Now entering its sixth year, the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition designed to provide students across academic disciplines with a deeper understanding of the policy challenges associated with cyber crisis and conflict. Part interactive learning experience and part competitive scenario exercise, it challenges teams to respond to a realistic, evolving cyberattack and analyze the threat it poses to national, international, and private sector interests.

Students have a unique opportunity to interact with expert mentors and high-level cyber professionals while developing valuable skills in policy analysis and presentation. The competition has already engaged over 1,100 students from universities in the United States, United Kingdom, France, United Arab Emirates, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia.


Austin, Texas | January 10-11

In partnership with the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas at Austin, students will respond to a fictional, evolving cyber scenario and will develop policy recommendations to a panel of senior judges while considering the legal, security and private sector implications.

Learn more about the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Austin, TX.


Lille, France | January 22-23

In partnership with the French Institute for Geopolitics (IFG) and the International Cybersecurity Forum (FIC), students will respond to a large scale cyber-attack on France during a major international event. Competitors will manage the tradeoffs that come with responding to a cyber crisis that poses challenges to state, military, and industry actors.

Learn more about the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Lille, France.


London, UK | February 11-12

In partnership with the Royal United Services Institute and senior government and industry stakeholders, student teams will compete in the first UK cyber strategy and policy event of its kind. How do we best steer the UK through a large scale cyber crisis impacting businesses and critical services? Mixed discipline, creative teams will need to understand not just the technology and strategy challenge they are faced with but then also present potential solutions to senior government and industry decision makers on their options in the face of a cyber security crisis.

Learn more about the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in London, UK.

Click here to download the rules for London, UK, 2019.


Washington, DC | March 21-22

In partnership with Lockheed Martin, student teams confront a serious cybersecurity breach of national and international importance. Teams will compose policy recommendations and justify their decision-making process, considering the role and implications for relevant civilian, military, law enforcement, and private sector entities and updating the recommendations as the scenario evolves.

Register for Washington, DC.

Click here to download the rules for Washington, DC, 2019.


Geneva, Switzerland | April 25-26

In partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), students respond to a major cyber-attack on European networks. Competitors will provide recommendations balancing individual national approaches and a collective crisis management response, considering capabilities, policies, and governance structures of NATO, EU, and individual nations. The competition fosters a culture of cooperation and a better understanding of these organizations and their member states in responding to cyberattacks.

Learn more about the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Geneva, Switzerland.


Sydney, Australia | October 2019

In partnership with the University of Sydney and Sydney Cyber Security Network students will participate in the first event of its kind in the Indo-Pacific region by responding to a major cyber-attack of national and international importance. Teams will compose policy recommendations and justify their decision-making process, considering the roles and responsibilities of relevant civilian, military, law enforcement, and private sector organizations, and updating their recommendations as the scenario evolves.

Stay tuned for final dates and registration information for Sydney.