July 27, 2009

Markell, Carper Announce Cyber Challenge In Delaware

WASHINGTON  -- Gov. Jack Markell and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper announced Monday  that the Center for Strategic and International Studies selected the State of Delaware as one of the six state partners that will help lead the new U.S. Cyber Challenge. The goal of the Cyber Challenge is to identify and nurture America's top young people destined for careers in cyber security.

Recognizing that the United States is not training enough students in math and science, the. Cyber Challenge will encourage high school and college students to learn advanced skills to protect computer networks. This program will develop their skills, give them access to advanced education and exercises, and connect them with colleges and employers where their skills can be of the greatest value to the nation.

"Protecting the public is one of government's most fundamental responsibilities," Markell said. "It is not enough to just worry about the criminals on the street. We also have to be prepared to protect Delawareans from on-line threats."

"Every month we read more and more about cyber attacks against private citizens, companies, and even our government," said Sen. Carper. "Unfortunately, our country doesn't have enough people who really know how to defend our critical networks from these types of attacks. I am proud that Delaware - once again - has been named as a state to help the United States continue be the most competitive and most secure nation in cyberspace today."

More information about the competitions can be found at the U.S. Cyber Challenge website at http://www.csis.org/uscc . The Delaware state coordinator for the program is Elayne Starkey who can be reached at Elayne.Starkey@state.de.us for additional information.