Cyber 9/12,

About the event

Now entering its twelfth year globally, the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge is a one-of-a-kind cyber competition designed to provide students from across academic disciplines with a deeper understanding of the policy and strategy challenges associated with management of tradeoffs during a cyber crisis. Part interactive learning experience and part competitive scenario exercise, it challenges students to respond to a realistic, evolving scenario of international cyber crisis, analyze the threat it poses to national, international, and private-sector interests, and provide recommendations on the best course of action to mitigate the crisis. Since its establishment in Washington, DC in 2012, the competition has expanded its reach globally, with regional competitions across the United States, as well as in London, Dundee, Geneva, Paris, Santo Domingo, Tashkent, and Cape Town.

Through the competition, students have the unique opportunity to interact with expert mentors and high-level cyber professionals while developing valuable skills in policy analysis and presentation. To date, the competition has engaged over one thousand students from universities in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Indo-Pacific, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Through its unique crisis scenario format, mentorship, recruiting, and networking opportunities, the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge has expanded its global reach, will continue to build on its reputation as a pipeline for the next generation of cyber policymakers, and will continue to grow as a global community of multidisciplinary cybersecurity professionals.

Why should you sponsor?

Sponsoring the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge provides a unique opportunity for organizations to support the development of the next generation of cybersecurity and policy professionals. The competition, with its origins in Washington, DC, has evolved into a global event that challenges students to navigate complex cyber crises, analyze their impact on national and private-sector interests, and develop effective crisis mitigation strategies. By sponsoring this event, organizations contribute to the cultivation of a global community of multidisciplinary cybersecurity professionals, with over a thousand students participating from universities worldwide.

Participating students gain invaluable experience through engaging with expert mentors and high-level cyber professionals, enhancing their skills in policy analysis and presentation. The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge not only serves as a platform for skill development but also facilitates networking, mentorship, and recruiting opportunities. The event's commitment to fostering global cybersecurity expertise aligns with the goals of the USAF ROTC Southwest Region, making it a strategic investment for organizations looking to support the education and training of future leaders in the cyber and security policy space. With its intensive two-day schedule and additional side-programming events, the competition offers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond the traditional academic setting, making it an ideal platform for sponsorship.

Steffanie Urbano

With a robust background in intelligence analysis spanning both military and private sectors, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Having served four years in the active-duty Air Force as an intelligence analyst, I honed my skills in dissecting complex scenarios and identifying critical threats to national security. Transitioning to the private sector for two years, I extended my analytical prowess to assess business and supply chain threats, broadening my understanding of the intersection between national security and corporate interests. Currently a senior at Arizona State University majoring in international policy, I am poised to enter the Space Force as an intelligence officer, eager to apply my diverse insights to the ever-evolving landscape of space and cyber security. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in mentoring and leading a team of cadets, who represent the future of military and cybersecurity officers. Excited for the opportunity to represent the exceptional talents of the U.S. Air Force, I am keen to delve into policy discussions, contributing and learning in equal measure.

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