San Diego, December 18, 2025
The San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) has received the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for its outstanding contributions to enhancing cybersecurity and public safety. Presented by FBI Special Agent Mark Dargis, the award acknowledges CCOE’s efforts in protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats through outreach, cybersecurity clinics, and educational programs that reach thousands of professionals. CCOE’s initiatives have created significant economic impact in the region.
San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence Receives FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) has been honored with the 2024 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for its significant contributions to enhancing regional cybersecurity and public safety. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis presented the award, recognizing CCOE’s dedication to protecting citizens, infrastructure, and businesses from cyber threats.
Key Contributions Recognized
- Cyber Outreach Initiatives: CCOE collaborated with the FBI San Diego Community Outreach team to disseminate cyber safety messages, reaching a wide audience through various platforms.
- Cybersecurity Clinics: In partnership with local universities, CCOE established the San Diego Cyber Clinic, offering free digital security services to under-resourced organizations. This initiative provides risk assessments, incident response planning, and security awareness training.
- Educational Programs: CCOE organized numerous briefings and workshops, educating over 3,500 professionals from academia, industry, and government sectors on cyber threats and best practices.
Background on CCOE
Founded as a nonprofit organization, CCOE mobilizes businesses, academia, and government entities to strengthen the regional cyber economy and foster a secure digital community. Its programs aim to:
- Increase Regional Cyber Resiliency: Enhancing the community’s ability to withstand and recover from cyber incidents.
- Expand the Talent Pipeline: Developing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- Drive Collaborative Cyber Innovation: Encouraging partnerships to address evolving cyber challenges.
CCOE’s efforts have been recognized nationally, with the White House’s 2023 National Cyber Workforce & Education Strategy highlighting the organization as an “Ecosystem in Action.” Its initiatives have contributed to a $4.3 billion economic impact in San Diego, supporting over 15,000 direct cybersecurity roles and fostering a diverse talent pool.
FBI’s Role in Cybersecurity
The FBI continues to prioritize cybersecurity, addressing the increasing volume of cyber incidents from both criminal and nation-state actors. The agency’s collaboration with organizations like CCOE is vital in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective intelligence sharing to protect critical infrastructure and private enterprises.
Looking Ahead
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the partnership between the FBI and CCOE remains crucial. Their combined efforts aim to build a stronger, safer digital environment for the San Diego community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE)?
CCOE is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that mobilizes businesses, academia, and government entities to strengthen the regional cyber economy and foster a secure digital community. Its programs aim to increase regional cyber resiliency, expand the talent pipeline, and drive collaborative cyber innovation.
What is the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA)?
Established in 1990, the DCLA honors organizations and individuals who work to improve their communities through education and the prevention of crime and violence. Each FBI field office selects one recipient annually to receive this prestigious award.
What are the key initiatives of CCOE recognized by the FBI?
CCOE’s key initiatives include cyber outreach programs, the establishment of the San Diego Cyber Clinic offering free digital security services, and educational programs that have educated over 3,500 professionals on cyber threats and best practices.
How has CCOE impacted the San Diego economy?
CCOE’s efforts have contributed to a $4.3 billion economic impact in San Diego, supporting over 15,000 direct cybersecurity roles and fostering a diverse talent pool.
What is the FBI’s role in cybersecurity?
The FBI prioritizes cybersecurity by addressing the increasing volume of cyber incidents from both criminal and nation-state actors. Its collaboration with organizations like CCOE is vital in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective intelligence sharing to protect critical infrastructure and private enterprises.
Key Features of the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mission | Mobilize businesses, academia, and government to strengthen the regional cyber economy and foster a secure digital community. |
| Key Initiatives | Cyber outreach programs, San Diego Cyber Clinic, educational programs reaching over 3,500 professionals. |
| Economic Impact | $4.3 billion in economic impact, supporting over 15,000 direct cybersecurity roles. |
| Recognition | Highlighted as an “Ecosystem in Action” in the White House’s 2023 National Cyber Workforce & Education Strategy. |
| FBI Collaboration | Partnered with FBI San Diego to enhance cyber safety messaging and community outreach. |
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