Cyber Patriot III

Posted by on October 27, 2010

I recently volunteered to help mentor the local Civil Air Patrol cadets in the Cyber Patriot III event.  The goal of the event is to get the cadets interested in cyber defense by having them secure different systems.  This scenario is defensive only.  The cadets receive a virtual image that contains a vulnerable operating system (Windows or Linux based).  The cadets are then given a specified amount of time to secure the system.  Securing the system includes auditing/removing services, user accounts, file/folder shares, malware, and installing patches.

The teams (around 600 of them) were given two practice rounds to make sure they can connect to the scoring server and practice locking down a system.  The first challenge round was on October 23, 2010.  Things started off a little rough because it was the first time the cadets had worked with Windows 2003 instead of Windows XP.  As a Mentor, like the coach, we are not permitted to assist during the challenges.  Although the team did not make all the right decisions, they were able to learn from their errors and make really good progress before the challenge completed.   Due to some technical difficulties, we were not able to see our score, so hopefully it will be available soon.  Until then, we are going to continue working with the team to help prepare them for the next challenge round. 

I encourage anyone with security expertise to help get involved in this great organization.  for more information you can find it at http://www.uscyberpatriot.org.

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2 Comments on Cyber Patriot III

  1. Abraham on Thu, 4th Nov 2010 1:00 am

    2. Hello,
    I am a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol and Air Force JROTC.
    My JROTC unit is also participating in this program.
    During the practice rounds, my team did not fare very well.
    I was wondering if you could give us some insight or tips on how to do better during the competition rounds.

    Thank you,
    c/CMSgt. Abraham Cheng
    Moanalua High School
    AFJROTC

  2. James Jardine on Thu, 11th Nov 2010 7:35 am

    3. I would be glad to help out. I am signed up as a mentor for the program so I am not sure if there is a way to add me as a mentor on the site or not. Your coach might be able to help with that. I can also be reached at my email address. James@.