Miami Dade College wins Florida College System cybersecurity competition

Tallahassee, Florida – Miami Dade College’s Sharks team took first place in the Fourth Annual Florida College System Cybersecurity Competition, with Palm Beach State College’s Cyberforce finishing second and Eastern Florida State College’s Cyber Titans placing third.

The Florida Department of Education announced the results on Oct. 21, 2026. Seventeen teams from Florida College System institutions participated in the event, which challenged students to apply their classroom knowledge to simulated cybersecurity threats.

Rather than answering questions about how to handle an attack, participants worked inside a virtual cyber range. They had to detect threats, respond to them and reduce their impact while facing the pressure of industry-based scenarios. The exercises tested technical knowledge alongside teamwork and problem-solving.

An established ranking system determined the winners by evaluating how efficiently teams managed, operated and defended the network infrastructure of multiple simulated organizations. The competition therefore required students to demonstrate how they would use their skills in practice, beyond simply understanding cybersecurity concepts.

Every student participant received a cyber range certification from Global Business Solutions, Inc. The certification extended recognition beyond the three winning teams to all students who took part in the hands-on event.

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Held in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the competition is part of the college system’s effort to prepare students for Florida’s demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to the department, Florida is the only state with a state college systemwide cybersecurity competition of its kind.

The event also grew this year with an additional day devoted to professional learning. Hosted by the Florida Technology Council, that portion of the program featured special sessions from CyberFlorida and the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College.

During the Summit, students and faculty advisors learned alongside chief information officers, chief information security officers and other technology leaders. Sessions offered insight into what employers need, trends within the industry and technology challenges affecting Florida and the nation.

That addition gave participants two different learning opportunities within the event. The cyber range tested their ability to respond to technical problems, while the professional sessions exposed them to the priorities and concerns of people working in technology leadership.

“Florida’s ‘Great 28’ colleges are the workforce engine for our state, and this event elevates the talent of our students and the strength of our colleges,” said Commissioner Henry Mack. “By engaging with Florida’s technology leaders and conquering challenges in a cyber range, students are honing real-world skills and opening doors to so many fields. Their success is a win for our students, our colleges and communities, and the industries that depend on their talent.”

The department described the competition as a way to connect academic instruction, practical training and industry engagement. Students were expected to draw on their technical expertise while working together through situations modeled on the threats organizations face.

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FCS Chancellor Kathy Hebda also recognized the role of faculty advisors in helping students prepare and succeed.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our outstanding students and recognize the dedicated faculty advisors who helped guide their success,” said FCS Chancellor Kathy Hebda. “The achievements of our students reflect the critical role our colleges play in building a cybersecurity-ready workforce to protect our state’s digital future and meet industry demand.”

Support for the competition came from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida College System Foundation, the Florida Technology Council, CyberFlorida, the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College and the Florida Student Success Center.

The competition is an initiative of the Florida College System, which also established the Cybersecurity Collaborative. That group brings together cybersecurity leaders from all 28 institutions in the system, giving colleges a shared forum for advancing cybersecurity education.

Its work includes exchanging best practices, strengthening partnerships with employers and expanding opportunities for students. The annual competition puts those broader goals into practice by giving students a setting in which to demonstrate skills while connecting their education with workforce expectations.