The Outcomes of Cybersecurity Competitions and Implications for Underrepresented Populations

Although advocates promote cybersecurity competitions as beneficial for participants, little research has methodically evaluated these competitions' outcomes and implications. Drawing primarily on Cybersecurity Competition Federation workshops, literature reviews, and outcomes of similar STEM competitions, the authors consider how cybersecurity competitions might increase student awareness of cybersecurity careers and build their confidence and self-efficacy. Studies relevant to gifted students, females, and low-income and/or high-risk groups are highlighted.

Learning Outcomes

Anecdotal evidence, such as the rapid increase in the number and diversity of competitions, shows that students believe competitions can be fun. And there's further complementary evidence that competitions can motivate students to learn. Whether to fulfill formal learning or personal development goals, players might actively connect competition experiences to practice techniques or apply the knowledge they've acquired. Learning outcomes, however, are implicit even when players appear primarily motivated by fun: as they're exposed to different challenges, players expand their ability to apply what they know to solve new problems.