High school students encouraged to enter cybersecurity competition

Registration is now open for the 2020 Girls Go CyberStart program, which aims to support and inspire high school girls across Virginia to explore careers in cybersecurity and computer science.

The competition, sponsored by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, is free and open to girls in grades nine through 12. Students will complete immersion training in an online game environment in key areas of cybersecurity, exploring topics such as cryptography and digital forensics and passing certification exams as they gain the knowledge, tools and techniques needed to launch a career in cybersecurity. When courses are completed, cyber workforce-ready students will be introduced to select employers for internships and employment opportunities.

Students can participate at both home and school, or wherever an Internet connection is available. Participating students (and their teachers) do not need knowledge or experience in IT or cybersecurity to participate.

More than 800 young women from 88 Virginia high schools participated in the 2019 program, earning $10,600 in cash prizes and scholarships for Virginia schools and students. Four Virginia high schools qualified for the national championship competition.

Registration for Girls Go CyberStart is open until Jan. 31, with online gaming commencing on Feb. 10. For details, visit girlsgocyberstart.org.