Unlike other CTF’s that can throw you immediately into some very difficult challenges, the NCL has gone to exceptional lengths to provide a ‘gym’ that emulates the competition itself and serves as a place to practice prior to the event start.
CHEVY CHASE, Md. (PRWEB) April 25, 2019
As the demand for knowledgeable cybersecurity experts grows, so too does the need for quality training. The National Cyber League (NCL) provides intense preparation through addicting virtual, game-like competition, which was reflected in its record high registration for the Spring Season.
This season, NCL had 5,026 registrants, up from 3,350 in 2018 and 1,891 in 2017. This growth reflects how the NCL has become popular in the information security education community. The NCL is an experience and a challenge for high school and college students. It is designed for both rookies and accomplished players to expose them to real-world cybersecurity scenarios to see how their skills stack up. This offensive and defensive, Capture the Flag (CTF)-like, virtual competition uses relevant tools and real scenarios to test participants’ cybersecurity talents. NCL does not teach skills but forces players to teach themselves how to solve challenges. The game has revolutionized how cybersecurity is learned. By the end of the competition, players receive Scouting Reports to assess their strengths and weaknesses in order to continue developing their skills.
NCL is unique because it offers events in “seasons” so that players can build their skillsets through gym training, a preseason and individual and team game events. The individual game allows students to face-off but still learn and have fun while the team game allows players to combine strengths and weaknesses and learn from each other to complete challenges. NCL is a standout arena for students to grow while pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
"If you are curious about cybersecurity, I highly recommend participating in an NCL season. It was through my first season with the NCL that I discovered a career path I am truly passionate about. What I discovered was a community that has a vested interest in teaching and supporting one another. This is also evident in the manner in which it designed their CTF events,” said Whitney Kahn, an NCL participant. “Unlike other CTF’s that can throw you immediately into some very difficult challenges, the NCL has gone to exceptional lengths to provide a ‘gym’ that emulates the competition itself and serves as a place to practice prior to the event start. The gym provides introductory materials and challenges, ample explanations and serves to build confidence for the impending competition. This design also contributes to building your confidence and capability in each of the areas that you are tasked with over the course of each stage of the competition from season to season."
For more information, visit http://www.nationalcyberleague.org.
About National Cyber League
The National Cyber League (NCL) provides a cybersecurity training ground in a high-fidelity simulation environment that requires participants to work individually in the Regular Season and in teams during the Postseason events. The NCL events are designed for participants to solve real problems with actual deadlines under time, technical and resource constraints. The NCL assists higher education institutions across the country in student preparation for its events and also for professional certifications. Companies seeking qualified talent can access the NCL’s Scouting Reports to evaluate potential cybersecurity professionals who have demonstrated skills in the NCL events. The NCL is where cybersecurity is a passion for students, faculty and the workforce. To learn more, visit nationalcyberleague.org.