RESTON, Va., Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Katzcy, a woman-owned small business dedicated to growth hacking and cyber as a sport, today announced the inaugural month-long, virtual Cyber Carnival Games™ promoting Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) and the critical role of Cyber Gaming in building a strong workforce and helping individuals #BeCyberSmart. This unique event held throughout October 2020 brings together in one place six different gaming platform providers to deliver a fun learning experience for all. From virtual escape rooms to digital puzzles to full-on capture the flag, the Cyber Carnival celebrates cyber awareness by showcasing the power of gaming and competition to help learn and upskill.
Kicking off with an Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, October 6 featuring keynote speaker Kelvin Coleman, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the online event features a variety of interactive games, live-streamed speakers and performances, and team competitions for participants at all levels of security awareness and aptitude.
"Cyber games enable us to open the industry up to all new and diverse talent pools in a low-cost, fun way. The benefits can be seen in employee security awareness, cybersecurity upskilling, and overall employee morale," said Jessica Gulick, CEO of Katzcy Cyber Games. "This is a first step for Katzcy toward promoting cyber athletes and epic cyber sports."
Participants can register to play or in some cases watch cyber games and activities including:
"Cyber games such as capture the flag are absolutely essential to attracting talent and developing skills in cybersecurity," said David Raymond, director, U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech. "Katzcy's Cyber Carnival, and efforts like it, are a great way to do that and the U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech is thrilled to partner in this effort."
"We are happy to partner with Katzcy Cyber Games. With the rise of cyber gaming to train and retain cyber talent, we are able to tap new talent pools traditionally excluded due to training and education costs—bringing fresh, diverse backgrounds and mindsets to the industry. Events like the Cyber Carnival further open access to the industry," said Mari Galloway, CEO, Women's Society of Cyberjutsu.
Special thanks to our sponsors who made this event possible:
The Virtual Cyber Carnival Games is one of several epic cyber game experiences Katzcy creates for players and fans, including the upcoming Packet Wars HSK Invitational and cyber gaming tournament, Wicked 6 2021. Learn more
About Katzcy
Katzcy, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), is dedicated to growth, innovation, and progress. Katzcy Cyber Games helps the community grow through epic cyber games that teach skills and strategy to players and fans alike. We are dedicated to bringing together and inspiring the very best cybersecurity athletes, building a stronger and more diverse community by delivering the world's most exciting cyber games experience.