Youth CyberPatriot Competition set at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando

Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 26-27, includes media access to the high school CyberPatriot competition.

The National High School Cyber Defense Competition is the first year of a planned AFA national initiative expected to expand significantly in future years. Led by Professor Greg White, a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves, from the University of Texas-San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS), the effort was backed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) who supplied their TeamDefend cyber defense trainer.

During the Concept Demonstration, eight five-person teams will defend their networks competitively in Gatlin Rooms A3 and A4, followed by an awards ceremony announcing the winning team at 4:30 p.m. Friday in Gatlin Room A2. General Stephen R. Lorenz, Commander, Air Education and Training Command, will officiate at the ceremony and present the trophies.

The effort is intended to draw attention to the constant and growing need for cyber security, and create interest in young people considering cyber security as a professional and educational choice.

Media access to the CyberPatriot competition can be individually arranged for various times during the morning or afternoon slots on Thursday or Friday, concurrent to the Symposium. Press availability windows are tentatively 9:30 – 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, and 2:00 – 3:20 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.

Media must be registered as press with AFA to observe the competition. Please register at http://www.afa.org/register/media_Orlando.asp.

Learn more about the venue at www.RosenShingleCreek.com. Over the next few weeks, look for additional speakers, upcoming scheduling specifics and other information updates at www.AFA.org

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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 more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 125,000 members. Visit AFA at http://www.afa.org.