CyberForce Competition - Plan & Fund Now

CyberForce Competition 2025

The CyberForce Competition is an unparalleled opportunity for cybersecurity students to test their skills in a simulated industrial control environment. Participants identify vulnerabilities, implement fixes, and respond to live cyber attacks—all while ensuring critical services remain operational. Contestants earn points in several judgement categories including technical and soft skills. Students make professional connections and receive invaluable mentorship at these events.

Imagine adding this notable experience to your resume and discussing it in job interviews!

If you’re considering joining this exciting challenge, now is the time to prepare.

What Is the CyberForce Competition?

Operated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), CyberForce, is a workforce development program that seeks to inspire and develop the next generation of cyber defenders for the energy sector. Its projects include cyber competitions, webinars, learning resources, and career fairs.

The DOE’s National Laboratories are leveraged to develop the unique scenarios and facilitate participation by students from across the United States. 

The blueprint for the CyberForce competition is a familiar one. The Blue team defends while the Red team attacks. The Green team (users) inserts service requests while expecting the business to remain operational. Reports and situation updates are delivered to the Orange team (executives).

The CyberForce competitions have a unique differentiating factor: The scenarios are industrial control focused and mimic incidents that happen in the energy sector.

Teams are judged on their ability to manage the attacks effectively, demonstrating technical proficiency and maintaining operational resilience. Remember to bring your soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork as these will be judged too!

Event Timeline and Details

• When: November 14-15, 2025.
• Where: Most recently held in St. Charles, Illinois; final details for this year are to be announced.
• Who Can Participate:  All participants must be collegiate students in degree-seeking programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Must participate in a team of 4-6 students.
• How It Works:
  • Prior to competition: Teams attend education sessions, gain access to the environment, submit pre-competition artifacts for scoring.
  • Friday: Teams arrive for orientation and setup.
  • Saturday Morning: Teams familiarize themselves with the environment, identify weaknesses, and implement hardening measures.
  • Saturday Afternoon: The live attack phase begins, where teams must respond to Red Team incursions and Green Team requests.
  • EOD Saturday: Winners announced.
• Cost: There is no entrance fee. Some meals are provided. Students must gather funding to pay for travel.

Why Start Preparing Now?

Securing funding and assembling your team takes time. To participate, schools need to send at least one team of 4-6 students along with a supervising faculty member. Expenses typically include airfare and accommodations. Waiting until summer or fall to organize these logistics could jeopardize your participation.

Funding Tips

• Engage Academic Advisors: Work with your teachers and advisors to identify additional funding sources.
• Reach Out to Utility Companies: If scholarships are unavailable, try contacting local utility companies. They may be delighted to support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals entering the energy sector. Sponsoring your team can provide them with valuable recognition and access to soon-to-be graduates.
• Start Early: Building relationships with potential sponsors and securing funds takes time. Don’t delay.

For more ideas on how to assemble and prepare a team and how to secure funding, contact Ann Wright-Mockler at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Ann.Wrightmockler@pnnl.gov.

Application Process

Fill out the application online by supplying team member names and academic sponsor information. When applications open in August, access the link at the CyberForce website. The first team from any given school is accepted first. Subsequent teams from the same school are accepted if space allows. The competition typically involves 90-100 teams.

How to Prepare

Maximize your chances of success by leveraging the following resources:

• Email Alerts: Sign up for updates at CyberForce’s website.
• Webinars: Access informative sessions on past and upcoming competitions at the CyberForce webinar page.
• Conquer the Hill Challenges: Participate in these events to hone your skills. The next challenge, a "Command" edition, takes place on February 22.
• CyberForce 101 Library: Study instructional materials covering a range of relevant topics. Explore the library at CyberForce 101.

The Value of Competing

Participating in the CyberForce Competition offers immense benefits, including:

• Access to the online student career fair, usually in September or October.
• Simulated real-world experience in managing industrial control system environments.
• A standout addition to your digital portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and resume.
• Hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the cybersecurity industry.

Start Planning Today

Start planning now for participation in the fall of 2025. Assemble your team, secure funding, and begin your preparation. The earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be to excel in this prestigious event and showcase your capabilities on a national stage.