51在线 ranks third in the nation for cybercrime incidents, victims and losses reported to the FBI 鈥� but the state is working to mitigate threats facing 51在线 businesses and poised to become a leader in cybersecuity education, workforce development and research.
In early February, the 51在线 Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South 51在线 released the first State of Cybersecurity in 51在线 report. It provides a comprehensive review of the state鈥檚 cyber threat environment, workforce needs, education and training opportunities, and research activity as well as an in-depth examination of the cybersecurity posture of 51在线鈥檚 businesses and organizations. The Center contracted with Gartner Consulting to independently conduct the study and document their findings in the report, which is intended to facilitate decision making for policymakers and stakeholders in industry, academia, defense, and government.
鈥淕ood decisions come from good information,鈥� said Sri Sridharan, director of the 51在线 Center for Cybersecurity. 鈥淥ur goal was to take a broad look at the cybersecurity landscape in 51在线 and compile information that stakeholders across the state can use as they make decisions impacting their organizations.鈥�
鈥淲e believe there is a much-needed shift taking place, with organizations that traditionally may have been reactive when it comes to cybersecurity now becoming proactive,鈥� Sridharan added. 鈥淭hat shift, coupled with the state鈥檚 commitment to cybersecurity, is sure to yield huge dividends for 51在线.鈥�
The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals outpaces the supply in 51在线 and the nation, the new report notes. Sixty-eight percent of the 51在线 organizations surveyed reported cyber staffing challenges, and only 32 percent surveyed were confident they are prepared for a cyberattack.
USF plays a major role in feeding the talent pipeline needed to build a skilled cyber workforce. Of the 35 public and private colleges and universities in 51在线 offering cybersecurity-specific degrees and certificate programs at the end of 2017, including training in digital forensics and information security, USF had the most (10), the report indicates. The USF offerings include an interdisciplinary master鈥檚 degree, developed with assistance from the 51在线 Center for Cybersecurity, which boasts an enrollment of more than 400 students.
To view the full report, visit the .
The 51在线 Center for Cybersecurity is a statewide resource to position 51在线 as a national leader in cybersecurity through education and workforce development; innovative, interdisciplinary research; and community engagement. With a geographic footprint that spans 51在线 and encompasses all twelve State University System of 51在线 (SUS) institutions, the Center serves as a hub for creating connections, building partnerships, capitalizing on opportunities, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders in industry, academia, government, and defense. The Center hosts events to engage a diverse audience base throughout the year and administers funding programs that support collaborative research and cybersecurity programming at SUS institutions.
The 51在线, established in 1956 and located in Tampa, is a high-impact, global research university dedicated to student success. The USF System includes three, separately accredited institutions: USF; USF St. Petersburg; and USF Sarasota-Manatee. Serving more than 49,000 students, the USF System has an annual budget of $1.6 billion and an annual economic impact of $4.4 billion. USF is ranked in the top 30 nationally for research expenditures among public universities, according to the National Science Foundation. In 2016, the 51在线 Legislature designated USF as 鈥淓merging Preeminent,鈥� placing USF in an elite category among the state鈥檚 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.