Explore upcoming events from across the Foundation – See Calendar

O
X

About Us

About Us

Advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and innovation for a safer digital world.

Our Team

Meet the leaders and visionaries driving the NCF's mission forward every day.

FAQs

Find quick answers about our mission, membership, and how to get involved.

Our History

From codebreakers to cyber defenders — preserving a legacy that shapes the future.

NCF Financial Data

Review audited reports and filings that reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Newsletter Archive

Browse past issues of our e-newsletter and explore our early years through issues of the Foundation’s original hard-copy newsletter, The Link.

Our Partnerships

Dedicated and talented organizations that have provided invaluable assistance to the NCF to help us achieve our goals. 

nav about us group of professionals in conversation

More Than a Mission — A Movement

The NCF brings together educators, experts, and enthusiasts who believe in building an informed, cyber-safe future.

Programs & Events

All Programs

Explore all of the NCF's programs driving cyber awareness, education, and history forward.

30th Anniversary

Celebrating a milestone year for the Foundation!

Artificial Intelligence (Convening to Act)

Convening experts to explore both the opportunities and challenges of AI in national security.

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography (Convening to Act)

Convening specialists to help speed the transition to quantum-safe systems nationwide.

XFIL - CNO (Convening to Act)

Gathering leaders and specialists to discuss advancements in building strong and secure CNO capabilities.

Summit on Cybersecurity Education (Convening to Act)

Helping stakeholders share ideas, form partnerships, and prepare the next generation for a secure digital future.

Student Ambassador Program

Catalyzing strategic dialogue on emerging cyber & cryptologic challnges in partnership with NSA

Cyber Saturday

A full-day, interactive event for youth and families to explore cybersecurity through play.

Crypto Cup

A signature fundraiser merging sport and mission — advancing cryptologic education through golf.

Cocktails & Codebreakers

A celebratory evening honoring cryptologic legacy, networking, and thought leadership.

Cyber Feud

A live, fast paced competition where students test cyber knowledge in game show format.

Escape Room

Hands-on puzzle challenge: crack codes, solve clues, experience real-time cryptologic logic.

nav programs and events three students learning together

Events That Build a Cyber-Safe Future

The NCF programs spark growth, foster collaboration, and make cybersecurity a shared mission across generations and industries.

Resources

Podcast Series

Listen to #CyberChats and Cyber Pulse — the NCF's two podcasts exploring stories, insights, and innovations shaping cybersecurity.

Cyber Games

Engaging students through interactive challenges that build real-world cybersecurity skills and teamwork.

Downloads

Access classroom-ready lessons, tools, and activities to teach cryptology, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship.

Insights & Updates

Explore thought leadership, event recaps, and the latest news from the world of cryptology and cyber education.

Outsmart Cyberthreats Collections

Clear, engaging resources that build foundational cyber safety skills through activities and practical guidance.

Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines

Guidelines that support creating cybersecurity-focused lessons and inspire students to pursue cyber careers.

How to Be Cyber Safe + Savvy — A Data Care Booklet for Adults

Clear, practical steps to protect their devices, data, and privacy from today's online threats.

nav resources two young students learning on laptop

Empowering the Next Generation of Cyber Thinkers

Through resources, stories, and shared knowledge, the NCF helps educators, professionals, and students strengthen our cyber future together.

Cryptologic History

Trailblazers

Discover the pioneers who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations in cryptology.

Historical Figures in Cryptology

Meet the brilliant minds whose work in codes and communication shaped global history.

Cryptologic Bytes

Dive into quick reads and fascinating facts that reveal hidden history of code communication.

Commemorate

Honor the people and achievements that advanced the art and science of cryptology.

Acquisitions Archive

Explore rare artifacts, documents, and exhibits preserved to tell the evolving story of cryptology.

NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor

Celebrate individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthened our nation's intelligence security.

nav cryptologic history hands using engima machine

Preserving the Code of Our Past

From hidden messages to historic breakthroughs, the NCF keeps the stories of cryptology alive—honoring the people, events, and innovations that shaped modern intelligence.

Support Us

Join or Renew Membership

Memberships fuel our efforts to expand programs, support students, families, & educators, and preserve the rich history of cryptology.

Partnership Opportunities

Organizations partner with the NCF to further our shared goals for community education, innovation, engagement, and more.

Donate

Support our mission-driven goals and initiatives with a one-time or recurring donation. Designate your donation for a specific program or campaign.

Other Ways to Donate/Support

Explore more options for supporting our mission to educate, engage, and commemorate.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NCF events offer a variety of sponsorship levels & benefits. View upcoming events for options.

Ambassador Program Sponsorship

Our Ambassador Program offers ongoing support opportunities.

Tribute Donations

Make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one, colleague, or friend. Our In Memoriam Registry and Panel are additional options for honorees who worked in the cryptologic field.

teacher speaking to classroom

Support the Mission. Shape the Future.

Help to advance cybersecurity awareness & education, preserve cryptologic history, and inspire innovation for a safer digital world.

Explore upcoming events from across the Foundation – See Calendar

About Us

About Us

About Us

Advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and innovation for a safer digital world.

Our Team

Meet the leaders and visionaries driving the NCF's mission forward every day.

FAQs

Find quick answers about our mission, membership, and how to get involved.

Our History

From codebreakers to cyber defenders — preserving a legacy that shapes the future.

NCF Financial Data

Review audited reports and filings that reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Newsletter Archive

Browse past issues of our e-newsletter and explore our early years through issues of the Foundation’s original hard-copy newsletter, The Link.

Our Partnerships

Dedicated and talented organizations that have provided invaluable assistance to the NCF to help us achieve our goals. 

nav about us group of professionals in conversation

More Than a Mission — A Movement

The NCF brings together educators, experts, and enthusiasts who believe in building an informed, cyber-safe future.

Programs & Events

Programs & Events

All Programs

Explore all of the NCF's programs driving cyber awareness, education, and history forward.

30th Anniversary

Celebrating a milestone year for the Foundation!

Artificial Intelligence (Convening to Act)

Convening experts to explore both the opportunities and challenges of AI in national security.

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography (Convening to Act)

Convening specialists to help speed the transition to quantum-safe systems nationwide.

XFIL - CNO (Convening to Act)

Gathering leaders and specialists to discuss advancements in building strong and secure CNO capabilities.

Summit on Cybersecurity Education (Convening to Act)

Helping stakeholders share ideas, form partnerships, and prepare the next generation for a secure digital future.

Student Ambassador Program

Catalyzing strategic dialogue on emerging cyber & cryptologic challnges in partnership with NSA

Cyber Saturday

A full-day, interactive event for youth and families to explore cybersecurity through play.

Crypto Cup

A signature fundraiser merging sport and mission — advancing cryptologic education through golf.

Cocktails & Codebreakers

A celebratory evening honoring cryptologic legacy, networking, and thought leadership.

Cyber Feud

A live, fast paced competition where students test cyber knowledge in game show format.

Escape Room

Hands-on puzzle challenge: crack codes, solve clues, experience real-time cryptologic logic.

nav programs and events three students learning together

Events That Build a Cyber-Safe Future

The NCF programs spark growth, foster collaboration, and make cybersecurity a shared mission across generations and industries.

Resources Code

Resources

Podcast Series

Listen to #CyberChats and Cyber Pulse — the NCF's two podcasts exploring stories, insights, and innovations shaping cybersecurity.

Cyber Games

Engaging students through interactive challenges that build real-world cybersecurity skills and teamwork.

Downloads

Access classroom-ready lessons, tools, and activities to teach cryptology, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship.

Insights & Updates

Explore thought leadership, event recaps, and the latest news from the world of cryptology and cyber education.

Outsmart Cyberthreats Collections

Clear, engaging resources that build foundational cyber safety skills through activities and practical guidance.

Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines

Guidelines that support creating cybersecurity-focused lessons and inspire students to pursue cyber careers.

How to Be Cyber Safe + Savvy — A Data Care Booklet for Adults

Clear, practical steps to protect their devices, data, and privacy from today's online threats.

nav resources two young students learning on laptop

Empowering the Next Generation of Cyber Thinkers

Through resources, stories, and shared knowledge, the NCF helps educators, professionals, and students strengthen our cyber future together.

Cryptologic History

Cryptologic History

Trailblazers

Discover the pioneers who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations in cryptology.

Historical Figures in Cryptology

Meet the brilliant minds whose work in codes and communication shaped global history.

Cryptologic Bytes

Dive into quick reads and fascinating facts that reveal hidden history of code communication.

Commemorate

Honor the people and achievements that advanced the art and science of cryptology.

Acquisitions Archive

Explore rare artifacts, documents, and exhibits preserved to tell the evolving story of cryptology.

NSA/CSS Cryptologic Hall of Honor

Celebrate individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthened our nation's intelligence security.

nav cryptologic history hands using engima machine

Preserving the Code of Our Past

From hidden messages to historic breakthroughs, the NCF keeps the stories of cryptology alive—honoring the people, events, and innovations that shaped modern intelligence.

Support Us

Support Us

Join or Renew Membership

Memberships fuel our efforts to expand programs, support students, families, & educators, and preserve the rich history of cryptology.

Partnership Opportunities

Organizations partner with the NCF to further our shared goals for community education, innovation, engagement, and more.

Donate

Support our mission-driven goals and initiatives with a one-time or recurring donation. Designate your donation for a specific program or campaign.

Other Ways to Donate/Support

Explore more options for supporting our mission to educate, engage, and commemorate.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NCF events offer a variety of sponsorship levels & benefits. View upcoming events for options.

Ambassador Program Sponsorship

Our Ambassador Program offers ongoing support opportunities.

Tribute Donations

Make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one, colleague, or friend. Our In Memoriam Registry and Panel are additional options for honorees who worked in the cryptologic field.

teacher speaking to classroom

Support the Mission. Shape the Future.

Help to advance cybersecurity awareness & education, preserve cryptologic history, and inspire innovation for a safer digital world.

Resources: Podcasts: #CyberChats

June 11, 2026

#CyberChats Podcast: How Cyber Competition Builds the Workforce. Guest: Jessica Gulick

What does it take to build the next generation of cybersecurity defenders?

According to Jessica Gulick, it starts with a game. As the Founder and Commissioner of the U.S. Cyber Games and CEO of Katzcy PlayCyber, Jessica has spent years proving that hands-on competition, cognitive performance, and teamwork are just as important as technical skills when it comes to developing real cyber talent. In this episode, we explore how cyber games are opening doors for young people across the country and around the world — making cybersecurity education more accessible, more exciting, and more effective than ever before. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone who’s never thought about a career in cyber, this conversation will change how you see the field.

Topics discussed: cyber games, cyber workforce, access to cybersecurity education, preparation for cyber jobs, cyber competition

Episode Guests

Jessica Gulick

Jessica Gulick is the Founder and Commissioner of the US Cyber Games and CEO of Katzcy PlayCyber. A cybersecurity executive with more than 25 years of experience, she leads initiatives that help identify and develop America’s next generation of cyber talent through competition, hands-on learning, and international cyber games. Jessica is also the founder of Wicked6, a global initiative focused on inspiring and empowering women in cybersecurity through gaming and competition, and she serves as a leader in the Global Cyber Games movement, which brings together cyber athletes from around the world to compete and collaborate on the international stage. Jessica is a passionate advocate for making cybersecurity education accessible and engaging, and she believes the future of cybersecurity lies at the intersection of technical skills, cognitive performance, teamwork, and cognitive sport.

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicagulick
Substack: substack.com/@jessicagulick
Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/5mR6VFsbTngxyjNoADH47u?si=ac57b5f4d6e84834
X: @jess_gulick

Website/Resource Links:

US Cyber Games: uscybergames.com
PlayCyber: playcyber.com
Wicked6: wicked6.com

About the Host: Kennedy Taylor Tibbets

Kennedy Taylor Tibbetts is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant for Ernst and Young, where she specializes in Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) for federal clients. She obtained her Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk Management from Georgetown University and a professional certification in data privacy. Kennedy’s passion for empowering youth has led her to take on a new role as host of the NCF’s #CyberChats podcast.

Fun Fact: Kennedy was Miss Maryland in 2023 and placed in the top 10 at Miss America.

cyberchats podcast show host kennedy taylor tibbets cyber chats ncf