UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI

Celebrating the achievements of our future tech leaders!🎉

Last week, we wrapped up our Foundations Camp, part of the Cyber & AI Summer Camp Experience, and wow, what a bunch of rock stars!

→ They’ve tackled complex concepts in cybersecurity and AI
→ They’ve collaborated, learned, and grown in a supportive environment
→ They’ve built friendships and connections that will last a lifetime

👏A special shoutout to our mentors who guided these students every step of the way. Your dedication is shaping the next generation of innovators!

🤩And today, we kick off our Guild Camp with star students from previous summer camps. The excitement is palpable, and we can't wait to see what they’ll accomplish next.

Thank you, Regions Foundation, for making all of this possible!💙

Want to learn more about our camps and how you can get involved? Check it out at https://uwf.edu/summercyberaiexperience.

Regions Foundation is a nonprofit initiative funded primarily by Regions Bank.

University of West Florida

Highlights from Day 3 of the 2026 UWF Cyber & AI Summer Camp Experience Foundations Camp.

Pic 1
🖥️Avalon Middle School teacher Kim Denney introduces campers to AI prompting. Denney, along with UWF senior lecturer Anthony Pinto, launched the first AI lessons in cyber summer camp history.

Pic 2
♦️It pays to be a winner, and everyone wins when you manage cyber risk. Students learned the role controls play in mitigating cyber attacks. Risky Business is a card game developed by camp director Guy Garrett. Players have a risk profile with controls that govern how they protect and gain assets.

Pic 3
👓Cybersecurity and AI Ambassador Collin Tieman coached campers through the art and science of log analysis. Campers learned to filter through data, find threats, and discover key indicators of compromise as they explored the cyber analyst career.

Pic 4
📝Campers went to old school pencil and paper for an entry-level lesson in cryptography. Historic ciphers used by Roman generals, America's founders and the Masons gave modern teens the ability to hide things in plain sight.

The camp was made possible through sponsorship by Regions Foundation, a nonprofit initiative funded primarily by Regions Bank. Thank you!💙

University of West Florida

🔒 Ready to elevate your tech career and secure the future?

The University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity & AI is launching three premier, 100% asynchronous online certification prep courses this Fall 2026! Whether you are looking to master core security functions, dive deep into incident response, or lead enterprise-scale AI governance, UWF has a pathway for you.

Here is what is coming up:

🛡️ 1. CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam Prep
What it is: The global gold standard for validating core security functions. This hands-on course focuses on securing networks, devices, and applications while ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

Best for: IT professionals looking to meet DoD 8140 compliance (IAT Level II/IAM Level I) and transition into roles like Cyber Defense Analyst or Vulnerability Assessment Analyst.

Dates: September 14 – November 13, 2026 (8 weeks + 1 week testing).

🕵️‍♂️ 2. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CySA+ CS0-003) Exam Prep
What it is: A specialized course built for advanced incident detection, prevention, and response. It validates your expertise in continuous security monitoring, vulnerability management, and critical security analysis communication.

Best for: Experienced IT and cybersecurity practitioners aiming for advanced work roles like Cyber Defense Incident Responder or Warning Analyst.

Dates: September 14 – November 13, 2026 (8 weeks + 1 week testing).

🤖 3. EC-Council Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM) Exam Prep
What it is: A groundbreaking course that goes beyond technical coding to focus on the strategic, organizational, and governance dimensions of AI adoption. Learn to design enterprise-scale AI roadmaps, evaluate risk, and align AI initiatives with business goals.

Best for: Executives, program managers, and transformation leaders aiming for cutting-edge roles like AI/ML Specialist or AI Adoption Specialist.

Dates: September 21 – November 20, 2026 (8 weeks + 1 week testing).

💼 Flexible Learning: All courses are 40 contact hours and delivered completely online and asynchronously, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional schedule.

🔗 Learn more and register today: https://uwf.edu/continuinged/programs/career-training/cfcandai-courses/

Area teens began their journey into cybersecurity and AI on Monday at The Cyber Guild summer camp sponsored by the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit initiative funded primarily by Regions Bank, and the UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI. Students started off with lessons in open source intelligence and cryptography. Each day's lessons prepare them for a live capture the flag event on the last day of camp.

University of West Florida

🎉Thrilled to see such a dynamic group of students kicking off the UWF Cyber & AI Summer Camp Experience this morning!

Led by Mr. Guy Garrett and an incredible team, this week is all about diving into the exciting world of technology and innovation.

Here’s what the students will be getting into:

→ Hands-on workshops that spark creativity
→ Engaging discussions on Cybersecurity and AI
→ Team projects that foster collaboration and problem-solving
→ Networking opportunities with industry professionals

This isn’t just a learning experience; it’s a chance for students to connect, collaborate, and create lasting relationships.

A huge thank you to Regions Foundation, a nonprofit initiative funded primarily byRegions Bankk, for sponsoring this fantastic initiative. Your support helps pave the way for the next generation of tech leaders!

Want to learn more about the camps and what’s in store for the students? Check it out here: https://uwf.edu/summercyberaiexperience.

University of West Florida

The conversation around AI data centers is heating up in Escambia County.

Dr. Guillermo Francia, III, highlights key differences between small-scale and hyperscale data centers in the Pensacola News Journal article below. Key points:

➡️ Enterprise Data Centers:
↳ Smaller, used for specific business needs.
↳ Minimal environmental impact.

➡️ AI-Centric Data Centers:
↳ Large facilities for training AI models.
↳ High demands for power, water, and generate substantial noise.

📰Read the full article for more insights: https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2026/04/22/florida-ai-data-centers-could-cost-communities-theyre-built-in/89697097007/

University of West Florida

Why are people against data centers? Florida projects are taking heat Data centers are popping up across Florida, but they can cause strain to the communities they're built in.

The University of West Florida ’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI team pauses to reflect on the profound significance of this day. It is a time for remembrance, a solemn occasion to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is more than just a holiday; it's a day steeped in history and meaning. It is a day dedicated to those who died defending the freedoms and values we hold dear. These heroes represent the very best of our nation, demonstrating courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our way of life.

We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend as we celebrate our nation's heroes.

UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI earns national recognition for outstanding contributions to the field - University of West Florida Newsroom 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...

Your passwords protect more than just your accounts… they protect your identity, finances, and personal information.

Today is World Password Day 🌎💻

Take a few minutes to strengthen your online safety by:
✅ Updating old or weak passwords
✅ Using strong, unique passwords for every account
✅ Turning on multi-factor authentication
✅ Using a trusted password manager to keep passwords secure

Small changes today can make a big difference in protecting your digital life tomorrow. 🔒

University of West Florida