Orange County Government’s annual Florida Simulation Summit highlights the region’s multibillion-dollar Modeling, Simulation and Training (MS&T) industry. This year, the event focused on cybersecurity and how the region can utilize the digital twin model – making virtual replicas of physical devices that can be uses to run simulations before actual devices are built and deployed – to tackle present and future challenges.
Here are three key takeaways from the 2021 Florida Simulation Summit:
- Increase Data Security: Cyber attacks have real-world consequences. Better risk management is possible through the combination of good cybersecurity practices and digital twin technology. Organizations can use a digital twin to analyze real-world data alongside countless scenario-based inputs. However, organizations must be forward-thinking, trained and have a plan to protect proprietary or personal information from accidental or hostile data breaches.
- Investing in Talent: It is estimated there will be 3.5 million job positions available globally within the cybersecurity industry by the end of 2021. In order to retain the knowledge of a maturing workforce, the industry must create opportunity to collaborate and mentor the next generation of employees. Additionally, educating students and the current work force is essential. There are many career opportunities in cybersecurity – legal, marketing, data science – available beyond the stereotypical “hacker” job type.
- Industry Flexibility: The virtual world is merging with the physical world in thousands of new ways each year. The digital twin model for cyber security allows an organization to be aware, anticipate and react to a growing number of risks. As industry leaders continue to adopt new technology, they must be flexible as to how it may affect existing information technology and operational technology, as well as adapt to future laws and regulations.
A long-time hub for defense, the Central Florida region has successfully diversified its MS&T industry into clusters for life sciences, healthcare, sports, gaming and engineering.
“Our region is recognized as the epicenter for MS&T, which has a huge impact on our local economy,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings during his opening remarks at the summit. “Our simulation industry is the envy of many other regions around the world, which is one reason we work diligently to retain talent and foster growth.”
To learn more about Central Florida’s thriving MS&T industry, visit the National Center for Simulation’s website.
