Sixteen Teams of High School Students Competing in Simulated Cybersecurity Challenges for Top Honors
Sacramento, Calif. – As part of California’s continued leadership in cybersecurity and workforce development, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced the 2017 California Cyber Innovation Challenge in partnership with California Polytechnic State University on Saturday and Sunday, June 24 and 25. Sixteen teams of high school students will complete timed cybersecurity challenges designed to replicate the many different threats that cybersecurity professionals face, from attacks on critical infrastructure to attempted breaches of consumer data on connected devices.
The California Cyber Innovation Challenge expands access to technology career pathways for students, while empowering businesses to support cybersecurity education and training. “Our businesses need next generation cybersecurity leaders and entrepreneurs to protect everything from our personal health data to the development of autonomous vehicles,” said Panorea Avdis, Director of GO-Biz. “The Cyber Challenge demonstrates California’s commitment to lead the way to addressing the global cybersecurity skills gap.”
The competition will feature 16 teams from the Bay Area, Central Coast, Central Valley, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, and San Diego, including two all-female teams.
“My team and I are honored to be given this amazing opportunity to compete in the Cyber Innovation Challenge with an all-girl team,” said Leah Alvarez, a student competitor from Valley View High School in Riverside. “I believe the experience will further contribute to my future career endeavors and insights.”
“Cal Poly and its Cyber Training Complex are pleased to provide Learn by Doing opportunities for our future California Cyber defenders assisted by Cal Poly faculty and student interns,” said Bill Britton, Cal Poly chief information officer.
All events will take place at the:
California Cyber Training Complex
10 Sonoma Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405
The innovation challenge spans two days, but media are encouraged to attend one or more of the following events:
Digital Forensics Challenge
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, student teams will collect and analyze digital and physical evidence using state-of-the-art forensics tools to solve a modern-day cyber plot. The evidence will be hidden in a car associated with the suspects.
Student Presentations
At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, students will present their cases from the Digital Forensics Challenge.
Award Ceremony and Demonstration
An awards ceremony will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, followed by a demonstration of a California Department of Justice Cyber Response Vehicle at 11:45 a.m.
**NOTE: Members of the media must register and please contact Teana Fredeen or 805-235-3361 for campus access information and directions to activities. Other attendees must also register for free.
GO-Biz is leading this event with the CyberCalifornia coalition, a collection of businesses, state agencies, and educational partners dedicated to reinforcing California’s leadership position in cybersecurity. The California Workforce Development Board provided the seed funding for this challenge and for the 2016 demonstration event, held at Sacramento City College. Other coalition leaders include the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Technology, the California Military Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District and Cal Poly.
About Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California’s Central Coast. It’s a distinctive learning community offering academically focused students a hands-on educational experience that prepares them for today’s scientific and technical world. Cal Poly is consistently ranked a top university for academics, value and graduates’ salaries.
About CyberCalifornia
CyberCalifornia is a cybersecurity initiative focused on educating California businesses about cybersecurity needs and resources, and connecting California’s robust workforce development system with the needs of California employers. CyberCalifornia is organized in conjunction with the Innovation Hub (iHub) Network, a program administered by GO-Biz.
About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit, www.business.ca.gov.
Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
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