DeSantis Investing $20M in Cyber Security Amidst Russian Invasion of Ukraine
March 2, 2022 Updated 9:52 A.M. ET
TALLAHASSEE (FCV) – Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced that he will be investing $20 million to “create and expand” cybersecurity and IT training opportunities.
The announcement was made at Cyber Florida, the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida (USF) and comes amidst heightening tensions in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine.
“Expanding Florida’s commitment to creating opportunities in cybersecurity and IT is a top priority to keep our communities safe and our state secure,” DeSantis said.
“This funding will not only create opportunities for Floridians seeking jobs in this important field but will also improve our national defense, protect Floridians and their businesses, and maintain the integrity of our elections. By doubling available opportunities in this field, Florida continues to lead.”
After Russia invaded Ukraine, concerns over cyberattacks rose in the western world, and several companies already witnessed suspicious system downages.
The $20 million is the next phase in implementing $89 million in workforce education that DeSantis announced last month.
DeSantis set the goal to make Florida the number one state for workforce education by 2030, and since 2019, he’s invested over $3.5 billion to accomplish it.
Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran praised the decision, saying, ““In Florida, Governor DeSantis has prioritized workforce pathways for computer science, information technology professions, cybersecurity, and increasing training and resources for our educators and educational institutions to meet the demand of these high-demand professions.”
“In particular, raising awareness and interest in cybersecurity at the K-12 level is crucial to meet the needs of businesses across Florida and create pathways for students to gain stackable skills that lead to professional credentials and high-wage employment in a sector that urgently needs a greater talent pool.”
According to DeSantis’ office, global shortages of cybersecurity professionals is around 2.7 million. In Florida, unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs totals around 22,000. The average median wage of these jobs is around $104,000 per year.
