Cyber Defense
Unforttunately the Cybert Defense opportunities in Central Illinois have diminished since 2020. At the 2023 STEM Fair there will be an exhibit on CyberPatriot, an activity that teaches students how to defend computer systems in one of the hotest growing fields. You can learn more about how to start a CyberPatriot team at that exhibit.
Past Cyber Defense opportunities:
Where to start? Really the best place to start with Cyber Defense is with learning to code. Check out the Computer Programming page for details on those opportunities. Another good exhibit to visit at the 2019 STEM Fair is the FBI Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) exhibit, where an FBI agent will show you all the technology used to perform digital forensics and how the FBI is involved with cyber defense.
Hands-on: CyberPatriot is the best hands-on competition available. Either your school can start a team - stop by the CyberPatriot exhibit to learn how - or you can get involved in CyberPatriot through the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
College and Career: Both UIS and ISU have extensive cyber defense training programs which include participation in national agencies and competitions.