CyberForce is building a pipeline of candidates to enter the cyber workforce.
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
June 21, 2021
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According to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Information Security Analyst's Occupational Outlook Handbook, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing career areas nationally. In fact, the BLS predicts the number of cybersecurity jobs will grow 31% through 2029 – that’s over seven times faster than the national average job growth of 4%.
And we know why this is the case. Technology workers are needed throughout our modern economy to protect and defend the data, infrastructure, and devices that keep our nation running.
Cybersecurity is an increasingly critical priority in the energy sector, especially with the digitization and evolution of the nation’s energy assets. Cyberattacks on physical infrastructure, such as the electric grid and oil and gas pipelines, could affect hospitals, water, transportation, emergency services, and more.
To prevent a shortfall in cyber talent, DOE hosts tactical competitions and training at state and local, collegiate, and industry levels every year, aiming to inspire the next generation of cyber defenders.
This year, CyberForce, DOE’s annual collegiate-level cyber-defense competition, is expanding to include two smaller “Conquer the Hill” competitions to provide additional opportunities for students to test their cyber skills.
From July 16-18, “Conquer the Hill: Adventurer Edition” will virtually test participants’ cyber knowledge and skills through realistic scenarios and tasks called “anomalies” to simulate a day in the life of a real cybersecurity employee. Once the competition begins, students have forty-eight hours to complete as many challenges as they can. The participant with the most points at the end is deemed “Conqueror of the Hill.”
The CyberForce program seeks to build a pipeline of qualified professional candidates to enter the cybersecurity workforce and protect U.S. energy infrastructure.
Registration for “Conquer the Hill: Adventurer Edition” closes on June 25. Learn more here: https://cyberforcecompetition.com/