The US Cyber Challenge is looking for 10,000 young Americans with the skills to fill the ranks of cyber security practitioners, researchers, and warriors. Some will become the top guns in cyber security. The program will nurture and develop their skills, give them access to advanced education and exercises, and where appropriate, enable them to be recognized by colleges and employers where their skills can be of the greatest value to the nation.

Select the Competition That Interests You

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is this competition important to the nation?

The US Cyber Challenge is a national talent search and skills development program. Its purpose is to identify 10,000 young Americans with the interests and technical computer skills to fill the ranks of cyber security practitioners, researchers, and warriors. In particular, the search is looking for the people who can become the top guns in cyber security. The identification process relies on national competitions - with many winners. They include CyberPatriot high school competition conducted by the Air Force Association, the DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge conducted by the US Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, and the NetWars vulnerability identification competition conducted by the SANS Institute.

2. What if I don't live in the United States?

If you live outside the US, you may still enter two of the competitions. However, you will not be invited to participate in the post-competition skills development programs. Several European nations are establishing parallel competitions.

3. Where do I learn about the competitions and sign up?CyberPatriot

DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge

SANS Network Attack Competition

4. When do the competitions start?

They have already begun. For registration information, visit their web sites.

5. Which of the three competitions should I enter?

	Eligibility	Target	Dates	Format	Location
DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge	High School through post-graduate	Digital forensics	Open	Teams or individuals	Online
CyberPatriot	High school	Network defense	Open	High-school sponsored teams*	Online, except finals to be held in Orlando, FL
NetWars	High School through post-graduate	Network and software vulnerabilities	Open	Teams or individuals	Online

* AFROTC or CAP unit is the sponsor

6. Is this an individual or team competition?

All three competitions allow teams to compete. Two competitions (Digital Forensics Challenge and NetWars) may also be entered by individuals.

7. If a team, may I form my own team? And do I need a mentor?

You may form your own team. CyberPatriot requires mentors. The other two competitions do not. CyberPatriot teams must be supported by the AFJROTC or CAP unit associated with their high school, and each team is required to have a team advisor designated by their unit.

8. May I enter more than one?

Yes.

9. Will the competition/ test be given in our area/region?

These competitions were selected for the US Cyber Challenge because they are online and allow people to participate from any part of the nation. CyberPatriot finals are held in Florida. Eight teams are flown to Florida in February, all expenses paid, to compete in the finals.

10. Is there an entrance fee?

No entrance fees are required at this time to participate in any of the competitions.

11. What are the benefits I can expect if I do well?

Promising candidates will be recognized and their local papers will be told of their success. In addition, they will be invited to attend regional "cyber camps" to be held at local colleges, where they will develop their skills more fully and participate in additional competitions. (The cyber camps are expected to begin in 2010 and may not be available in all parts of the country.)

Candidates who rise to the top in these regional programs will be invited to participate in live national challenges like those coordinated by the University of Texas at San Antonio and NYU Polytechnic. Greatly promising candidates from these programs will have a real leg up in competitions for scholarships to study advanced cyber security programs at professional development programs like those run by the SANS Institute or at colleges and graduate programs at participating schools.

Finally, the best of the candidates will be introduced to key federal agencies and corporations where the most advanced cyber security work is being done. Although no promises of employment can be made, these organizations are facing extreme shortages of security experts with extraordinary, hands-on technical skills, and these organizations are assisting in the design and operation of the US Cyber Challenge because they look forward to finding additional candidates for their most challenging assignments.

12. Are there volunteer opportunities in connection with the US Cyber Challenge? How can I help?

1. Encourage young people to enter one or more of the competitions listed on this page.
2. Coach young people who are engaging in the DC3 forensics challenge or Netwars
3. Coach a high-school team entering CyberPatriot
4. Apply to become an instructor at one of the cyber camps to be established around the country (email USCCcoaches@sans.org)
5. Help run the live competitions

Big Ideas (Corporate)
Create a new competition that will bring more kids in. Offer prizes (cash) for kids/teams who do well under circumstances you choose.

Please send your additional questions about the cyber challenge and/or any of the three competitions to uscc@sans.org.