Cybercrime is on the rise and only getting more complex. However, traditional education and certifications only go so far in preparing you against new and evolving cyber threats.

That's why Correlation One, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), created the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge — a high-stakes competition where participants tackle real-world cybersecurity scenarios that the DoD has confronted before. 

The next one is taking place on June 14, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to participate. Register now!

How the Cyber Sentinel trains you for high-stakes security roles 

The Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge pushes you to test your skills through 20+ capture the flag style simulations. The goal of each cybersecurity challenge is for you to uncover hidden vulnerabilities known as "flags". 

 Each challenge sharpens your cyber defenses by simulating threats the DoD has previously tackled. The challenges provide you with the opportunity to grow in: 

• Forensics – Analyze digital evidence and uncover threats
• Malware/Reverse Engineering  – Deconstruct and understand malicious code
• Networking & Reconnaissance — Identify vulnerabilities in network environments
• Open-Source Intelligence Gathering (OSINT) —  Extract intelligence from public sources
• Web Security — Exploit and defend against web-based threats

Why should I join the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge? 

Demonstrate your skills and get noticed by the DoD

Organizations across sectors need skilled technologists to defend against cybersecurity threats and the DoD is no exception. The DoD hosts the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge as a way to engage, assess, and recruit top cybersecurity professionals for its career openings. 

The capture the flag simulations central to the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge are your chance to:

• Showcase and develop your cyber skills 
• Get on the radar of DoD recruiters and cybersecurity experts

Learn, grow, and network with the cyber community

The Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge is an opportunity for you to: 

• Gain experience solving some of the most pressing security threats globally
• Challenge your current way of thinking about cybersecurity 
• Connect with your peers and build a strong, supportive network of cybersecurity professionals
• Strengthen your cybersecurity skills and knowledge

Win cash prizes

An added bonus is that you can win a share of a $15,000 cash prize pool based on your performance in the competition.

When is the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge?  

The next Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge will take place on June 14, 2025. 

As an ongoing event series, the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge continuously improves by integrating insights and lessons learned from past competitions.

Who can join the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge?  

The Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge is open to anyone who is: 

• A U.S. citizen (native or naturalized) 
• Over the age of 18 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in cybersecurity, this event will help you:

• Gain hands-on experience in real-world cybersecurity scenarios
• Test your skills against other cybersecurity professionals
• Expand your network and connect with like-minded individuals

How do I participate in the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge?  

To participate in the next Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge on June 14, 2025, simply register here.  

It’s time to take the next step in your cybersecurity career

If you're passionate about cybersecurity and eager to test your skills, learn new techniques, and explore career opportunities with the DoD, the Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge is your chance.

Sign up today to take the next step forward in your cybersecurity career!