Leidos hosts cybersecurity competition for West Virginia universities
Leidos and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) teamed up to host a cybersecurity challenge for three universities across West Virginia on November 14th and 15th.
The two-day competition, designed to promote cyber education and careers, brought together students from cyber programs at West Virginia University, Marshall University and the University of Charleston.
Why you should know: With roughly 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S., the need for expertise in cyber skills is critical. That need is even more important in areas like West Virginia which has become a key science and technology hub for government contractors.
Over 15 students took part in the competition which caught the attention of West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.
- “Cyber careers are crucial to our national security and stability,” said Manchin. “I am proud that organizations across the state like Leidos are investing in West Virginians who are interested in these careers. Initiatives like their cybersecurity challenge provide opportunities for young West Virginians to get involved in cybersecurity from a young age.”
Leidos has a growing footprint across West Virginia, which is a key part of the company’s cyber business development strategy.
- “Our work to help prevent cyberattacks is only achievable if we make meaningful investments not just in technology, but also in people,” said Clint Anderson, Cyber Program Manager for the Leidos Civil Group. “Our collaboration with local universities will help build tomorrow's team of problem solvers equipped to counter emerging cyberthreats.”
The students competed in a simulated cyber network with real-world threat scenarios, challenging them to detect cyber-attacks, determine a course of action, and provide suggestions how to counter the attacks and protect the network. These experiences provided them with insight they can draw upon in their future cyber goals and aspirations while in college and upon graduation.
- “Working together with my teammates showed me some of the ways cybersecurity professionals operate out in the real world,” said Colin Hunkele, a University of Charleston student. “This competition helped prepare me for what my future in cyber security might entail."
Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.
