TikTok Becomes Founding Sponsor of Inaugural US Cyber Games, US Cyber Team

TikTok revealed Monday that it is a founding sponsor of the inaugural US Cyber Games and US Cyber Team, led by social impact company Katzcy in collaboration with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education program at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. US Cyber Games is an esports-style program that blends the engagement and educational benefits of gaming with emerging cybersecurity talent, spurring them to demonstrate their vital skills and competencies in a global competition. Current sponsors include BAE Systems and AWS, CompTIA, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Cyware, Leidos, Procircular, Resecurity, Resolvn and Synack, and partners include CyberSeek, The CyberWire, Information Systems Security Association International, ITSP, National Cyber Security Alliance, the National Security Agency, OODA Loop, U.S. Cyber Range and Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu. The US Cyber Open took place earlier this year, with 18- to 26-year-old competitors completing an aptitude evaluation, interviewing with multiple coaches, training and facing off in advanced competitions. The 20 cyber-athletes who will make up the first US Cyber Team will be revealed Oct. 5, “Draft Day,” and the team will then train together and represent the U.S. at the inaugural International Cybersecurity Challenge in Athens in December. TikTok chef security officer Roland Cloutier became part of the US Cyber Games board, joining cybersecurity leaders including: former National Cyber Security Alliance executive director Kelvin Coleman; Freddie Mac director of risk governance and board reporting Linda Eddy; Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu CEO Mari Galloway; US Cyber Games commissioner and Katzcy CEO Jessica Gulick; Michael Harpin, competitions section chief at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; Leidos senior technologist for cybersecurity Arlette Hart; Ben Marks, Codebreaker Challenge lead for the NSA and the U.S. Department of Defense; Highline College cybersecurity and forensics lead Amelia Phillips; US Cyber Range of Virginia tech director David Raymond; NICE lead for academic engagement Davina Pruitt-Mentle; NICE lead for international engagement Danielle Santos; Dell Technologies vice president and business unit security officer Bobbie Stempfley; and By Light senior cyber business analyst Brad Wolfenden. The coaching team consists of: head coach T.J. O’Connor, cybersecurity program chair and Internet of Things security and privacy lab director at Florida Tech; Jeopardy!-style capture the flag coach Jasmine Jackson, senior applications security engineer at The Walt Disney Studios; and red versus blue coach Rob Fuller, senior technical advisor for major corporations. The team’s senior technical mentors are: Dane Brown, assistant professor and coach of the U.S. Naval Academy cyber team; Bryson Payne, professor and coach of the University of North Georgia cyber team; and Susanna Schmeelk, assistant professor and program director at St. John’s University. TikTok said it is also exploring ways to support cyber-athletes and teams in other regions of the world as they prepare for the International Cybersecurity Challenge. Cloutier said in a statement, “As a fast-growing global entertainment and technology company, TikTok is uniquely positioned to encourage young people from all backgrounds to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Addressing under-participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields is critical to enhancing opportunity for individuals, developing a stronger global workforce and inspiring creativity to shape our future. We're proud to join forces with like-minded leaders to level the playing field and ensure a safe, secure and prosperous future for future generations." Gulick added, “We're incredibly thankful to partner with TikTok to form our national team. At the heart of an elite cyber athlete is creativity, tenacity to solve problems and the ability to teach and learn as a team. The TikTok community offers an amazingly rich talent pool that embraces diversity, sharing and learning." National Cyber Security Alliance interim executive director Lisa Plaggemier said, "It's encouraging to see the US Cyber Games and International Cybersecurity Challenge receive widespread support from cybersecurity leaders across the public and private sectors. Welcoming TikTok as a partner will help advance education and awareness of opportunities in cybersecurity around the world, including both technical and non-technical roles for young people to join efforts to build a safer, more secure digital world." And European Union Agency for CyberSecurity head of capacity building unit Demosthenes Ikonomou added, "ENISA, together with other regional and international organizations, decided to design and host the first International Cybersecurity Challenge to attract young talent and raise awareness within the global community around the education and skills needed in cybersecurity. The first ICC event is expected to enhance national and regional efforts worldwide, and we look forward to welcoming all nine teams to one of the best cybersecurity competitions yet."

Software/Technology

TikTok Becomes Founding Sponsor of Inaugural US Cyber Games, US Cyber Team

It will compete at the inaugural International Cybersecurity Challenge in Athens in December

David Cohen

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David Cohen