National competition to find the next generation “top guns” in cyber security
Kick-off to be held September 14 at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn

(New York)- New York State has been selected to participate in the U.S. Cyber Challenge competition, a national talent search and skills development program designed to identify 10,000 young Americans with the interests and technical computer skills to fill the ranks of cyber security practitioners, researchers and defenders to protect our nation. This protection of cyberspace is one of the most urgent national security problems we face.
The Cyber Challenge comprises a series of online competitions open to high school and college students to demonstrate excellence in the relatively new field of cyber security and foster the next generation of experts who can help meet the challenges of cyberspace. The competitions include the DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge, led by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center; the CyberPatriot Defense Competition, led by the US Air Force Association, and the NetWars Capture the Flag Competition, led by the SANS Institute.
“The Department of Justice recently announced that the federal government needs to hire at least 1,000 cyber security graduates each year. The US Cyber Challenge will help our government meet the cyber demand,” added Congresswoman Clarke. “I am excited to launch the New York State competition right here in the heart of Brooklyn at STAR Erasmus. The students at STAR have the talent and potential to be the next generation of cyber warriors.”
“New York State is proud to take a leading role in preparing a solid foundation for our students to become the cyber security experts needed in the 21st century. The threats facing us in this digital age are numerous and complex, and our ability to foster a skilled workforce to meet these challenges head-on is imperative if we are to protect not only our information, but our economy as well,” said Governor Paterson. “This competition will give participating schools the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in cyber security curriculum and further develop the skills of our students as they progress through their educational journey.”
New York State’s entry into the program will be announced during a press conference on Monday, September 14 at 1:30pm at the Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Early College School at Erasmus Hall High School, 911 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, of New York’s 11th Congressional District, and Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology plans to attend the event.
“Cyber security is a top priority for our national security,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This competition will help to develop the technologies we need to protect our networks, our infrastructure and families across America.”

“My office is pleased to help coordinate New York State’s participation in this great initiative,” said William Pelgrin, Director of the New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure. “Tapping into the tremendous resources of our youth will yield significant benefits as we strive to meet the cyber security challenges facing us.”
“At Science Technology and Research Early College School our mission is to educate and prepare all of our students to be successful and productive citizens in the 21st century global society,” said Dr Eric L. Blake, STAR’s Principal. “We deem access to secure technology as a conduit to accomplishing this critical mission.”
Competition winners and other promising candidates will be invited to attend regional “cyber camps” to be held at various universities and colleges, where they can further develop their skills and participate in additional, on-site competitions. They may also earn scholarships for advanced cyber security course taught by leading organizations in the cyber arena, such as the SANS Institute. “The candidates coming out of the US Cyber Challenge are talented and passionate,” said Alan Paller, Director of Research at SANS. “They really appreciate the scholarships for advanced training in areas like forensics and intrusion prevention and penetration testing, and take full advantage of the learning opportunities. It is a privilege to be providing those scholarships.”
As participants progress through the camps and academic programs sponsored under the U.S. Cyber Challenge, they will also be able to gain front-line experience during internships at key government agencies—including the National Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation–and other organizations in the cyber security field.
More information about the U.S. Cyber Challenge can be found by visiting http://csis.org/uscc