CENTRAL FLORIDA \u2014 From hospitals to utilities and even local governments, cyberattacks are becoming more frequent\u2014and more sophisticated. <\/p>\n
Now, a Central Florida company and state leaders are working to train the next generation to defend against them.<\/p>\n
Experts say cyber threats are no longer distant concerns. They\u2019re hitting closer to home, targeting critical systems that people rely on every day\u2014from healthcare networks to city infrastructure.<\/p>\n
ThreatLocker, based in Central Florida, says it is already seeing the impact firsthand.<\/p>\n
CEO Danny Jenkins said the company blocks thousands of cyberattacks every week.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re stopping an airport from getting shut down\u2026 we\u2019re protecting people\u2019s data, their healthcare, everything else,\u201d Jenkins said.<\/p>\n
As Florida continues to grow, so does the demand for cybersecurity professionals. Industry data shows there are between 500,000 and 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs across the United States.<\/p>\n
State-funded group Cyber Florida is working to close that gap by training professionals and building a pipeline of future talent.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to encourage more people to discover their passion in cybersecurity so that they can fill those positions,\u201d said James Welsh.<\/p>\n
One effort to spark that interest is CyberLaunch, one of the largest cybersecurity competitions in the country. On April 24, students from Orange and Seminole counties, along with others from across the state, will compete in the event.<\/p>\n
Organizers say introducing students to cybersecurity early is key to building a strong workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to get people in it when they\u2019re really young\u2026 when they can understand and learn much, much faster,\u201d Welsh said.<\/p>\n
Even as interest grows, experts say one major challenge remains: experience. Employers are looking for candidates with hands-on skills who can immediately step into critical roles.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe colleges need to step up and train better\u2026 the high schools\u2026 but companies as well,\u201d Jenkins said.<\/p>\n
Leaders say the push for cybersecurity training goes beyond job creation. It\u2019s about protecting sensitive data, financial systems, and essential services that people depend on every day.<\/p>\n
As cyber threats continue to evolve, Central Florida is positioning itself on the front lines\u2014working to prepare the workforce needed to fight back.<\/p>\n
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