Cyber Challenge

The Center for Strategic and International Studies has launched the U.S. Cyber Challenge, a new effort to recruit 10,000 young Americans with the skills to fill the nation's cybersecurity ranks.

The program will provide access to advanced education and exercises and enable participants to be recognized by colleges and employers where their skills can be utilized. Applicants have the option to enter three competitions: the CyberPatriot high school competition conducted by the Air Force Association, the DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge conducted by the Defense Department's Cyber Crime Center, and the NetWars vulnerability identification competition conducted by the SANS Institute.

News of this competition comes as the Partnership for Public Service released a new report, which found that the federal government lacks a coordinated plan to recruit and retain cybersecurity expertise in the federal workforce.