Cyber Competition at Moraine Valley Prime Recruiting for Employers

Computer hackers can destroy a person or company’s identity, finances or livelihood. But properly trained individuals can protect those investments. One of the best places to find these qualified candidates is at the annual Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. Devised by the National Resource Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance (CSSIA), this regional event will be held Friday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, at 9 a.m. at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy in Palos Hills, Ill.

This competition brings together student teams from Midwest colleges and universities to measure their ability to maintain secure computer network operations in a simulated business environment while a “hacker” team attempts to scan and map the network of each group, access security, capture and leave specific files on targeted devices, and penetrate the defensive capabilities of the network. Teams from DePaul University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Indiana Tech University, Baker College of Clinton Township, Century College, St. Cloud State University, Rhodes State College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College each won their state competition to advance to regionals.

Students will compete virtually or in-person using Moraine Valley’s Virtualization Data Center, a one-of-a-kind cyber lab with 192 servers. Since 2003, Moraine Valley has been the lead institution for CSSIA as a regional center for five states with a focus on curriculum development, outreach, and faculty development and mentoring. Participation in this intense competition gives students an advantage and opportunity for employment, a unique situation for those studying this field.     

An important outcome of this event is job recruitment. Businesses are welcome to observe and interview cyber security candidates. “I see it every year, kids being offered a job on the spot,” said Bob Thomas, chief of information technology with FEMA Region V. “The students are given an opportunity to show off their skills, and employers are then given the opportunity to evaluate and recruit.”

All students who compete have their resumes ready and are prepared to interview at the event. Businesses are invited to set up a recruiting table on Friday, March 16, at 7 p.m. and join Deloitte and Touche, LLP, the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, US Army INSCOM Cyber Brigade, Department of Homeland Security, DELL SecureWorks and EC-Council to observe potential employees in action. At 9 p.m., employers will have an opportunity to discuss career options with students during CSSIA’s industry fair. 

“The Midwest competition plays an important role in building the nation’s future cyber workforce,” said John Clark, partner with Deloitte and Touche, LLP. “The exercises are vital training for people who will be safeguarding the nation’s systems and infrastructure. Deloitte is committed to the development of a strong cyber workforce. Both government and industry are experiencing an acute shortage of people with cyber skills, and we recognize the need to both encourage and develop the top minds in this industry.” 

To set up a table and participate in the CSSIA industry fair or for additional information, contact Ginny Swyndroski at (708) 974-5725 or email SwyndroskiV@morainevalley.edu.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure.