Cyber security challenge relaunches

A new phase of the Cyber Security Challenge was launched today, testing the skills of 500 participants in a variety of online tests.

The challenge begins with the QinetiQ Network Defence Competition, which asks entrants to design a secure network architecture of the type that an enterprise might run.

This is followed by the SANS Packet Capture Analysis competition, which goes live early next week and will test both the ability of cyber enthusiasts to identify vulnerabilities in IT networks and protect systems exposed to simulated cyber attacks.

"We are not just looking for technically competent people," said Charles Hodgson, director of the network defence competition at engineering and software firm QinetiQ. "Cyber security requires a rounded skillset with team players who can utilise everything they have at their disposal to deliver innovative solutions to difficult situations.

Hodgson explained that the abilities needed to succeed in the competition are those most needed to find work in the industry.

"The skills we are testing with these competitions are in demand across the whole sector right now, especially in areas like managed services, penetration testing, digital investigations, information assurance consultancy, network administration and development of cyber strategy," he said.

The SANS part of the competition tests digital forensics skills, these are also much in demand.

"There is a need in the industry for the advanced intrusion analysis and digital forensic skills tested by this competition", said Terry Neal, EMEA director at cyber security research and training organisation SANS Institute.

Neal hopes the competition will encourage participants to consider a career in cyber security. "While this initial stage is aimed at the intermediate players you find in college and universities, we believe these games can inspire a group of already proficient amateurs to focus their further education and career development down this particular path," said Neal.

The winners of these competitions will progress to the next round to take place at the beginning of 2011. This will involve a series of head-to-head tasks at the start of next year.