Columbia, MO – January 21, 2025: The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) is pleased to announce the teams advancing to the live, in-person finals of the 2025 Missouri High School Cybersecurity Challenge, a statewide event designed to both inspire and showcase the next generation of cybersecurity talent. The competition, which is funded in part by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) through computer science standard funding, featured a virtual preliminary round that included challenges to solve encryption, coding and cyber best practices.
Students from across Missouri formed three-person teams to participate in the virtual round, which challenged them to demonstrate their cybersecurity knowledge and problem-solving skills in a simulated, high-stakes, but safely controlled, environment. Using CYBER.org’s cyber range platform, teams were presented with a series of real-world scenarios involving network defense, ethical hacking, and security protocol analysis. The range provided students with hands-on experience in a controlled, immersive environment, preparing them for the challenges of the rapidly evolving digital world.
As technology continues to advance, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. Events like the Missouri High School Cybersecurity Challenge are critical to developing the next generation of talent in a field that is essential for protecting sensitive data, safeguarding infrastructure, and ensuring the security of online systems. The virtual round, which was designed to emulate real-world cybersecurity challenges, not only tested students’ technical skills but also fostered teamwork, communication, and critical thinking — all crucial attributes for success in today’s digital economy.
Eleven teams from six schools are advancing to the in-person finals based on scores from the preliminary competition. Summit Technology Academy from Lee’s Summit has six of the eleven teams. Other schools represented with one team each include Pattonville High School, Timberland High School in Wentzville, Fort Zumwalt West High School, Saline County Career Center in Marshall and Marionville High School.
The final round will take place on Wednesday, February 19 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Mo. During this in-person event, teams will face off in even more complex cybersecurity challenges, competing for the title of Missouri’s top high school cybersecurity team.
“We are thrilled to see the level of talent and enthusiasm displayed by these students,” said Natasha Angell, Executive Director of MOREnet. “The cybersecurity skills developed through this competition will not only prepare these students for future careers but also contribute to the broader effort of strengthening Missouri’s digital infrastructure.” The Missouri High School Cybersecurity Challenge is part of a broader initiative to encourage high school students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. With ongoing support from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and other industry leaders, as well as higher education institutions, this event plays a pivotal role in shaping Missouri’s cybersecurity workforce of the future.