Engaging Novices in Cybersecurity Competitions: A Vision and Lessons Learned at ACM Tapia 2015

Authors: 

Jelena Mirkovic, University of Southern California and Information Sciences Institute; Aimee Tabor, University of California, Berkeley; Simon Woo, University of Southern California and Information Sciences Institute; Portia Pusey, National CyberWatch Center

Abstract: 

Cybersecurity competitions are popular tools for attracting students to cybersecurity field. Yet, many competitions require extensive preparation, strong coding skills and solid background knowledge, not just in security, but also in system administration, networking and operating systems. As such, competitions may discourage novices that lack in one of these required areas. In this paper we discuss our experience in using Class Capture-the-Flag Exercises (CCTFs) to bridge this gap in classes, and in 2015 ACM Richard Tapia Security workshop. We recount lessons learned and map a way forward, towards collaborative, more structured cybersecurity competitions that better support and engage novices, and offer a positive learning experience to all.

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BibTeX
@inproceedings {191755,
author = {Jelena Mirkovic and Aimee Tabor and Simon Woo and Portia Pusey},
title = {Engaging Novices in Cybersecurity Competitions: A Vision and Lessons Learned at {ACM} Tapia 2015},
booktitle = {2015 USENIX Summit on Gaming, Games, and Gamification in Security Education (3GSE 15)},
year = {2015},
address = {Washington, D.C.},
url = {https://www.usenix.org/conference/3gse15/summit-program/presentation/mirkovic},
publisher = {USENIX Association},
month = aug
}
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