US CYBER GAMES®
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on the US Cyber Games program, our team, athletes, and coaches, and much more!
Who is behind the US Cyber Games® and US Cyber Team®?
The US Cyber Games was founded by Katzcy, in cooperation with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The first season's program ran from April to October 2021 and consisted of the US Cyber Open, the US Cyber Combine Invitational, and the selection of the first-ever US Cyber Team to represent the United States at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) held in Athens, Greece June of 2022.
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 II program timeline?
- April 29, 2022 - Call for Athletes and Coaches Open - CLOSED
- June 30, 2022 - US Cyber Open Virtual Kick-Off Event - CLOSED
- July 8-17, 2022 - US Cyber Open CTF - CONCLUDED
- July 28, 2022 - Combine Invitees Notified
- August 4, 2022 - Coaches Announced
- August 5-September 5, 2022 - US Cyber Combine - CONCLUDED
- October 17, 2022 - US Cyber Team Draft Day - CONCLUDED
- July 31 - August 4, 2023 - Season II US Cyber Team competes at International Cybersecurity Championship & Conference (IC3) -
REGISTER TO ATTEND
What is the Season III program timeline?
- February 10, 2023 - Call for Athletes Open - REGISTER TO PLAY
- February 10, 2023 - Call for Coaches Open - CLOSED
- June 1, 2023 - US Cyber Open Kick-Off Event - REGISTER TO ATTEND
- 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)
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, 2024, 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 communications 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 taking place June 5-12, 2023.
The deadline to register to play was June 9, 2023.
How do I request an invitation to the Combine?
If you would like to be invited to the US Cyber Combine Invitational and potentially be selected to be part of the US Cyber Team, you need to complete the application and request an invitation.
The deadline to request an invitation was July 13, 2023.
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.
US Cyber Open CTF and Combine Invitational
Season III, US Cyber Open CTF
The Season III, US Cyber Open is taking place June 2-12, 2023.
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 definitely walk away with a better understanding of how your cybersecurity skills match up. You may even win the chance to go to the US Cyber Combine or become a member of the US Cyber Team to compete at the International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC).
The US Cyber Open consists of 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 III 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 III, US Cyber Combine Invitational
The US Cyber Combine Invitational is taking place (July 7 - September 1, 2023)
The US Cyber Combine Invitational 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 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 to hear 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 that 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 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 Invitational.
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.
Season III, US Cyber Team Draft
The Season III, US Cyber Team Draft is taking place on October 16, 2023.
During the September/October timeframe, the coaching team and advisory board members will meet to review and select the top cyber athletes that will be invited to join the Season III US Cyber Team.
The Season III US Cyber Team will be announced at the US Cyber Draft Day event on October 16, 2023.
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.
The ICC's next challenge is being hosted by the United States and will take place in San Diego, CA, from July 31 - August 4, 2023. The International Cybersecurity Championship & Conference (IC3) is being organized by PlayCyber by Katzcy.
LEARN MORE HERE
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.
LEARN MORE
How do I apply to be a Coach?
Apply to Coach the Season III, 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.
NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
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.
LEARN MORE
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.
Information for cyber athletes
For more information about cyber athletes, visit our Athlete website page or email info@uscybergames.com.
Information for coaches
For more information about coaching, visit our Coaches website page or email 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.
About the US Cyber Team Logo
Did you notice the elements in the US Cyber Team logo?
- 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.
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