CyberPatriot
What is CyberPatriot?
CyberPatriot is the Air Force Association's National Youth Cyber Education Program, created to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future. ​
At the center of CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, which puts teams of high school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals tasked with managing the network of a small company. Through a series of online competition rounds, teams are given a set of virtual operating systems and are tasked with finding and fixing cybersecurity vulnerabilities while maintaining critical services. The top teams in the nation earn all-expenses-paid trips to Maryland for the National Finals Competition where they can earn national recognition and scholarship money.
What is Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting critical systems and sensitive information from digital attacks. Also known as information technology (IT) cybersecurity, measures are designed to combat threats against networked systems and applications, whether those threats originate from inside or outside of an organization.
Skyhawk CyberPatriot Team
To join the Skyhawk CyberPatriot Team and learn skills in networking and cybersecurity, you must be a member of the squadron. We meet for practices and competitions, but independent study is also required. You do not have to be a computer genius or have any experience! You just have to be willing to learn and commit to the work.
CyberPatriot Competition Timeline
Teams typically form in late spring/early summer. The training rounds of competition help new team members learn about the operating systems.
- May - August: Exhibition Rounds
- September/October: Training and Practice Rounds
- October: Round 1
- November: Round 2
Points scored in Rounds 1 & 2 determine Tier Placement (Platinum, Gold or Silver). The Platinum Tier is the only path to the National Finals. - December: State Round
Points scored at State determine which teams advance to Semifinals. - January: Semifinals
- March: National Finals
Interactive Demo Software
The CyberPatriot Demo is a partial simulation of a CyberPatriot image, with a built-in tutorial. The Demo aims to introduce potential participants to the CyberPatriot competition. (This link will open a new browser window outside the CAP.GOV domain.)
Promotional Video
CAP Cyber Badge
To earn the Cyber Badge(s), you must be a member of the CyberPatriot Team. For additional requirements, study CAPP 60-41 "Cyber and STEM Recognition.
Then contact a Cyber Education Officer, CyberPatriot Coach, or CyberPatriot Technical mentor for specific instructions.
