MEDIA ADVISORY: Cybersecurity Boot Camp Culminates with Scholarship Competition, Awards Ceremony

Winning team must successfully compromise computer system

Story Contact(s):
Christian Basi, BasiC@missouri.edu, 573-882-4430

WHAT:  At the United States Cyber Challenge (USCC), college students and professionals from throughout the Midwest will get a chance to ‘Capture the Flag’—and some cash—using their cybersecurity skills. This is the first time this camp has been hosted in the Midwest.

The ‘Capture the Flag’ competition is the culmination of the USCC West of the Mississippi Regional Cyber Security Boot Camp at the University of Missouri. The camp, which began Monday, July 25, gives attendees the opportunity to learn industry skills from cybersecurity professionals.

Those skills will be tested with a competition that requires campers to compromise computer systems and networks. The winning team of campers must be the first to obtain the information inside the machines. Each member of the winning team will receive $1,000 in scholarship money.

WHY:  The competition supports the USCC’s goal of increasing the cyber workforce by providing educational opportunities for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Understanding how to compromise computer systems and networks helps professionals know how to defend against unwanted hackers. A well-trained cybersecurity workforce helps protect national security by defending against cyber warfare.    

WHEN:  8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, July 29
‘Capture the Flag’ Competition, 8 a.m. to noon
Awards Ceremony, 12:45 to 2 p.m.

WHERE:  ‘Capture the Flag’ Competition
Computer Lab, Lafferre Hall, MU Campus 
Awards Ceremony
Ketcham Auditorium, Lafferre Hall, MU Campus