September 19, 2024 at 07:02AM
A new women’s cyber team, competing in the Kunoichi Cyber Games, will face international teams in Tokyo. The 12 members, including college students and professionals, will demonstrate their mastery of various cybersecurity skills during the Code Blue Conference. Led by veteran Ken Jenkins, the team aims to develop skills and confidence while building a talent pipeline for future competitions.
The meeting notes provide an overview of the upcoming Kunoichi Cyber Games, where a new Women’s Cyber Team will be commissioned to compete against international teams from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The team consists of 12 members, all women, with a mix of college students and cybersecurity professionals. The team will participate in a capture-the-flag (CTF) contest and an attack-and-defense competition at the 2024 Code Blue Conference in Tokyo.
The team’s head coach, Ken Jenkins, emphasizes the value of cyber gaming in developing skills and confidence while providing a safe environment for practicing cybersecurity techniques. The selection process for the team involved assessments of both technical and soft skills, with a focus on leadership and communication abilities.
The team has been participating in regular virtual office hours and mentorship sessions to prepare for the competition. Additionally, the program aims to build a talent pipeline for future teams by recruiting women aged 18 to 29 and providing them with the opportunity to serve as coaches and mentors for upcoming teams.
The members of the Women’s Cyber Team, such as Shiloh Smiles and Sarah Ogden, express their excitement about the unique opportunity to build technical skills, form connections with other women in cybersecurity, and participate in an international competition. While the focus is on performing well in the competition, the team also prioritizes the collaborative and networking aspects of the event.