CyberStart America is the most enjoyable way to discover your talent, advance your skills and win scholarships in cybersecurity!

Get free access to CyberStart, an immersive cybersecurity training game for high school students, with over 200 fun-to-play challenges. Perfect for beginners!

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Loved by students

"I never knew how fun cybersecurity could be, but CyberStart proved me wrong!"

Building a community

Over 30,000 students discovered their talent and passion for cybersecurity last year.

Amazing prizes

$2 million of college scholarships have already been won by CyberStart players.

01 | What is CyberStart?

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Cybersecurity is a complex topic that can be difficult to learn and hard to know where to start - not any more with CyberStart

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How it works

CyberStart America gives students in 9th-12th grade free access to the world-renowned CyberStart game.

Tackle four unique bases, each focusing on both offensive and defensive cybersecurity disciplines.

Explore over 200 unique security challenges which you'll solve as a cybersecurity agent investigating criminal gangs.

Get access to an extensive field manual featuring video demos, top tips and essential background information to help with challenges.

Unlock a hidden interest, progress from novice to expert and demonstrate your skills to win scholarships.

See CyberStart in action with a tour from cybersecurity expert James Lyne

CyberStart was founded by James Lyne, a world leader in cybersecurity education. Built by an expert team of cybersecurity professionals, CyberStart gives you hands-on experience of real-world cybersecurity tasks and simulations that help you learn the skills you need to succeed!

02 | How does CyberStart America work?

Discover

Get started as a complete novice and uncover your hidden talent for cybersecurity

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Do you like gaming, puzzles or technology? Jump into learning cybersecurity with fun challenges and start defending the online world with your problem-solving skills. Progress at your own pace and when you’re stuck, get extra help with a field manual, hints, videos and an online community of friends!

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Talya, Texas

"If you told me two years ago that I would be interested in cybersecurity, I would laugh a good deal. Having tried out cybersecurity, I have come to realize that cybersecurity provides thrill, teamwork, mystery and competition! It doesn't matter what your personality is, cybersecurity could very likely fascinate you."

Read more about Talya and others' stories

Advance

Crack the codes, find the flags and deal with real-life cyber challenges as you build an impressive set of cyber credentials

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Learning with CyberStart means no textbooks or lectures, just fun challenges and simulations which advance your cybersecurity knowledge! Learn a vast range of skills - from computer programming and password security to steganography, network forensics and so much more!

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Desen, Delaware

"The challenges in CyberStart Game are exactly how they sound, a game! Except you're actually learning about how cybersecurity experts keep information safe or how a group of criminals might try to steal or actually conceal information."

Read more about Desen and others' stories

Win

Use CyberStart America to train for opportunities to win National Cyber Scholarships!

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Complete as many challenges as you can in CyberStart and you may qualify for scholarship opportunities offered by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation! Build a portfolio of skills, badges and certifications recognized and desired by employers so you can secure your dream role.

Find out more on the NCSF website

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Siddh, Texas

"I was able to go from zero cybersecurity knowledge at the beginning of this school year to becoming a Scholar today. CyberStart America was more fun and educational than other programs and helped me prepare the most."

Read more about Siddh's story

03 | What are the key dates and achievements?

Key dates

Registration for 2022 opens:

Oct 4 2022

Play CyberStart between:

Oct 4 2022 to Apr 4 2023

Top players invited to apply for scholarships:

Apr 6 2023

Scholarship application deadline:

Apr 20 2023

Scholarship winners announced:

May 10 2023

Achievements

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CSA Bronze Badge

You must be registered to the CSA program and gain at least 3000 points in CyberStart to earn this award.

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CSA Silver Badge

You must gain at least 50,000 points in CyberStart to earn this award.

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CSA Gold Badge

You must gain at least 100,000 points in CyberStart to earn this award.

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National Cyber Scholarship Awards

Top-scoring eligible players will be invited to apply for cyber training scholarships worth $3000.

Find out more on the NCSF website