Palo Alto Networks and NCSA invite students to participate in the COMPETITION 2022
Palo Alto Networks designed the “Capture the Flag, Capture the Future Competition 2022” as the second year to provide an educational platform for the participants to gain deep knowledge about cybersecurity as well as to nurture next-generation cybersecurity talent in Thailand.
Graced by Capt. Amorn Chomchoey, deputy secretary-general of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), and Dr. Tatchapol Poshyanonoda, country director for Thailand and Indochina at Palo Alto Networks, this competition supports Thailand in cybersecurity readiness and future workforce capacity building.
“Our goal is to mobilize the ‘new generation’ of individuals to join Thai cyber warfare. There is a huge demand for cyber personnels across the world. A survey found that in the Asia-Pacific region alone, there is a need of about 4 million cybersecurity personnels. This year, in addition to the competition, we are also looking to train students for the field of cybersecurity but this plan is still in process” said Capt. Amorn.
“A survey conducted by Palo Alto Networks in 2021 found that cybersecurity has risen to the top of the leadership agenda for many Asean businesses - a vast majority (92%) believes cybersecurity to be a priority for their business leaders today. Thailand is one in the Asean surveys. However, public awareness on the mitigation of cyber threats is still limited. On average, 100,000 cybersecurity workforce are needed but we only develop 1,000 cyber- security expertises per year. Therefore, our projects are aimed at mobilizing students and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent in Thailand” said Dr.Tatchapol.
Palo Alto Networks supports the government’s vision with its Cybersecurity Academy Program, which consists of a comprehensive set of modularized academic and technical courses that match cybersecurity education and training needs. Upon completing the course, each student will be eligible as either a Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-Level Technician (PCCET) or Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA). Over the last two year, Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy has certified 60 PCCETs (previously known as PCCSA) and 61 PCNSAs from the Asia Pacific region. More than 2,280 students have been PCCET certified globally in the last two years. This includes some of the university students from Thailand. Last year the CTF competition attracted a total of 87 teams of applicants from 34 universities across the country. This year we have 93 teams of applicants from 27 universities across the country.
The final competition presented the winning team RedCheep team from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi , the first runner up, The Goose team from Chulalongkorn University and the second runner up, STDio team from Police Cadet Academy with certificates from National Cyber Security Agency and Palo Alto Networks, cash prizes, as well as certification exam vouchers for the winning team members. All finalist teams also each received a NGFW and cash prizes worth 200,000THB.
Moreover Dr Tatchapol revealed that the company has created the Cyber A.C.E.S. – Activities in Cybersecurity Education for Students – program to demystify cybersecurity through interactive learning, equipping kids ages 5 to 15 with an understanding of how to protect their digital future. Palo Alto Networks in Thailand is going to soft launch the Cyber Safe Kids program to protect and educate our children soon.
