Igniting Creative Solutions: The First Cybersecurity Challenge by Pôle d’Excellence Cyber with Airbus Defence and Space & Thales
The inaugural edition of a groundbreaking cybersecurity competition, coordinated by the “Pôle d’Excellence Cyber” cluster in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales, will culminate in its final event on November 24 during the European Cyber Week, scheduled in Rennes from November 21-25. This contest is designed for students from elite engineering schools and universities in France that specialize in computer science, showcasing the diverse career opportunities in the increasingly expansive cybersecurity sector, which experiences an average yearly growth surpassing 10%.
The competition commenced on October 21, featuring a series of online technical challenges addressing topics such as cryptography, forensic analysis, and software vulnerability assessments. Following this qualifying phase, 48 exceptional students will be selected to form 16 teams of cybersecurity experts, competing in the grand finale on November 24, 2016, in Rennes.
In the French market alone, Thales aims to recruit a minimum of 200 engineers with cybersecurity expertise in 2016. The organization is continually seeking talent, ranging from recent graduates to seasoned specialists with niche skills. Thales endorses innovative recruitment efforts such as the European Cyber Week student challenge. Best of luck to all participants!
Laurent Maury, Vice President, Critical Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Thales
The finalists’ mission will involve protecting vital energy infrastructures (fossil, nuclear, or gas) from cyber threats posed by an ‘international organization’. Their goal will be to minimize damages and safeguard natural sites adjacent to each target. The top three teams will be recognized as winners and receive technology rewards (such as computers, tablets, or smartphones), along with training courses and/or employment opportunities at Airbus Defence and Space or Thales, key leaders in the cybersecurity field.
“This initial challenge organized during European Cyber Week will enhance our collaboration with prestigious graduate institutions focused on computer security and raise student awareness of the rewarding career potentials available in the dynamic and technologically advanced field of cybersecurity,” remarked Paul-André Pincemin from the “Pôle d’Excellence Cyber” cluster.
François Lavaste, Head of Cyber Security at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized: “This challenge represents a significant opportunity to stimulate interest among young talents in IT security. Beyond this event in France, we are implementing similar initiatives in Germany and the United Kingdom, targeting candidates with specialized profiles relevant to cyber security, including system architects, risk and security analysts, and penetration testers—all of whom are vital for excellence and innovation.”
