Cybersecurity Archives - University of West Florida Newsroom News articles from the University of West Florida Wed, 06 May 2026 13:08:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://news.uwf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/favicon.png Cybersecurity Archives - University of West Florida Newsroom 32 32 UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI earns national recognition for outstanding contributions to the field https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-and-ai-earns-national-recognition-for-outstanding-contributions-to-the-field/ Wed, 06 May 2026 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22418 Six people stand side-by-side on stage. Person in the middle holds a plaque award. American and other flags flank each side.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI earns national recognition for outstanding contributions to the field

The University of West Florida placed third in the 2025 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president for the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, also received an award for Outstanding Contributions to the CAE Cyber AI Community and Nation. These awards were announced at the 2026 CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 28-30. 

]]> UWF breaks ground on new research building, The Synapse https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-breaks-ground-on-new-research-building-the-synapse/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:36:48 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22386 Photo: Thirteen people in a line with color-white hard hats scoop up dirt with shovels in front of a piece of construction machinery and next to a humanoid robot.

UWF breaks ground on new research building, The Synapse

On April 23, the University of West Florida officially broke ground on a new advanced intelligence, cybersecurity and engineering research building called The Synapse. Funded by part of a $32.5 million award from Triumph Gulf Coast and more than $21 million in state funding, the 55,000-square-foot building on the Pensacola campus will house specialized labs and state-of-the-art equipment and technology to support advanced computational, AI, cybersecurity and engineering research across the University.  

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI offers free Summer Cyber and AI Experience Camps https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-and-ai-offers-free-summer-cyber-and-ai-experience-camps/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:15:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22368 Photo: Student facing computer screen with coding.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI offers free Summer Cyber and AI Experience Camps

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity and AI is collaborating with Regions Foundation to offer free Summer Cyber and AI Experience Camps for the summer of 2026. The camps are an opportunity for rising seventh through twelfth graders who are at least 13 years old to learn about cybersecurity and its careers through hands-on experience with real-world tools and problems.  

]]> UWF to host groundbreaking for new research building https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-to-host-groundbreaking-for-new-research-building/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:18:40 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22355 Graphic rendering of long, narrow research building on campus green space.

UWF to host groundbreaking for new research building

WHAT: The University of West Florida will host a ceremony to officially break ground on a new advanced intelligence, cybersecurity and engineering research building called The Synapse.

]]> UWF Launches Center for Cybersecurity and AI to Advance National and Global Impact https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-launches-center-for-cybersecurity-and-ai-to-advance-national-and-global-impact/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=22070 Graphic: Argonaut helmet over blue-toned cybersecurity lab.

UWF Launches Center for Cybersecurity and AI to Advance National and Global Impact

The University of West Florida is proud to announce the official expansion of its nationally recognized Center for Cybersecurity to the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI, signifying the center’s expanded mission to become a global leader in advancing secure, responsible and trustworthy digital and intelligent systems.

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded EC-Council 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-awarded-ec-council-2025-academia-innovator-of-the-year/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21768 Graphic: Argonaut helmet over blue-toned cybersecurity lab.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded EC-Council 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded the 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year Award by EC-Council. UWF is the sole recipient of this honor in North America, recognizing the University’s leadership and innovation in cybersecurity education.

]]> UWF B.S. in Cybersecurity AI specialization approved as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-b-s-in-cybersecurity-ai-specialization-approved-as-a-national-center-of-academic-excellence-in-cyber-artificial-intelligence-program-of-study/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21730 Photo: Professor points at a computer screen while a seated student looks on.

UWF B.S. in Cybersecurity AI specialization approved as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study

The University of West Florida’s new AI specialization in the B.S. in Cybersecurity program has been validated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study from the National Security Agency through 2030. UWF was the second university across the country to receive this approval and one of only 6 out of the more than 495 NCAE-designated institutions across the nation to receive the new NSA NCAE Cyber AI program approval this year.

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity receives record-breaking $9.6M federal grant https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-receives-record-breaking-9-6m-federal-grant/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21570 Photo: Student looking at a computer screen in a computer lab.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity receives record-breaking $9.6M federal grant

 The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of War CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office to expand the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program. This is the largest federal grant awarded to the University to date.

]]> UWF to host inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI conference https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-to-host-inaugural-leadership-in-the-age-of-ai-conference/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21558 Graphic: Robot head with gears on a blue background with nodes and circles.

UWF to host inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI conference

The University of West Florida will host the inaugural Leadership in the Age of AI Conference, designed for business, community and government leaders, on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. The conference will be offered in person at the UWF Conference Center on the University’s Pensacola campus.

]]> UWF Haas Center awarded $400K NSF EPIIC Grant https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-haas-center-awarded-400k-nsf-epiic-grant/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21518 Photo: Person works in a lab

UWF Haas Center awarded $400K NSF EPIIC Grant

The University of West Florida’s Haas Center has been awarded a $400,000 Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity, or EPIIC, grant from the National Science Foundation. The three-year grant will support the creation of a new Office of Industrial Innovation, which will serve as a front door to connect UWF faculty experts with regional industry needs, making it easier for businesses to access the University’s research capabilities and talent.

]]> UWF student selected for prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-student-selected-for-prestigious-dod-cyber-service-academy-scholarship/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21452 Photo: UWF student Lousindy Mitton soft smiles with green trees and grass in the background.

UWF student selected for prestigious DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholarship

UWF student Lousindy Mitton has been selected as a Department of War DoD Cyber Service Academy Scholar. This scholarship award carries a total value of up to $379,610 that will pay for Mitton’s annual tuition, cost of books and stipend of $34,000 until the completion of her Ph.D. degree in intelligent systems and robotics at UWF with a specialization in cybersecurity. Upon completion of her degree, she will receive an immediate offer of DoD employment.

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $2M grant to expand Florida cybersecurity training program https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-awarded-2m-grant-to-expand-florida-cybersecurity-training-program/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21441 Student looks at a computer screen. A tv screen on the wall behind the person says, "Center for Cybersecurity at the University of West Florida."

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $2M grant to expand Florida cybersecurity training program

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $2 million grant to expand the UWF Florida Cybersecurity Training Program, a statewide initiative that provides free cybersecurity education for eligible Florida government personnel. The program is funded by the Florida Legislature through the Cyber Florida: FirstLine initiative.

]]> Six UWF STEM programs receive prestigious ABET reaccreditation  https://news.uwf.edu/six-uwf-stem-programs-receive-prestigious-abet-reaccreditation/ Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21393 Three University of West Florida students sitting at desk working on mechanical robot arm.

Six UWF STEM programs receive prestigious ABET reaccreditation 

Six University of West Florida STEM programs have earned reaccreditation from the Computing and Engineering Accreditation Commissions of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering and engineering technology. The undergraduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, cybersecurity and information technology are accredited through Sept. 30, 2031.

]]> UWF receives $32.5 million Triumph grant to advance cybersecurity and computational research https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-receives-32-5-million-triumph-grant-to-advance-cybersecurity-and-computational-research/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21346 Charts and graphs on a computer monitor, laptop and printed paper with two hands pointing at them.

UWF receives $32.5 million Triumph grant to advance cybersecurity and computational research

The University of West Florida is positioned to further its robust research presence in Northwest Florida following the approval of a $32,515,120 grant proposal, subject to negotiating a term sheet and legal contract, from the Triumph Gulf Coast board of directors. The investment will accelerate the growth of UWF’s Institute for Analytics and Industry Advancement, or IAIA, and the Center for Cybersecurity, as well as establish a new Center for Computational Intelligence.

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity highlights CyberSkills2Work program impact on Capitol Hill https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-highlights-cyberskills2work-program-impact-on-capitol-hill/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21122 CyberSkills2Work Team with DoD CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office Leadership, Mr. Mark Gorak and Dr. Diba Hadi, and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery

UWF Center for Cybersecurity highlights CyberSkills2Work program impact on Capitol Hill

On June 24, the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity hosted a showcase for the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The Showcase highlighted the program’s success and impact to legislators and federal partners.

]]> UWF faculty and students develop software that analyzes security and privacy levels of mobile applications https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-faculty-and-students-develop-software-that-analyzes-security-and-privacy-levels-of-mobile-applications/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21056 Three people stand in front of a tv screen with a webpage pulled up that reads, "Leading the Revolution: HIPAA Certification Technology"

UWF faculty and students develop software that analyzes security and privacy levels of mobile applications

Dr. Hossain Shahriar, associate director and professor for the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity, and his graduate students have developed a platform that evaluates how well thousands of mobile applications are securing users’ personal information.

]]> A Legacy of Growth, Excellence and Innovation: UWF President Martha D. Saunders Announces Departure https://news.uwf.edu/a-legacy-of-growth-excellence-and-innovation-uwf-president-martha-d-saunders-announces-departure/ Tue, 20 May 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=21011 UWF President Martha Saunders smiles with a UWF pin on her jacket in front of greenery

A Legacy of Growth, Excellence and Innovation: UWF President Martha D. Saunders Announces Departure

After nearly a decade of transformative leadership, University of West Florida President Dr. Martha D. Saunders announced she is leaving her post, marking the end of a chapter defined by growth, innovation and unwavering commitment to student success.

]]> UWF earns national recognition for cybersecurity outreach initiatives https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-earns-national-recognition-for-cybersecurity-outreach-initiatives/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000 https://news.uwf.edu/?p=20901 Three people stand in front of a wall around a logo that reads, "Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community. One holds a plaque award in her hands.

UWF earns national recognition for cybersecurity outreach initiatives

The University of West Florida placed second in the 2024 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. The award was announced at the 2024 CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium held in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 8-10.

]]> UWF’s Dr. Eman El-Sheikh appointed by Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence as Global Ambassador for the U.S. https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-dr-eman-el-sheikh-appointed-by-global-council-for-responsible-artificial-intelligence-as-global-ambassador-for-the-u-s/ Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20538 Dr. Eman El-Sheikh smiles with a stole around her neck

UWF’s Dr. Eman El-Sheikh appointed by Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence as Global Ambassador for the U.S.

The Global Council for Responsible Artificial Intelligence has selected Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity associate vice president, as Global Ambassador for the United States. The Global Council for Responsible AI is an international governing body committed to fostering the development of AI technologies that are ethical, secure and beneficial for humanity. The council’s mission is to lead and support worldwide efforts in ethical, secure AI development, enhancing societal well-being through inclusive dialogues, comprehensive standards and international cooperation.

]]> UWF cybersecurity student awarded prestigious Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-cybersecurity-student-awarded-prestigious-foreign-affairs-it-fellowship/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 14:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20403 UWF cybersecurity student, Lousindy Mitton

UWF cybersecurity student awarded prestigious Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship

Lousindy Mitton, a graduate student in the University of West Florida’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, is the first student in the University’s history to be awarded the prestigious Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center, this highly competitive fellowship prepares future leaders to leverage technology in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this program, Mitton will have the opportunity to make a global impact by contributing to technological innovation and diplomacy.

]]> Four UWF faculty members ranked among world’s Top 2% of Scientists https://news.uwf.edu/four-uwf-faculty-members-ranked-among-worlds-top-2-of-scientists/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:13:02 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=20034 Four UWF professors stand side by side inside a building

Four UWF faculty members ranked among world’s Top 2% of Scientists

Four University of West Florida researchers earned a place on Stanford/Elsevier's Top 2% Scientist Rankings lists in 2024 and 2023. The prestigious list identifies the world's leading researchers, representing approximately 2% of all scientists worldwide. 

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $1.3 million contract from CISA to expand cybersecurity training https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-awarded-1-3-million-contract-from-cisa-to-expand-cybersecurity-training/ Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:30:00 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19840 Cybersecurity student works on a computer

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $1.3 million contract from CISA to expand cybersecurity training

The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $1.3 million contract from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, known as CISA, to further expand the cyber career pathways training through the CyberSkills2Work Program. The in-depth training program is designed to help participants launch or advance careers in cybersecurity.

]]> UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $750,000 NCAE-C Grant to Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force https://news.uwf.edu/uwf-center-for-cybersecurity-awarded-750000-ncae-c-grant-to-lead-national-cybersecurity-workforce-development-task-force/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:37:13 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19542 UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $750,000 NCAE-C Grant to Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force

UWF Center for Cybersecurity awarded $750,000 NCAE-C Grant to Lead National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity was awarded a $750,000 grant from the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program to lead the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Task Force. The task force will bring together the eight NCAE-C-funded workforce development programs, including CyberSkills2Work, an intensive cybersecurity education program led by UWF and designed to help individuals launch or advance cybersecurity careers.

]]> UWF’s information technology program earns prestigious ABET accreditation  https://news.uwf.edu/uwfs-information-technology-program-earns-prestigious-abet-accreditation/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:23:48 +0000 https://mdi.kyj.mybluehost.me/?p=19402 UWF student smiling at UWF Center for Cybersecurity

UWF’s information technology program earns prestigious ABET accreditation 

The University of West Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET is the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology and is among the most respected accreditation organizations in the United States. ABET accreditation is assurance that a program meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

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