51 'Open' Teams Qualify for Round 3 in National Cyber Defense Competition

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association congratulates the 51 teams of the Open Division who have advanced to the next round of CyberPatriot, the nation's largest and fastest-growing cyber security challenge.

CyberPatriot, an education initiative produced by the Air Force Association, is a one-of-a-kind cyber defense competition, providing high school students hands-on learning about cyber security.

The two-track competition has teams registered from public, private, parochial and home schools in the Open Division while JROTC units of all Services and Civil Air Patrol squadrons fill the All-Service Division.  

During the latest Open Division competition on December 11, student teams continued to learn how to improve and strengthen computer infrastructures and reduce risks of intrusion – all while virtually competing against their peers. Teams were scored based on how quickly and effectively they found and corrected weaknesses in simulated computer networks.

The next competition will be January 8, 2011, and will determine which 12 teams receive an all-expenses-paid trip for each of their team members to Washington, D.C. to compete in the finals.

"CyberPatriot continues to encourage young people to explore the ever-evolving cyber realm, and the students are embracing the opportunity," said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner. "They are learning about cyber defense, practicing teamwork, enhancing leadership skills and having fun. They are taking in everything CyberPatriot has to offer."

CyberPatriot's Championship Round will take place March 31 to April 2 at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.  The final competition will be held in conjunction with AFA's Cyber Futures Conference and Technology Exposition.

A list of the advancing teams can be found here.

CyberPatriot is presented by Northrop Grumman, with founding partners SAIC and the CIAS at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Learn more about CyberPatriot at www.uscyberpatriot.org.

AFA is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has over 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 120,000 members.

SOURCE Air Force Association