Competition highlights cybersecurity jobs in Connecticut

Posted on March 2, 2019

A new competition is highlighting cybersecurity jobs in Connecticut.

Governor Ned Lamont is encouraging young women in Connecticut high schools to take advantage of an opportunity to explore their aptitude for cybersecurity and computer science by participating in the 2019 Girls Go CyberStart program.

An initiative of the cybersecurity company SANS Institute, Girls Go CyberStart is a nationwide competition designed to inspire young women to explore careers in the field of cybersecurity.

Participating students – and their teachers – do not need prior knowledge or experience in information technology or cybersecurity to participate. It is free for all schools and students in grades 9 through 12, and participants only need a computer and an internet connection. In Connecticut, at least ten high school girls will receive $500 scholarships for participating.

“The fields of computer science and cybersecurity are growing in demand, and we do not want our next generation of young women to be left out of this conversation,” Governor Lamont said. “Exposing students to technology from an early age is the best way to engage them in considering this field as a career.”

“The reality is that there currently aren’t enough women in STEM fields,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This competition is a great opportunity to encourage girls and young women in Connecticut to pursue high-paying careers in cybersecurity and computer science. With more women working in STEM, we can begin to erase the gender pay gap.”

Participants will use the CyberStart game an online series of challenges that allow students to act as cyber protection agents to solve cybersecurity-related puzzles and explore exciting, relevant topics such as cryptography and digital forensics.