Companies, schools and communities desperately want to get into the cybersecurity scene and improve their security posture. Organizations throw endless amounts of money at the problem in hopes of finding a solution -- but the answer only comes from people. The solutions comes from a collective of individuals that are passionate about technology, computers, and who want to make the world better just by trying to understand interesting things and solve interesting problems. So, the need to build a cyber security team of hackers and programmers emerges, and the question that remains is how to improve and practice. Enter Capture the Flag: a gamified means of sharpening a person's skillset and keeping the individual engaged in the cybersecurity culture. But one CTF competition couldn't possibility make the next l33t h@x0r -- and thus a certain methodology and structure should be in place to build up a team. That means giving meaning to practice, providing knowledge in-depth, and ensuring that a team of hackers is ultimately enjoying themselves and finding a love for their craft. Cultivating a team and fostering an environment to encourage growth can be done with simple techniques: it just takes a personal touch to a digital world.
Audience: Everyone interested in computer science and cyber security. The talk is introductory in nature, but aspects apply to seasoned veterans and individuals with any amount of experience.
US Coast Guard hacker and CTF enthusiast. USCG Academy Cyber Team Captain who led the team to winning placements in multiple competitions, both civilian and military. Personally developed training material & infosec challenges, and briefed multiple VIPs on cyber security (USCG Commandant, members of Congress, DHS NPPD Undersecreary). Instructor and curriculum author for Coast Guard course on ""Introduction to Linux,"" with gamifying learning material and classroom activities. Online YouTube personality to showcase programming tutorials, cyber security guides, and CTF video walkthroughs.