CyberPatriot’s 17th Season Concludes with Exciting Winners Announcement
The 17th season of CyberPatriot, the nation’s largest youth cyber education program, came to an exhilarating end in Rockville, Md. on March 19, 2025. The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) announced the winners of their annual National Youth Cyber Defense Competition after a competitive journey that started with 5,050 teams. Only 28 teams qualified for the National Finals, showcasing the top talent in cybersecurity among high school students.
Teams competed in either the Open Division, open to any high school-aged team, or the All-Service Division, which included teams from Army, Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps JROTC units, as well as Civil Air Patrol or Naval Sea Cadets. The 2025 National Champions were Team CyberAegis Phoenix from Scouting America Exploring Post 2928 in San Diego, Calif., in the Open Division, and Team Terabyte Falcons from Scripps Ranch High School Air Force JROTC, also from San Diego, in the All-Service Division. Additionally, Team CyberAegis Odyssey from Scouting America Exploring Club 2927 in San Diego emerged victorious in the Middle School Division.
The national finals competition commenced on March 15, where teams from various educational organizations worldwide faced real-world cybersecurity challenges in the Network Security Master Challenge, Cisco NetAcad Challenge, and Boeing Cyber Physical System Challenge. Cisco, one of CyberPatriot’s diamond sponsors, awarded education grants to participants of the Cisco NetAcad Challenge in the high school divisions.
Rachel Zimmerman, CyberPatriot’s national commissioner, commended the dedication and skill exhibited by the young competitors, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of cybersecurity. With registration for the 2025-26 CyberPatriot 18 season opening on April 1, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit www.uscyberpatriot.org for more information and to register their teams.
About CyberPatriot
CyberPatriot is dedicated to strengthening cyber skills among American youth through various programs, including the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, AFA CyberCamps, and initiatives aimed at promoting cyber education across different age groups. The program equips participants with essential cybersecurity skills while fostering a commitment to excellence in the field.
About AFA
The Air & Space Forces Association is a non-profit organization advocating for investment in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. With a rich heritage dating back to 1946, AFA’s mission is to promote a robust national defense centered around air and space power.
In conclusion, CyberPatriot’s 17th season showcased the exceptional talent and dedication of young cybersecurity enthusiasts. The winners’ achievements reflect not only their technical prowess but also their commitment to excellence in this critical field. As the program gears up for its 18th season, aspiring participants are encouraged to join the ranks and contribute to the future of cybersecurity.
