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Cyber security is perhaps the national security imperative for the U.S. No nation relies more on the internet for its own defense, and our economy and way of life are so entwined in the web that we are the most vulnerable nation on earth to disruption or exploitation of those connections. The key to our protection lies in people, much more than firewalls or software. We need more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educated U.S. citizens of all disciplines, but arguably require talent in cyber security most of all.
This need was the reason the Air Force Association (AFA) decided to create a truly national high school cyber defense competition. A committed team of partners joined us to make the dream a reality. The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) of the University of Texas San Antonio brings its expertise as the creator of the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) contributes their know-how and patent-pending TeamDefend Cyber Defense Trainer as the platform for the competition. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GD AIS) brings experience in real world cyber protection supporting the DoD Cyber Crime Center (DC 3). Our competitors are high school students with an interest in citizenship and service to their country. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) were excited to add this cutting edge activity to their programs.
First step was to prove the concept, and the CyberPatriot I competition held in conjunction with AFA’s 2009 Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, did that in spades. The next step is to prove that the competition can go nationwide, providing a valuable learning experience within realistic resource constraints. This is where the initiative is now, and with
over 200 AFJROTC/CAP units already signed up to participate in the Fall, we’re well on our way. The top eight teams will be selected by mid-December 2009 for travel to the finals at Orlando, Florida, 18-19 February 2010, to compete at the AFA Air Warfare Symposium.
Support for CyberPatriot has been phenomenal! See the links below for more information or to register to: 1) Compete in CyberPatriot II (AFJROTC/CAP only for 2009-10 academic year); or 2) as a “Friend of CyberPatriot” to receive additional information on future competitions or sponsorship opportunities.
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