Colorado Springs, CO – November 8th, 2022- The National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) and the Colorado Cyber Resource Center (CCRC), a program of the NCC, announced the completion of the Inaugural Colorado Cyber Games. This new, unique, and innovative competition was designed to help employers find vetted talent and help job candidates get connected with those employers. During the month of October, which corresponded with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, participants spent over 418 hours on the platform completing cyber challenges and training.
VIEW THE FINAL LEADERBOARD HERE
“We were thrilled to receive student participation from schools across Colorado,” said Jonah Wisch, Program Director at the NCC. “We are excited to grow the cyber games next year to continue to help bolster the cybersecurity ecosystem in Colorado.”
The competition took place over 4 weeks in October with a timed Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge coming out every Friday. Candidates gained access to the Colorado Cyber Range to complete weekly challenges. A leaderboard on the CCRC website showed the winner of each week’s challenge where candidates displayed their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to potential employers. This was a unique opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their skills and get their names out in front of employers.
These Colorado leaders showed their support for the launch of the Inaugural Cyber Games:
“Our cyber-secure future starts with next generation’s workforce,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, who as Governor of Colorado helped established the National Cybersecurity Center to promote cybersecurity education and awareness. “Let the games begin!”
“I’m thrilled for what the NCC is bringing to our communities with the CCRC Cyber Games,” said Mayor John Suthers of Colorado Springs. “This unique and innovative competition will help foster a more cyber-secure future in our great state of Colorado.”
“The Secretary of State’s Office prioritizes cybersecurity and recognizes the importance of hands-on, interactive training to understand and defend the vital networks the Department depends on to deliver secure elections and support the business community. But protecting all of Colorado from cyber-attacks is a team effort. The innovative Cyber Range Cybersecurity is a great way for new students, all the way to seasoned professionals at State agencies to gain experience and knowledge to help defend Colorado. My office looks forward to the October challenge competition and all the benefits it will provide.”
VIEW THE FINAL LEADERBOARD HERE
About the National Cybersecurity Center
The National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) is a non-profit organization established for cyber innovation and awareness. Established in 2016 from the vision of United States Senator from Colorado John Hickenlooper, in coordination with several people from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the community, the NCC serves both public and private organizations and individuals through leadership, collaboration, and education. Discover NCC at cyber-center.org.
About the Colorado Cyber Resource Center
The Colorado Cyber Resource Center is a program of the NCC helping Colorado’s governments, municipalities, school districts, special districts, and critical infrastructure towards a more cyber-secure future through training initiatives, partnerships, and special projects. Learn more at colorado-crc.com.
Media Contact:
Micki Cockrille
micki.cockrille@cyber-center.org
719-291-2312
