The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is sponsoring a team of cyber personnel that will represent the U.S. in the June International Cybersecurity Challenge in Greece.
The first-ever U.S. Cyber Team is composed of 20 cybersecurity athletes picked from a capture-the-flag competition in May and evaluated during a three-month invitational combine in July, the cyber agency said Friday.
Jen Easterly, director of CISA and a 2022 Wash100 Award recipient., pointed out that cyber competitions help grow a community of cybersecurity professionals by keeping existing cyber personnel sharp and motivating the next generation of cyber talent.
“While certifications and apprenticeships are important training instruments, games provide a safe and legal venue to practice offensive and defensive techniques in a real-world environment,” added Easterly.
The sponsorship adds to CISA's existing initiatives aimed at expanding the existing and future cybersecurity workforce.
