General FAQs

​

What is the US Cyber Challenge?

​

The US Cyber Challenge (USCC) is a national program focused on identifying and developing cybersecurity talent to meet the country’s critical cybersecurity workforce needs.  USCC develops and conducts competitions and on-site camps that enable eligible participants—including high school, college and post-graduate students—to develop their skills, gain access to advanced training and achieve recognition with scholarships, internships and jobs.  USCC’s goal is to find 10,000 of America’s best and brightest to fill the ranks of cyber security professionals where their skills can be of the greatest value to the nation.

​

How can I get involved?

​

If you are a cybersecurity enthusiast, compete in our Cyber Quests Competition -- https://uscc.cyberquests.org/

​

If you would like to become a sponsor to provide scholarships for students and to support the operation of competitions and camps, email MDorris@USCyberChallenge.org

 

If you'd like to volunteer, share some ideas or need more information, email RPamintuan@USCyberChallenge.org

​

​

 Cyber Quests FAQs

​

What is a Cyber Quests?

​

The US Cyber Challenge sponsored Cyber Quests competition serves as the qualifier for participants to be invited to attend one of the 2024 Cyber Camps. The camps, offered virtually and online during the summer, are week-long workshops, labs, and competitions. All 2024 camps will be offered online. More details about the Cyber Quests and Cyber Camps are described below.

​

If you played Cyber Quests more than once, which score will be used?

​

Your highest score will be counted as your final score.

​

If you played in the previous competitions, do you have to register again or can you use the same User ID you used before?

​

You must register again.  The User ID is unique to each competition.

​

How is the quiz scored?

​

The quiz is a series of multiple answer questions.  In some cases, more than one answer is correct.  In those cases, the question will note that fact.  Questions with multiple answers will give partial credit for any correct responses.

​

How well do I have to score to get invited to a Cyber Camp?

​

Cyber Quests winners are determined based on who achieves the highest score in the shortest amount of time.

​

​

 Cyber Camp FAQs

 

What is a USCC Cyber Camp?

​

Cyber Summer Camps feature one week of specialized cybersecurity training presented by college faculty and cybersecurity experts; a job fair; and a “capture the flag” competition and awards ceremony on the last day.

​

What are the 2024 Cyber Camp locations, dates, types and durations?

​

2024 Camps to be announced shortly! Please see 2024 schedules below for reference.

​

Eastern Regional Virtual Camp - June 3rd - 7th, 2024

Western Regional Virtual Camp - July 15th - 19th, 2024

 

2024 Camp Agenda: 

​

​

​

​

Who is eligible to participate in a Cyber Camp?

​

You must be a US citizen and a competitor participating in Cyber Quests Spring 2024 in order to be eligible for the 2024 Cyber Camps.

 

Do I need to live in the state that is hosting a Camp?

 

Competitors must be 18 years or older and reside in the United States.

​

I am no longer in school, but working. May I attend the camps?

​

You will need to compete in the Cyber Quests competition. Any additional criteria will be posted at the specific sites for each host school. 

 

How will I know if I am selected to participate in the summer camps?

​

The competitors and their scores will be forwarded to the appropriate regional selecting officials for review and selection. The selecting officials will notify the competitors. 

​

If I receive an invitation, will I have to provide additional information?

​

Yes.  There is an application process.  You may be asked to submit a teacher recommendation, if appropriate, along with a short essay explaining why you want to attend the camp.

​

If I am selected, do I have to pay for participating in the Cyber Camps?

​

Camp registration fee will be $185. This covers the cost of printed instruction materials to be sent, training, access to all panel discussions, classes, breakout groups, labs and Capture-the-Flag. Scholarships are offered to top performers.

​

What kind of training and experience will the Camps provide?

​

The courses combine specialized training sessions presented by college faculty, top SANS Institute senior instructors, and cyber security experts from the community. The camps will focus on several topics ranging from intrusion detection, penetration testing and forensics. A Capture-the-Flag competition will be held on the last day of camp.

​

Are there any other activities taking place at the Camps?

​

Yes.  For all the camps, there will be the following activities in addition to classroom instruction and the Capture-the-Flag competition:

​

• Job Fair: Participants will have the opportunity to meet the sponsors and discuss potential employment.

• Ethics Panel: Representatives from government agencies as well as industry leaders will walk through ethical scenarios with participants.

• Resume Workshop: In preparation for the job fair, a resume workshop will provide guidance to improving participants’ resumes and interviewing skills.

​

What happens after I complete the Cyber Camp?

​

The competitors who rise to the top will be invited to continue to participate in the developing Cyber Challenge community. Members of the community will have access to additional educational and employment opportunities such as internships with government entities and/or private industry, grants, or scholarships to study advanced cyber security programs. All participants of USCC Cyber Camps are also encouraged to continue networking with other individuals in the field, stay up-to-date on competitions and events, and ultimately continue their personal growth in the cybersecurity space.

​

​

​