Event will connect students with industry leaders to tackle real-world cyber threats Miami, Fla. (April 7, 2026) — As cybersecurity threats continue to rise and demand for skilled professionals reaches record levels, Miami Dade College (MDC) has partnered with Fortinet, Inc to host a Cybersecurity Hackathon on Friday, April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., bringing together students, industry partners and South Florida’s tech community to engage in real-world cybersecurity challenges and develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing digital security issues. The event will be held at MDC’s North Campus and is free and open to all students, but pre-registration is required. Working media is welcome. “Activities such as this one are a great way to expose individuals to the reality that cybersecurity is not a product but a process. At present, cybercrime is the greatest threat to any organization in the world,” said Mauricio Ardila, Major Account Manager at Fortinet. According to industry reports, the global cybersecurity workforce gap exceeds 3.5 million unfilled positions, underscoring the urgent need for hands-on training and talent development. MDC’s hackathon aims to help bridge that gap by providing students with immersive, experiential learning opportunities that mirror the fast-paced environments of today’s cybersecurity field. During the event, students will collaborate in teams, guided by industry mentors, to address simulated cybersecurity scenarios — from threat detection to risk mitigation — while competing for prizes and recognition. The hackathon will also feature a panel discussion with Clifford Payne, vice president of engineering at Tesys Networks, and Mario Diez, chief information officer for the city of Sweetwater. “This event is about more than competition — it’s about preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” said Manuel Perez, dean of MDC’s School of Engineering Technology and Design (EnTec). “By working alongside industry experts and tackling real-world