TikTok's Partnership with US Cyber Games and Commitment to Cybersecurity Education

TikTok is proud to be the founding sponsor of the inaugural US Cyber Games™ and US Cyber Team. This collaboration is led by Katzcy in partnership with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) program at the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The US Cyber Games is an esports-style program that aims to inspire emerging cybersecurity talent by harnessing the engagement and educational benefits of gaming.

The importance of cybersecurity as a STEM discipline cannot be overstated, as it is one of the most serious challenges facing countries worldwide. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow significantly, with an estimated 1.8 million unfilled positions by 2022. To address this need, TikTok, as a fast-growing global entertainment and technology company, is uniquely positioned to encourage young people from all backgrounds to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

The US Cyber Games started with the US Cyber Open, a free two-week competition that welcomed athletes aged 18 to 26 of all skill levels. Participants underwent aptitude evaluations, interviews with coaches, weekly training, and advanced competitions to build their portfolio of achievements. The top 20 cyber athletes were then selected to join the first US Cyber Team, which will represent the US at the inaugural International Cybersecurity Challenge (ICC) in Athens, Greece.

The support for the US Cyber Games and ICC from cybersecurity leaders across the public and private sectors is encouraging. TikTok's partnership with the US Cyber Games will help advance education and awareness of cybersecurity opportunities worldwide, both in technical and non-technical roles. This partnership aims to build a safer and more secure digital world by enhancing national and regional efforts.

TikTok Chief Security Officer Roland Cloutier, who has joined the US Cyber Games board, believes that addressing under participation in STEM fields is crucial for developing a stronger global workforce and inspiring creativity to shape the future. TikTok is proud to join forces with like-minded leaders to level the playing field and ensure a safe and prosperous future for generations to come.

As a global organization, TikTok is also exploring ways to support cyber athletes and teams in other regions around the world as they prepare to compete in Greece.

The coaching team for the US Cyber Games is led by head coach Dr. TJ O'Connor, an experienced cybersecurity professional and a former communications officer in the US Army Special Forces. The coaching team also includes Jasmine Jackson, a senior applications security engineer, and Rob Fuller, a former US Marine Corps member and current senior technical advisor.

In addition to the coaching team, there are three senior technical mentors: Bryson Payne, Ph.D., a professor at the University of North Georgia; Dane Brown, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the US Naval Academy; and Suzanna Schmeelk, Ph.D., an assistant professor at St. John’s University.

Overall, TikTok's partnership with the US Cyber Games and its commitment to cybersecurity education and awareness demonstrate its dedication to creating a safer digital world and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.