Female students from local public high schools will learn about cyber security through fun games on line.
This is through the Girls Go Cyberstart Program, a free online cybersecurity game offered by the Sans Institute,
This is a private U.S. for-profit company founded in 1989 that specializes in information security and cybersecurity training.
According to a press release from the Governor’s Office the objective of the program is to introduce youth the field of cybersecurity with the aim of developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The program that’s now available to American Samoa is intended for female high school students.
Females were an underrepresented demographic in the pilot program that took place in the summer of last year.
The program gives participants the chance to explore and develop an interest in the field of cybersecurity.
They have the chance to win prizes for themselves and their schools.
The prizes include a trip, with a parent to the 2018 women in cyber security conference.
Sans director of research Alan Paller says women are woefully underrepresented in the technical side of cybersecurity.
By opening CyberStart to tens of thousands of high school girls, we may be able to help the nation identity the next generation of talented people who will excel in this critical field.
Girls in grades 9 to 12 are invited to play. No prior cyber security knowledge or experience is necessary.
Students only need a computer with internet connection and they can participant from home or school.
Registration opens January 29 to Feb 16.
The official game will be live from February 20-25.
For more information contact the Department of Homeland Security at 699-0411
