Virginia Cyber Range forges the future through capture the flag competitions
In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, student competitions are vital conduits for cultivating the future guardians of our digital landscape.
The Virginia Cyber Range hosts two engaging capture the flag events: the Commonwealth Cyber Cup for high school students and the Virginia Cyber Cup for college students. These competitions equip students with essential technical skills, critical thinking prowess, and practical problem-solving abilities crucial for navigating and neutralizing evolving cyber threats.
The Commonwealth Cyber Cup, held March 2 in Blacksburg brought together over 100 high school participants from across Virginia eager to test their mettle. The competition featured a variety of cutting-edge challenges spanning all areas of cybersecurity knowledge and skill. The activities emphasized hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving.
"Events like these provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences for our students and we were thrilled to host the competition here in Blacksburg,” said Jay Mathis, Blacksburg High School cybersecurity teacher.
Among the standout performers were beginner and advanced teams from Mountain View High School, Chantilly Academy, and the Academies of Loudoun.
“When I solve a challenge, it's very exciting," said Kyler Ingraham, a senior from Mountain View High School. "You gain confidence, acquire new skills, and learn something you didn't know just a few hours ago."
The exceptional skills and strategic thinking demonstrated by students like Ingraham helped propel them to the top of the leaderboard among more than 20 teams.
"This competition was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of our young cyber defenders," remarked Kristi Rice, Spotsylvania High School teacher and Commonwealth Cyber Cup organizer.
Addressing the audience, Arianna Schuler Scott, senior associate director of the Integrated Security Education and Research Center, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the role that today's youth play in shaping a safer digital future.
"It's inspiring to see the level of skill and dedication displayed by these students,” Schuler Scott said. “They have the power to protect, to innovate, and to shape the future of our digital world.”
The Commonwealth Cyber Cup is the high school counterpart to the Virginia Cyber Cup, a collegiate-level competition that takes place during Commonwealth Cyber Fusion, held annually in February at Virginia Military Institute. Colleges and universities designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense come together at Cyber Fusion, a gathering that creates a platform for aspiring cyber professionals to demonstrate their skills and network with industry experts.
"As we reflect on the successes of both the high school and college-level competitions, one thing is abundantly clear: Virginia is home to a wealth of emerging cyber talent," said David Raymond, director of the Virginia Cyber Range.
"By providing platforms for students to hone their skills, collaborate with peers, and showcase their abilities, we are not only preparing them for future academic and career opportunities but also empowering them to become leaders in the fight against cyber threats," said Raymond.
The success of these competitions was made possible through the support of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, which funded the capture the flag authors responsible for creating the innovative challenges.
For more information about upcoming events and opportunities with the Virginia Cyber Range, please visit virginiacyberrange.org.
