report

10:31 Cybersecurity as Economic Competitiveness

12:21 Harmonizing Cybersecurity Regulations

15:45 Defend Forward: A New Cybersecurity Strategy

19:39 Cybersecurity in U.S. Foreign Policy

23:45 Best Practices for State-Level Cybersecurity

27:26 Regional Approaches to Cybersecurity

30:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Keywords

cybersecurity, law, policy, data protection, cyber attacks, legal liability, Florida, cybersecurity attorney, ransomware, business email compromise, cybersecurity, local government, compliance, data management, ransomware, policy recommendations, technology solutions, risk management, Florida cybersecurity act, municipal challenges

Summary

In this episode of chat:CYBR, host James Jacobs and co-host Jordan Deiuliis engage with attorney Jack Clabby to explore the intricate world of cybersecurity law and policy. They discuss the role of cybersecurity attorneys, the most common types of cyber attacks, the legal implications of data breaches, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity legislation in Florida. The conversation highlights the challenges organizations face in navigating legal requirements and the potential costs associated with cyber incidents, as well as the need for a cohesive federal standard to address these issues effectively. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges local governments face in complying with cybersecurity regulations, the importance of data management, and the necessity of simplifying technology solutions. They also explore policy recommendations for improving cybersecurity measures and the implications of Florida's ransomware legislation, including its enforcement and effectiveness.

Takeaways

• Cybersecurity attorneys intervene before, during, and after incidents.
• Ransomware and business email compromise are prevalent threats.
• Data review costs can be astronomical after a breach.
• Organizations must notify affected individuals after a breach.
• Negligence claims are common in data breach lawsuits.
• Statutory damages could significantly impact liability.
• Software as a service companies are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals.
• Florida lacks a clear safe harbor for organizations regarding cybersecurity.
• Recent legislation aims to improve cybersecurity for local governments.
• Municipalities face challenges in meeting compliance requirements. Local governments often struggle with compliance due to limited manpower.
• Collaboration among municipalities can alleviate compliance burdens.
• Data retention policies should prioritize necessity and security.
• Simplicity in technology solutions can enhance efficiency.
• Ransomware legislation in Florida prohibits state agencies from paying ransoms.
• Best practices in cybersecurity should be clearly defined and separated from standards.
• Effective data management can reduce risks associated with data breaches.
• The necessity of AI in municipal operations should be critically evaluated.
• Reporting requirements for ransomware incidents can provide valuable data for analysis.
• Understanding the motivations behind ransom payments is crucial for policy development.

Titles

• Sector Vulnerabilities: Who's Most at Risk?
• The Case for Federal Cybersecurity Standards The Importance of Data Management in Cybersecurity
• Simplifying Technology Solutions for Municipalities

Sound Bites

• "What does a cyber lawyer do?"
• "Ransomware and business email compromise are the big ones."
• "The biggest driver of cost is data review."
• "We can help you with compliance questions."
• "It's a question of manpower, not expertise."
• "Some municipalities think they can hoover up all this data."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Law and Policy

03:09 The Role of a Cybersecurity Attorney

05:58 Common Cyber Attacks and Their Impact

08:56 Legal Consequences of Cyber Incidents

12:09 The Need for Federal Cybersecurity Standards

14:54 Sector Vulnerabilities in Cybersecurity

17:57 Liability Protections for Organizations

20:48 Florida's Cybersecurity Legislation Overview

24:33 Navigating Compliance Challenges in Local Government

27:12 Data Management and the Policy of Least Privilege

29:39 The Necessity of Simplicity in Technology Solutions

30:10 Policy Recommendations for Cybersecurity

36:22 Ransomware Legislation: Effectiveness and Enforcement

Summary

In this episode of chat:CYBR, James Jacobs and Jordan Deiuliis discuss the role of the Travelers Institute in public policy and cybersecurity with Joan Woodward, the president of the Institute. They explore the evolution of the Institute, the importance of cybersecurity awareness, and the intersection of cybersecurity and insurance. Joan shares insights from recent studies on CFO concerns regarding cybersecurity and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks. The conversation concludes with recommendations for policymakers to enhance cybersecurity strategies.

Keywords: Travelers Institute, cybersecurity, public policy, risk management, insurance, business engagement, cyber awareness, proactive measures, CFO concerns, policy recommendations

Takeaways

• The Travelers Institute serves as a public policy educational platform.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the importance of protecting businesses.
• Cyber risk is a leading concern for business owners.
• CFOs rank cybersecurity as a significant challenge in risk management.
• Proactive measures are essential for managing cybersecurity risks.
• Multi-factor authentication is a key practice for security.
• Organizations should have an incident response plan in place.
• Cyber insurance helps businesses prepare for potential breaches.
• The Travelers Institute offers free resources for businesses.
• Collaboration with government agencies enhances cybersecurity efforts.

Titles

• Best Practices for Cyber Resilience
• CFO Perspectives on Cybersecurity Challenges

Sound Bites

• "It's an important topic for us to talk about."
• "Cyber risk reclaim the number one spot."
• "Cybersecurity is a major initiative of the Travelers Institute."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Travelers Institute and Its Mission

04:01 Cybersecurity Awareness and Business Engagement

09:02 CFO Concerns and Cybersecurity Ranking

11:56 Proactive Cybersecurity Measures for Organizations

14:58 The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Insurance

17:02 Recommendations for Policymakers on Cybersecurity

Summary

Dr. Stephen Neely, an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Public Administration program at the University of South Florida, discusses ransomware attacks and the need for ransomware readiness in organizations. Ransomware attacks use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and demand a ransom in exchange for releasing information or restoring access. These attacks can have severe consequences, such as disrupting essential services and causing reputational damage. The conversation highlights the importance of closing the maturity gap for basic ransomware readiness and provides recommendations for the state legislature, including coordination, delegation, tracking progress, and providing informational and resource support. Cyber Florida is recognized as an organization that can play a significant role in society's relationship with ransomware by providing coordination, research support, technical support, and training for the future cyber workforce.

Keywords

ransomware attacks, ransomware readiness, malicious software, cyber resiliency, critical infrastructure, state legislature, coordination, delegation, tracking progress, resource support, Cyber Florida

Takeaways

• Ransomware attacks use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and demand a ransom in exchange for releasing information or restoring access.
• Closing the maturity gap for basic ransomware readiness is crucial to protect organizations from evolving threats.
• Recommendations for the state legislature include coordination, delegation, tracking progress, and providing informational and resource support.
• Cyber Florida can play a significant role in society's relationship with ransomware by providing coordination, research support, technical support, and training for the future cyber workforce.

Titles

• Recommendations for the State Legislature
• Understanding Ransomware Attacks and Their Impact

Sound Bites

• "Can you briefly explain ransomware attacks, what they are and how they negatively impact organizations and provide a few examples?"
• "What makes ransomware attacks so effective is that they're simple."
• "A ransom isn't going to be an outrageous demand that no organization is going to meet."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Steven Neely

02:08 Understanding Ransomware Attacks

06:17 Closing the Maturity Gap for Ransomware Readiness

09:55 Gaps in Readiness and Recommendations

13:40 The Role of Cyber Florida in Ransomware Readiness

Summary

In this episode of Chat:CYBR, General Frank McKenzie discusses cyber warfare and its importance in defending the nation. He defines cyber warfare as a new domain of warfare that is limited only by the human mind and explains how it affects various aspects of society, including healthcare, transportation, and military operations. General McKenzie highlights the vulnerabilities of the United States in cyber warfare and the need for effective cyber defenses. He also discusses the concepts of cyber deterrence and defense, emphasizing the importance of protecting the civilian population. The conversation touches on the role of Cyber Florida in policy development and the challenges of dealing with terrorist organizations and criminal elements in the cyber domain.

Keywords

cyber warfare, defense, cyber deterrence, vulnerabilities, cyber domain, cyber defenses, civilian protection, policy development, terrorist organizations, criminal elements

Takeaways

• Cyber warfare is a new domain of warfare that is limited only by the human mind and affects various aspects of society.
• The United States is uniquely vulnerable in cyber warfare due to its dependence on cyber systems.
• Cyber deterrence and defense are important strategies in protecting the nation, with a focus on balancing the potential effects against the civilian population.
• Cyber Florida plays a role in policy development and bridging the gap between the state and federal government in cybersecurity.
• Dealing with terrorist organizations and criminal elements in the cyber domain presents unique challenges.

Titles

• The Role of Cyber Florida in Policy Development
• Understanding Cyber Warfare and Its Impact on Society

Sound Bites

• "How would you define cyber warfare? And when did you realize that cyber matters in terms of defending the nation?"
• "The United States is a prize fighter with a glass jaw."
• "What are some of our cyber defenses? And so for example, maybe cyber deterrence."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of General Frank McKenzie

01:10 Defining Cyber Warfare and Its Importance

04:24 The Vulnerabilities of the United States

07:10 Cyber Deterrence and Defense

09:40 The Role of Cyber Florida in Policy Development

13:43 Protecting the General Public in Cyber Warfare

16:28 The Inevitability of Cyber Dimension in Conflicts

17:34 Cyber Priorities and Advice for Policymakers

18:34 Closing Remarks

Summary

In this episode of Chat:CYBR, the hosts interview Brian Fonseca about artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for policy. They discuss the definition of AI, the importance of workforce development, the need for security and accountability in AI systems, and the challenges of data privacy and integrity. They also explore the impact of AI on critical infrastructure and academia, and the role of quantum computing in enhancing AI capabilities. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for thoughtful and responsible policy-making to harness the potential of AI while addressing its risks.

Keywords

artificial intelligence, AI, policy, workforce development, security, accountability, data privacy, data integrity, critical infrastructure, academia, quantum computing

Takeaways

• AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors and impact society in significant ways.
• Workforce development is crucial to ensure that individuals have the skills to adapt to the changes brought about by AI.
• Security and accountability are essential considerations in the integration of AI into different domains.
• Data privacy and integrity are important challenges in AI, and policies should address these issues.
• AI has implications for critical infrastructure, and policymakers need to consider its impact on utilities and other sectors.
• In academia, AI raises questions about academic integrity and the need to teach students how to responsibly and ethically use AI tools.
• Quantum computing has the potential to enhance the power and capabilities of AI systems.
• Policy-making in the AI space requires agility and the ability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

Titles

• The Impact of AI on Critical Infrastructure
• Preparing the Workforce for the AI Revolution

Sound Bites

• "What is AI? Artificial intelligence. I mean, it is intelligent machines, right?"
• "There is going to be a tectonic shift in the job market and in the workforce in terms of the types of skills that are needed."
• "If you're going to integrate AI into every facet of society, how are you ensuring that it is done in a secure way? An accountable way."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guest

02:00 Defining Artificial Intelligence

03:42 Policy Considerations for AI

09:19 Data Privacy and Integrity

12:35 AI's Impact on Critical Infrastructure

14:29 AI in Academia

19:07 The Role of Quantum Computing

21:57 Policy-Making in the AI Era

Summary

In this episode of Chat:CYBR, the hosts interview Mark Walsh, the Assistant Vice President for Government Relations at the University of South Florida (USF), to discuss the creation of Cyber Florida. The idea for Cyber Florida originated from discussions with personnel at MacDill Air Force Base, who identified cyber warfare as a major national security threat. With the support of Speaker Weatherford and the Board of Governors, Cyber Florida was established to address the shortage of cyber-trained professionals and enhance cybersecurity in the state. Over the years, Cyber Florida has provided workforce development, education, risk assessment, and training for state and local government employees. The recent formation of the new College of Cyber and AI at USF further strengthens the state's cybersecurity capabilities.

Keywords

Cyber Florida, USF, cybersecurity, government relations, MacDill Air Force Base, national security, workforce development, education, risk assessment, training, College of Cyber and AI

Takeaways

• Cyber Florida was created in response to the identified national security threat of cyber warfare.
• The establishment of Cyber Florida was supported by Speaker Weatherford and the Board of Governors.
• Cyber Florida has provided workforce development, education, risk assessment, and training for state and local government employees.
• The formation of the new College of Cyber and AI at USF further strengthens the state's cybersecurity capabilities.

Titles

• Expanding Capabilities: The Formation of the College of Cybersecurity, AI and Computing
• Enhancing Cybersecurity: Workforce Development, Education, and Training

Sound Bites

• "The genesis of Cyber Florida, where did it come from? It started with discussions that USF leadership was engaged in with MacDill Air Force base personnel."
• "The legislature enacted a little piece of proviso language in the state budget that didn't have any money attached to it, but it did say, we wanna have the Florida Center for Cybersecurity."
• "Cyber Florida has been a resource to the state of Florida by conducting a risk assessment, training state and local government employees, and providing workforce development and education."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chat:CYBER and Guest Introduction

02:02 The Genesis of Cyber Florida: Addressing the National Security Threat of Cyber Warfare

05:16 Building Partnerships: The Support of Speaker Weatherford and the Board of Governors

13:50 Enhancing Cybersecurity: Workforce Development, Education, and Training

21:56 Expanding Capabilities: The Formation of the College of Cyber and AI