MEDIA ADVISORY: University of Missouri System’s MOREnet to host cybersecurity challenge

WHAT:             

The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) and the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence have partnered to host the grand finale of the Missouri High School Cyber Security Challenge. In conjunction with MOREnet’s annual conference, Gov. Mike Parson and other dignitaries will recognize the highest performers from ten teams hailing from seven Missouri high schools. 

“It is estimated that there will likely be 3.5 million unfilled cyber security jobs by 2021. It's vitally important we do what we can to expose students to cyber security concepts and practice,” said Natasha Angell, MOREnet executive director. “Learning how to penetrate a network from a hacker's viewpoint helps prepare future cyber security experts for the challenges they will face on the job.” 

Previously, students competed in a multi-round competition testing their skills in networking, programming and operating system security. Teams of three students collaborated to solve real-world challenges such as brute force password attacks, PHP code exploitation and vulnerability scanning.  The teams were then evaluated on the number of completed virtual challenges as well as the highest demonstrated mastery of the essential cyber security skills.

WHO:

• Dan Commons, chief information security officer, U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid
• Jason Martin, services directorate executive, U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency
• Mike Parson, Missouri governor
• Angela Robinson, a cybersecurity specialist, Missouri Office of Homeland Security

WHEN: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9

WHERE: Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, MO

NOTE: Reporters interested in covering the challenge should contact Liz McCune at 573-882-6212 or McCuneE@missouri.edu

The following teams will be competing in the event:

About MOREnet

The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) is a member-driven consortium serving Missouri's K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries, state and local government, teaching hospitals and clinics and other affiliate organizations. MOREnet, which operates as a separate business unit within the University of Missouri System, was created in 1991 to deliver secure, reliable and robust Internet connectivity to its members. Today, MOREnet has evolved from an Internet service provider to an organization deploying and supporting the technology resources its members need to be successful. MOREnet provides technical support, videoconferencing support, technical training, hosted and managed cloud services, disaster recovery services and network security. MOREnet is committed to supporting and enabling its members’ missions through the use of technology to enhance opportunities for public access, learning and research.

About MCCoE:

The Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (MCCoE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit security operations center that serves students, businesses, government agencies, and the community. The MCCoE provides security services through its staff and student interns. By providing a rich and interactive learning environment, we build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, connect the right people to the right careers, and close the gap in demand for these professionals in the State of Missouri regional workplace. 

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