Cybersecurity is a never-ending battle, and building more resilient frameworks is essential to safeguarding digital operations. This was the central theme of last week’s Southern Florida Digital Government Summit, where leaders from government, industry, and academia gathered to share insights on strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure.
Hansa Bernal, Senior National Conference Director for Government Technology, moderated the panel. The panel also included Miami-Dade County’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Lars Schmekel, Florida International University (FIU) Assistant Professor Donavon Johnson, and HP Federal Chief Technology Officer Tommy Gardner. Together, they provided a roadmap for organizations looking to bolster their cybersecurity defenses in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
The panelists emphasized that cybersecurity is not solely the responsibility of IT departments. It requires a coordinated effort across all sectors—government agencies, private enterprises, and academic institutions. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” said Schmekel. “Public and private sectors must collaborate to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
One of the critical steps outlined by the panel was the importance of risk assessment and prioritization. Schmekel highlighted Miami-Dade County’s approach, which includes continuous monitoring and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate risks in real-time. “You can’t protect everything equally,” he noted. “It’s about knowing where your most critical assets are and focusing your resources accordingly.”
The Role of Education and Training
Donavon Johnson of FIU stressed the role of education in building a resilient cybersecurity framework. “The human element is often the weakest link,” Johnson said, pointing to the need for ongoing training and awareness programs. He noted that many cyberattacks, such as phishing schemes and social engineering tactics, exploit human error. “By educating employees and the public, we can significantly reduce the success rate of these attacks,” he added.
Johnson also highlighted FIU’s initiatives to integrate cybersecurity education into its curriculum, preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. “Academic institutions play a crucial role in developing skilled talent to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise,” he said.
Leveraging Advanced Technology
HP Federal’s CTO, Tommy Gardner, discussed how emerging technologies can enhance cybersecurity defenses. Gardner highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to detect and respond to threats more efficiently. “AI can analyze vast amounts of data at speeds humans simply cannot match,” Gardner explained. “This allows for quicker identification of anomalies and proactive threat mitigation.”
Gardner also underscored the importance of zero-trust architecture, a security model that requires strict verification for every user and device attempting to access resources on a network. “Zero trust is becoming the gold standard in cybersecurity,” he said. “It ensures that no one inside or outside the network can be trusted by default.”
A Continuous Process
The panel agreed cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. Threats are constantly evolving, and organizations must adapt to stay ahead. “There is no such thing as a perfect defense,” said Bernal. “But by focusing on key areas like risk assessment, education, and advanced technology, we can build frameworks that are more resilient and better prepared to handle the challenges of tomorrow.”
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the insights shared at the Southern Florida Digital Government Summit serve as a crucial guide for organizations striving to strengthen their defenses. Leaders can create a more secure digital environment by fostering collaboration across sectors, investing in education, and leveraging cutting-edge technology.
