CAP Cyber Introduction
The Need for Cyber Security Professionals
Computer systems impact our daily lives in so many ways. Moreover, computers and networks are an integral part of the United States economy and a key component of our national security. Over the last several years, our reliance on computers and networks has grown and our nation’s adversaries have taken note.
Hardly a day goes by when a major security breach is reported. Credit card numbers were taken from Home Depot and Target. Health information was taken from Anthem Blue Cross and hundreds of thousands of files containing the personal background information on individuals with security clearances were taken.
Whether these actions were undertaken by common criminals or nation states, the need to protect our personal, corporate, and government assets has never been greater.
In 2009, the Air Force Association created the CyberPatriot program to address our nation's critical shortage of cyber professionals. One CAP team and seven JROTC teams from Florida competed in the pilot program. Since those early days, CAP has been involved in expanding the program to reach more and more students to help develop the next generation of cyber professionals.
National Cadet Cyber Programs (NCCyP) Team
Over the years, some teams have done extremely well in the CyberPatriot program. Others have struggled to simply get started. To help organize Civil Air Patrol's efforts within the CyberPatriot community, the CAP National Staff has formed a National Cadet Cyber Programs (NCCyP) Team. The NCCyP Team is tasked with not only increasing and improving CAP's participation in CyberPatriot but in developing recognition programs for cadets and seniors and also developing training material, national cadet special activities, and supporting the regions and wings in developing their cyber programs.
Objective and Goals of the National Cadet Cyber Programs Team
Establish and maintain an active relationship with USAF cyber units
Establish and maintain an active relationship with commercial industry
Educate, train, and certify CAP members in cyber security concepts
Promote cyber defense competitions
Purpose of this Document
There are four primary activities necessary for building a successful CyberPatriot Team:
Recruiting and Forming the Team
Equipping and Preparing the Team
Training and Building the Team
Organizing Team for Competition Success
Each of these aspects will be described later in the document.
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