CyberAero - A Capture-the-Flag Competition

The global shortage of cybersecurity professionals is projected to reach millions in the coming years, leaving critical industries, such as aerospace, vulnerable to cyber threats. To bridge this gap, early exposure to cybersecurity education is vital. Yet, K-12 computer education often falls short of preparing students for the demands of cybersecurity careers, highlighting the need for more hands-on learning opportunities. CyberAero is a one-of-a-kind Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition designed as an immersive cybersecurity experience for high school students. Unlike traditional CTFs, participants are challenged to tackle hands-on scenarios inspired by real-world aerospace cybersecurity threats. With guidance from Embry-Riddle cybersecurity students actively working in the field, participants will experience how cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting critical systems. This competition gamifies cybersecurity concepts, making learning engaging and inspirational no prior experience required. Participants will explore key cybersecurity topics, including computer forensics, open-source intelligence (OSINT), web exploitation, digital forensics, terminal navigation, networking, and programming, in individual and team-based formats. Throughout the event, Embry-Riddle cybersecurity students will be present to mentor and assist high school participants, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning experience. Beyond technical skills, CyberAero introduces students to incident response techniques, preparing them for potential future roles in cybersecurity. Our goal is for CyberAero to ignite a passion for cybersecurity among high school students and encourage them to become the next generation of cyber defenders protecting our digital and aerospace domains. Whether students are exploring cybersecurity for the first time or already have an interest, this competition provides a fun, hands-on, and immersive experience to develop essential skills in a rapidly growing field.