{"id":3085,"date":"2026-03-20T06:39:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/2026\/03\/20\/eastern-florida-state-colleges-cybersecurity-program-upgrades-tomorrows-professionals-spacecoastdaily-com\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T06:39:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:39:04","slug":"eastern-florida-state-colleges-cybersecurity-program-upgrades-tomorrows-professionals-spacecoastdaily-com","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/2026\/03\/20\/eastern-florida-state-colleges-cybersecurity-program-upgrades-tomorrows-professionals-spacecoastdaily-com\/","title":{"rendered":"Eastern Florida State College\u2019s Cybersecurity Program Upgrades Tomorrow\u2019s Professionals – spacecoastdaily.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a><\/span> \u00bb Home<\/a><\/span> \u00bb Eastern Florida State College\u2019s Cybersecurity Program Upgrades Tomorrow\u2019s Professionals<\/span><\/span>
By Casey Covel, Eastern Florida State College<\/a>  \/\/  March 20, 2026
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA \u2013 <\/b>Blending foundational IT skills with hands-on operations, national competitions, and real-world internship experience, EFSC<\/a>\u2019s Cybersecurity program serves as an employment pipeline for the Space Coast\u2019s thriving Information Technology industry.<\/strong>
\u201cBetween L3Harris, Northrop, Health First, and other local employers, there are a lot of cool opportunities here on the Space Coast and beyond,\u201d said program assistant professor Nicole Dyess. \u201cAs alumni enter hiring-management positions, we\u2019ve built up this little Cyber Titans network. They\u2019re constantly asking me for my best students and their r\u00e9sum\u00e9s.\u201d
With over 20 years of experience in specializations like systems engineering and network security, Dyess brings her diverse skill set into the classroom. Students learn cryptography, network architecture, data extraction, malware identification, and phishing investigation in an environment where confidence- and community-building are as critical as real-time forensics simulations.
Laboratory Experiences Designed by Students<\/strong>
One of these immersive lab experiences, the Palm Bay Cyber Range Lab, features an air-gapped network where students can perform pen-testing, incident response drills, and live attack simulations. The Cyber Range Lab\u2019s gamer-style vibe takes inspiration from series like Mr. Robot, featuring LED lights, cutting-edge machinery, and even an arcade console.
\u201cThe students built much of our lab environment themselves. That sense of ownership gives them real r\u00e9sum\u00e9 experience,\u201d said Dyess.
It\u2019s not the only lab designed by the program\u2019s students. Andrew Klinsic, who is completing his Cybersecurity & Network Systems A.S. degree before continuing to his Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Cybersecurity, contributed heavily to designing the College\u2019s Cyber Van. This lab-on-wheels allows mobile outreach opportunities with the community, libraries, high schools, and middle schools.
\u201cAs we designed the Cyber Van, we had to consider constraints with power and equipment. It\u2019s all real experience we can put on a r\u00e9sum\u00e9,\u201d said Klinsic, who enjoys performing live demonstrations for public awareness. \u201cIn the van, we demo phishing attacks\u2014what the victim sees versus what the attacker sees\u2014to help others become more aware of scams.\u201d
As students teach the public and youth about cybersecurity, they also build confidence and reinforce their skills.
\u201cThe technical documentation the students produced for the Cyber Van is some of the best I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d said Dyess.
In-Demand Certifications and Industry Training<\/strong>
Students interested in completing EFSC\u2019s BAS degree in Cybersecurity typically begin with the two-year A.S. in Cybersecurity & Network Systems, which provides students with both a strong foundation and technical prerequisites for their four-year degree.
Additionally, students can consider beginning their academic journey with one of EFSC\u2019s six College Credit Certificates (Network Server Administration, Network Infrastructure, IP Communications, Network Support Technician, Network Virtualization, and Network Security), which can be used to build toward their two-year degree.
Although students can alternatively complete an Associate in Arts degree as part of their BAS pathway, Klinsic found the A.S. in Cybersecurity & Network Systems to be the right choice for him.
\u201cI wanted to get technical classes before I went on to the bachelor\u2019s, so I swapped into the A.S. degree,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you do the A.A., you\u2019re doing more general education. I wanted the prerequisites that really matter for the bachelor\u2019s.\u201d
The program is designed so that certain courses articulate to certifications like Security+, Linux+, or Network+, which are highly sought-after by employers.
\u201cOnce students finish the required courses, they can complete the CompTIA Boot Camp prep and get a free voucher to sit for these important exams,\u201d said Dyess. \u201cFor example, Security+ is an absolute requirement for cybersecurity roles, especially with DoD-compliant companies.\u201d
Klinsic is currently completing the Network Security Fundamentals course, which prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification, including the applied questions where students must demonstrate cybersecurity-related skills in real-time.
\u201cSecurity+ is legally required depending on the project you\u2019re working on,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s essential for many IT and federal roles. Employers expect you to have the certificate and be able to learn on the job.\u201d
Community Support & the Cybersecurity Club<\/strong>
Sponsored by Nicole Dyess, EFSC\u2019s Cybersecurity Club proudly upholds EFSC\u2019s prestigious Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while also providing students with access to exam preparation, peer support, and events like the National Cyber League competition.
For Klinsic, joining the club in his first semester and meeting other students interested in cybersecurity convinced him to switch his degree.
\u201cThe club\u2019s main purpose is helping you get your foot in the door through community events, professional networking, and skill building,\u201d said Klinsic. \u201cIt\u2019s all about who you know\u2014especially in cybersecurity, where you work long hours in stressful environments. Your employers need to know they can work with you, trust you, rely on you.\u201d
\u201cL3Harris hired three or four new grads straight from our club recently,\u201d added BAS Cybersecurity student Steven Lay. \u201cOnce you get into one of those companies, you can go anywhere\u2014especially if you get your security clearance.\u201d
The Cybersecurity Club provides access to both the National Cyber League and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. In the CCDC, students troubleshoot real cybersecurity work, including malware, network traffic, log analysis, cryptography, and web applications\u2014all while working against professional, volunteer hackers.
\u201cWhen you\u2019re competing under pressure, it pushes you to figure things out,\u201d said Lay. \u201cAnd after you solve the problem, it just feels amazing\u2014like \u2018I can\u2019t believe I got it!\u2019\u201d
The NCL competition, which takes place in the Fall and Spring semesters, involves more than 500 schools and 10,000 students. In 2025, the Cyber Titans competed in both individual and team-based events, earning an impressive 20th place in the Cyber Power Rankings.
\u201cWe remain tremendously proud of our Cyber Titans and the excellence they demonstrate year after year,\u201d said College President Dr. Jim Richey. \u201cTheir success reflects their skill, determination, and strong commitment to their future careers in cybersecurity. None of this would be possible without the clear vision and dedication of Assistant Professor Nicole Dyess, whose leadership continues to be an example to others in this challenging and exciting field.\u201d
Entering the Field<\/strong>
EFSC\u2019s Cybersecurity program maintains strong relationships with local employers, providing students with built-in internship-for-credit opportunities as they enter the final year of their degree.
Trish Tackett, who is halfway through her BAS Cybersecurity degree and already employed as an engineering technician at L3Harris, looks forward to the opportunity to put her classroom experience to work in an internship.
\u201cThe internship component is optional, but I thought it would be a great thing to have,\u201d she said. \u201cIt will help me get into the cyber area at L3Harris if I\u2019ve already completed an internship in that same department.\u201d
Additionally, Assistant Professor Dyess emphasizes student proactivity being key to future employment\u2014honing and implementing skills beyond classroom and laboratory hours, as well as taking time to meet others in the industry.
\u201cNetworking is one of the most important things students can do. A lot of our job placements come from meeting industry people at events,\u201d she said. \u201cI always ask students: \u2018What are you building at home? Are you managing your home network? Are you the family\u2019s PC technician?\u2019\u201d
Graduates of the Cybersecurity program often begin with entry-level IT roles, such as help desk technicians or system administrators, before moving into more cybersecurity-related roles.
Lay, who has a background in computer programming, says it\u2019s been helpful in his transition to cybersecurity, which provides a wide range of career paths and options.
\u201cCybersecurity has like 20 niches inside of niches,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are different avenues one can go down. I know a person who went into compliance and another who went into forensics. It can appeal to all kinds of personalities, industries, and interests.\u201d
Justin Miller, a graduate of the Cybersecurity program and EFSC alum, had the honor of leading the Cybersecurity Club as Captain in the NCL competition during his second year. He credits these hands-on experiences for pushing him to conduct further research and perform simulations that proved invaluable in finding employment.
\u201cIt taught me to be self-sufficient and independent in my job,\u201d said Miller. \u201cI\u2019m employed at TechRev Inc., where I do a lot of email investigations into phishing activity. I’m learning a lot on the job as I serve others and help them stay safe.\u201d
Looking Ahead: Growth & Emerging Technologies<\/strong>
EFSC continues to expand its cybersecurity program with enhanced labs, a new classroom setting in the newly opened Center for Innovative Technology Education building on the Melbourne Campus, and additional industry partnerships.
\u201cThe program keeps growing,\u201d said Dyess. \u201cCybersecurity isn\u2019t going away, and we\u2019re keeping up with industry trends. For example, we\u2019re training a local language model on our network so students can use AI safely in their labs. Students need to learn how to use AI well, not fear it.\u201d
EFSC alum Cheyenne Burkhart spent more than five years working in healthcare before choosing to pursue a lifelong passion for cybersecurity. Seeing a rise in ransomware and malware attacks on hospitals eventually brought her to EFSC\u2019s BAS program.
\u201cMost colleges charged exorbitant tuition, but EFSC fit the criteria perfectly\u2014their BAS program is affordable and always had class availability for any day or time I needed,\u201d said Burkhart. \u201cWithout this program, I would not have made it as far as I have in my professional career. My employers were highly impressed with the extracurricular work I did in addition to my classes.\u201d
Today, Burkhart works as a Security Operations Center Analyst for a local Department of Defense contractor, where daily tasks involve detecting threats and ensuring protective measures.
Whether students have a history of experience in the field or a newly budding interest, EFSC\u2019s Cybersecurity program provides innovative laboratories, industry connections, expert instruction, and community involvement to launch any future professional\u2019s career.
In Burkhart\u2019s own words: \u201cEFSC\u2019s Cybersecurity program is one of the best around and will prepare anyone for a career in this field.\u201d
Find out more about Eastern Florida State College\u2019s Cybersecurity program.<\/a>
If you would like to help students achieve their cybersecurity career dreams, please consider giving to the EFSC Foundation for needed equipment or student scholarships. If interested, please contact the EFSC Foundation by calling 321-433-7094<\/strong> or by going to their website at efscfoundation.org<\/a>.
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Home \u00bb Home \u00bb Eastern Florida State College\u2019s Cybersecurity Program Upgrades Tomorrow\u2019s ProfessionalsBy Casey Covel, Eastern Florida State College  \/\/  March 20, 2026 BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA \u2013 Blending foundational IT skills with hands-on operations, national competitions, and real-world internship experience, EFSC\u2019s Cybersecurity program serves as an employment pipeline for the Space Coast\u2019s thriving Information Technology […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3085","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-technology"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3085"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3085\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalnewstoday.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}