By CPT Joseph Siemandel
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – The Washington Army National Guard is partnering with the University of Washington to host the Cyber Defense Challenge this weekend (May 11) at Camp Murray.
The Cyber Defense Challenge is the third and final event of a three event series designed to challenge and sharpen cyber defenders from the military and civilian communities.
“This collaboration between the Guard and the University of Washington is one of many essential partnerships among the public and private sector designed to enhance cyber defense skills. Protecting critical infrastructure and services is in everyone’s best interest,” said Major General Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard.
Approximately 50 people will participate, which will include college students, a few high school students, civilian state employees, and National Guard members from both Oregon and Washington. Participants will be briefed on recent lessons learned and break into 8-10 person teams. Teams will work together to defend a natural gas pipeline from a cyber attack. The goal is to compel network defenders to continually think through difficult challenges, and find innovative solutions in defending the network.
The Washington National Guard has units and personnel dedicated to cyber defense in its Air and Army branches.
Interested media are requested to RSVP to pao@washingtonguard.org
The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington state, and serving as sentinels for freedom overseas.