Cyber Aces to find cybersecurity talent

Veterans, students ideal for recession-proof jobs

[September 10, 2013]  CHICAGO -- The Illinois' Cyber Aces State Championship is now in the second round of competition to identify individuals with the skills to excel in the emerging cybersecurity field. The Illinois Department of Employment Security made the announcement last week.

The challenge is part of Gov. Pat Quinn's agenda to grow the Illinois economy, increase public safety and help veterans, students and career-changers enter the growing cyber workforce and obtain meaningful employment.

"We are reminded every day of the critical importance cybersecurity jobs have in the public and private sector. These positions are in demand, pay extremely well and are recession-proof," said IDES Director Jay Rowell. "This challenge is a unique way to identify talent, especially among our veterans, community college students and career-changers."

Here's how the free virtual competition works: The competition focuses on three critical modules: computer networking, operating systems and system administration. Anyone can compete. Contestants go to www.cyberaces.org to register, complete a tutorial, and practice between now and the first quiz, which will be on Oct. 15. The competition, also virtual, is at the same website and must be completed Oct. 15 or 16.

This is the second phase of the yearlong effort. The first phase occurred in the spring, and additional competition dates are scheduled to begin Nov. 5 and Dec. 18. Qualifiers who perform best in the three competitions will compete in a championship round Feb. 28-March 1.

"Cyber Aces is thrilled to continue our partnership with Gov. Quinn to help Illinois provide its citizens with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to fill critical jobs in online security," said Alan Paller, founder of Cyber Aces.

[Text from Illinois Department of Employment Security file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]