University of North Florida opens cybersecurity lab, classes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida announced a new cybersecurity initiative Monday afternoon.

UNF's Schools of Computing is collaborating with Pax Technology, a China-based international supplier of electronic payment terminals and transaction software.

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Pax Technology's North American headquarters is in Jacksonville.

The demand for trained cybersecurity specialist will increase along with cyberattacks, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics shows that employment for information security analysts will increase 28% by the end of 2026.

In partnership with Pax Technology, UNF has remodeled a computer lab to serve as a cybersecurity lab.

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Pax Technology has committed $100,000 to fund scholarships and activities for students interested in cybersecurity, which include graduate assistantships and research projects for student participation.

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The new cybersecurity computer lab will accommodate 20 students.

According to UNF, all degree programs in the UNF School of Computing have starting salaries above $50,000 for jobs in Florida.

Cox Media Group