US CYBER GAMES®

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs on the US Cyber Games program, our team, athletes, coaches, and much more!

About the Program

Who is behind the US Cyber Games and US Cyber Team?

The US Cyber Games is led by Katzcy, in cooperation with the NICE program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The program consists of the US Cyber Open, US Cyber Combine, and the drafting of a US Cyber Team to represent the United States at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC).

What need does the program address?

According to the November 7, 2019 edition of Information Security Solution Review, there is currently a talent gap of over 500,000 skilled and knowledgeable employees in the cybersecurity workforce. Our mission is to bring together cyber athletes, coaches, and industry leaders to help scout, train, and send a US Cyber Team to the International Cybersecurity Challenge. The US Cyber Games program will help inform and inspire the broader community on ways to develop tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce.

What is the Season IV program timeline?

US Cyber Games Kick-Off Celebration | May 30, 2024
US Cyber Games Open | May 31 - June 9, 2024
Beginner’s Game Room | May 31 - June 9, 2024
Competitive CTF | June 3 - June 9, 2024
Cyber Rush Week | June 3 - June 7, 2024
US Cyber Combine | June 24 - September 2, 2024
US Cyber Team Draft | September 26, 2024

What is the Season III program timeline?

February 10, 2023 - Call for Athletes
February 10, 2023 - Call for Coaches
June 1, 2023 - US Cyber Open Kick-Off Event
June 2-12, 2023 - Beginner's Game Room
June 5-12, 2023 - US Cyber Open CTF
July 7-September 1, 2023 - US Cyber Combine
October 16, 2023 - US Cyber Team Draft Day Event
2024/Location TBD - Season III US Cyber Team competes at International Cybersecurity Championship (ICC)

Being a Cyber Athlete

What do I need to be an athlete?

To play in the US Cyber Open CTF, you must:

Register using the online application.
Have experience or interest in online cyber competitions
Have access to a laptop or PC with a modern web browser and internet connection
Want to test your limit and learn more about cybergaming

Applicants DO NOT need to be students or part of any collegiate cybersecurity program to play.

Applicants who wish to be considered for the US Cyber Combine and US Cyber Team:

Cyber athletes invited to the US Cyber Combine and potentially drafted onto the US Cyber Team must be no older than 25 years of age on August 31, 2025, and a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a U.S. passport.
Should enjoy competing in real-world scenarios to test your aptitude and abilities.
Have the willingness to learn and invest the time for world-class coaching.
Like teaming with others with solid communication skills.
Want to learn from world-class cyber-skilled coaches.
Complete the online application to request an invitation.

What are the benefits?

Obtain training, networking, and even potential employment opportunities.
Validate your current cyber skills.
Learn skills in areas such as reconnaissance, cryptanalysis, operations security, forensics analysis, and malware analysis.
Earn digital badges as a tangible certification for social profiles, applications, and resumes.
Win incredible prizes (US residents only).
Athletes chosen for the US Cyber Team will compete on behalf of the United States at the international level.
Show off your Cyber Athlete Swag.

Why consider a career in cyber?

Individuals seeking an exciting career or to continue to improve their skills can look in no better field than that of cybersecurity.

Constant Growth: The current demand for cybersecurity professionals in the public and private sectors is making employers scale up and out. If you’re ready for a challenge, the opportunity is there for you.
Interesting variety: This profession requires you to work in many different situations and with the latest technologies. The broad skills needed make cybersecurity an attractive profession for people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Intellectual Puzzles: While you’ll learn best practices and principles, there’s always something new to learn and always a new opportunity to excel.
Ongoing Fulfillment: You’re preventing real criminals from taking advantage of your friends and family, as well as schools, businesses, and more.

Application Process

How do I register to play in the CTF?

Your first step is to register to play in the US Cyber Open CTF.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

How do I request an invitation to the Combine?

If you would like to be invited to the US Cyber Combine and potentially be selected to be part of the US Cyber Team, you need to complete the application and request an invitation.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING COMBINE INVITATION REQUESTS.

What are the costs involved in the program?

There are no costs to apply or join the team. Travel to the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) for athletes and coaches selected will be covered by the program. Participants will need money for food and incidentals.

Open CTF & Combine

Season IV, US Cyber Open CTF

The Season IV, US Cyber Open takes place May 31 - June 9, 2024.

This FREE competition offers candidates aged 18 - 24 the opportunity to compete in an online competition and the chance to receive an invitation to the US Cyber Combine.

Cybersecurity skills are in demand in the workplace, so if you’re interested in seeing how well you’re prepared to join one of the hottest areas, then apply to participate in the US Cyber Open. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how your cybersecurity skills match up. You may even earn the chance to be invited to the US Cyber Combine or become a member of the US Cyber Team and compete at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC).

The US Cyber Open comprises a Competitive CTF and Beginner's Game Room. All registrants have access to both.

CTF Challenges include cryptography, forensics, reverse engineering / binary exploitation, networking, Web, and miscellaneous challenges that will help you sharpen your cybersecurity gaming skills with mystery challenges. Point values corresponding with challenge difficulty will be accumulated per each area and as a whole.

The goal of the US Cyber Open is to attract all levels of athletes so that coaches can easily scout top talent and invite them to the Combine where they will receive training and be scored in more depth to determine aptitude and potential.

Finishers will receive a digital badge showing they completed the Season IV US Cyber Open. This badge can be used on social media profiles and resumes.

Top scorers will win prizes and more. (U.S. residents only)

Strong finishers may be invited to the US Cyber Combine. Scores alone won't confirm an invite to the US Cyber Combine--your application matters most.

Season IV, US Cyber Combine

The US Cyber Combine will take place (June 24 - September 2, 2024)

The US Cyber Combine is similar to a sports combine in which athletes will undergo a cyber aptitude evaluation, interview with multiple coaches, train weekly in cybersecurity skills, and compete in an advanced CTF to build their portfolio for the US Cyber Team Draft.

At this level of competition, we’re separating the GOAT (greatest of all time) from the good. We’ll put athletes through the same tests and trials that top companies and the government use in their hiring process.

The US Cyber Combine is designed to test you, but also to provide top athletes with a unique experience of hearing from leading experts in their field. The selected coaching staff will use this time to get to know each athlete to understand their skills and competencies.

Each week, the coaches will provide virtual instruction and challenges to help strengthen your skills. We expect athletes to contribute 4-8 hours of practice each week. In return, we are seeking training partners to provide benefits such as vouchers for certifications along the way.

Additionally, athletes who perform well during the combine will have the opportunity to accumulate digital badges for performance and skills.

INVITATIONS to the Combine will be sent via email a few weeks after the US Cyber Open concludes.

How will I know if I’m invited to the US Cyber Combine?

The information provided on your US Cyber Open registration, performance results from the Open CTF, and your Combine invitation request will all be considered when the coaches select those athletes who will receive an invitation to the US Cyber Combine.

Successful applicants will receive an email from the Program Coordinator with their invitation to the US Cyber Combine a few weeks after the US Cyber Open concludes.

US Cyber Team

Season IV, US Cyber Team Draft

The Season IV, US Cyber Team Draft will take place September 26, 2024 - Washington, DC.

During the August-September timeframe, the coaching team and advisory board members will meet to review and select the top cyber athletes who will be invited to join the Season IV US Cyber Team.

The Season IV US Cyber Team will be announced at the US Cyber Draft Day event.

What training do athletes receive?

Cyber athletes who successfully complete the US Cyber Open and are invited to participate in the US Cyber Combine will receive training from the coaching staff. Assigned coursework will include both self-paced individual and team-based exercises. The coaching staff will guide the athletes’ progress through a series of increasingly difficult activities in which athletes will learn both offensive and defensive tactical concepts. The training will demand the athletes demonstrate their technical abilities via training courses, challenges, and virtual labs. If an athlete is drafted to the US Cyber Team, they will progress to more advanced training to help them better prepare to function as a cohesive team.

What is the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC)?

The International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) encourages students and young professionals to pursue a career in cybersecurity by providing them with an opportunity to compete and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity industry across the globe.

The ICC competition (formerly called the European Cyber Security Challenge) has been hosted by ENISA since 2016. Starting with the 2021-'22 competition, ENISA will expand the Challenge and welcome select teams from countries outside the European Union.

About Coaching

What are the requirements to be a Coach?

All coaches and assistants will be US-based adults, with an academic background and/ or professional cybersecurity experience.
Coaches will need a valid passport and the ability to travel internationally.
Coaches will be chosen from various schools and organizations to best ensure diversity in athlete selection and training support.
Coaching positions are volunteer-based. Coaches will not be paid for this commitment, and coaching terms are for one year/ one season.
Travel for coaches, including flights and accommodations, will be covered based on US Cyber Games fundraising and sponsorship dollars.
Coaches will be able to state that they have coached the US Cyber Team and will be recognized online, in promotions, and through press releases.

How do I apply to be a Coach?

Apply to Coach the Season IV, US Cyber Team.

We're looking for experts across various disciplines in cybersecurity to guide our cyber athletes in technical skill development, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and leadership. Applications are now being accepted from those interested in being part of the coaching team.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TO COACH.

What is the time commitment to be a Coach?

Coaching positions demand an average of approximately 4 hours per week, but may fluctuate throughout the season.

Coach responsibilities include:

Scouting cyber athletes.
Designing learning and training opportunities for cyber athletes.
Developing a learning and training schedule for cyber athletes.
Reviewing athlete performance and scores.
Training, coaching, and mentoring cyber athletes.
Selecting the US Cyber Team.

Pipeline Training Program

What is the Pipeline Training Program?

The US Cyber Games Pipeline Program is a limited seat, by coach invitation only, program for US Cyber Combine athletes who demonstrate drive and potential but may benefit from additional cybersecurity training and mentoring. The program aims to better train and mentor individuals interested in cybersecurity professions.

What does the Pipeline Program include?

This exclusive training program allows athletes to take part in a training program that includes small group mentorship with the coaches and technical mentors.

Athletes who perform well in the program are automatically invited to the next season’s US Cyber Combine.

What is the purpose of the Pipeline Program?

The US Cyber Games Pipeline Program has been established to identify high-potential athletes who would benefit from special access to cybersecurity education, training, and mentoring.

How can I join the Pipeline Program?

Participation in this program is by coach invitation only.

Who do I Contact for more Information?

Information for cyber athletes

For more information about cyber athletes send an email to info@uscybergames.com.

Information for coaches

For more information about coaching, send an email to info@uscybergames.com.

Information about sponsorships

For more information about sponsoring the US Cyber Games & US Cyber Team, visit our Sponsor website page or email info@uscybergames.com.

Media Contact

All media inquiries can be directed to info@uscybergames.com.

Information for fans

Join the US Cyber Games & Team fandom here and subscribe to alerts and notifications.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and help us Spread the Word to your peers, industry colleagues, and your community.

US Cyber Team Logo

Did you notice the elements in the US Cyber Team logo?

The US Cyber Team logo is designed with purposeful meaning:

The slight cross line symbolizes guardianship.
Morse code on the sides stating Train.Compete.Win.
The torch symbolizes knowledge.
The key represents cryptography and information.
The shield represents the USA and protection.
The SOARing eagle for aspiration, freedom, victory, and also Security Orchestration Automation and Reporting.