What is the Missouri Cybersecurity Challenge?
The Missouri Cybersecurity Challenge is a multi-round competition that tests students’ skills in networking, programming and operating system security.
Who can participate?
Missouri high school students.
What is the cost to participate?
Free for MOREnet members. $185 per team for nonmembers.
How can a district become a MOREnet member?
Send your request to info@more.net or call (800) 509-6673. We will put you in touch with a Member Services Advisor.
What are the requirements?
Students should have an interest in cybersecurity and familiarity with computers.
Why participate?
The cybersecurity talent gap is an industry crisis. It is reported that there will be more than 3.5 million unfilled jobs in cybersecurity by next year. The goal of the Missouri Cybersecurity Challenge is to expose cybersecurity to students and schools through the use of exercises that will enhance their education and spark a movement that creates a path toward fulfilling a career in the cybersecurity field.
How many students are on a team?
Teams consist of no more than three high school students and one adult school sponsor.
Can a school send more than one team?
Organizations can have multiple teams.
What skills are needed to participate?
Participants should have a knowledge base and some familiarity (in theory) with one to two of the concepts below. Beginners will practice the techniques associated with the theory and advanced players will demonstrate the knowledge, skill or ability to perform them in this cyber exercise challenge.
- Linux command line knowledge
- Windows and Linux service exploitation
- Port scanning, networking scanning, vulnerability scanning
- SQL injection
- PHP code exploitation
- PII discovery
- Privilege escalation
- Brute force password attacks
- Password hash cracking
- Forensics and reverse engineering
- Reconnaissance or open source intelligence (OSINT) gathering
- Understanding of basic network functions, standards and protocol
- Familiarity with a scripting language, with a focus on Python and PowerShell
- Some knowledge of common logical security controls
Do students need to be enrolled in a cybersecurity or programming course?
No. All students with the desire to learn more about cybersecurity are encouraged to participate.