Events

The NCF's Education Program partners with the Technology Advancement Center (TAC) to host Cyber Saturday, an annual program for rising 5th to 10th graders and their parents/guardians.

Cyber Saturday is a fun-filled day for youth interested in or want to learn more about cyber, data care, and how to stay safe online through hands-on exercises. TAC's team of engineers utilizes activities from the NCF's Outsmart Cyberthreats Collection to help youth understand the importance of protecting their data in an engaging, game-like environment.

During this free event, youth not only have a great time and meet others who share their interest in cyber, but they gain cyber knowledge along the way. Adult chaperones may choose to participate in the Outsmart Cyberthreats activities along with their youth, spend time building their own data care knowledge with the NCF's Adult Data Care booklet, or put their cyber skills to the test in NCF's Escape Room.

The inaugural Cyber Saturday event was held in partnership with the Maryland Innovation and Security Institute (MISI) at the DreamPort Facility in Columbia, MD on June 10, 2023 - see below for a link to the Photos & Recap from the day's activities.

Become a Cyber Saturday Program Sponsor

By partnering with the NCF Cyber Saturday Program, your organization can directly impact the lives of hundreds of students, providing them with essential tools to thrive in the digital world. Your sponsorship will help us expand our reach and empower the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Click the button below to learn about Cyber Saturday program sponsorship opportunities.

Next Cyber Saturday - 18 January 2025

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the next Cyber Saturday - scheduled for January 18, 2025 (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) at the Technological Advancement Center's - TheLink located at 7000 Columbia Gateway, Suite 150 Columbia, MD 21046. 

Cyber Saturdays are specially designed for aspiring young cybersecurity enthusiasts, lovers of technology, and computer science superstars. This is an immersive and educational experience into cyber space and beyond that is unforgettable for students and their parents. Check out a video recap of the last Cyber Saturday via the registration link below.

Cyber Saturday sessions will include:

MetaCTF - interactive challenge that introduces young minds to the fundamentals of ethical hacking, cryptography, and digital problem solving in a fun, interactive way.

Cipher Wheel Escape Room - students use a cipher wheel to solve puzzles and uncover hidden messages

Sharks & Minnows - learn how to encrypt and decrypt messages using simple techniques while navigating a fun, interactive game.

Amanita Whitehat Cyber Game - students who play these games take on the role of a cyber security expert tasked with saving the school from several cyber attacks.

AI - students will learn how machines "think" and solve problems, while sparking their creativity and curiosity about tech shaping our future.

Phishing - interactive activity designed to help students recognize and avoid online threats.

Plus we will be doing a live #CyberChats Podcast broadcast during the event. And get ready parents, there will be two parent sessions this time!

Who Can Attend: Students 5th-10th grade and their parents

Visit the link below to register to attend.

Previous Cyber Saturday Events

About the Program Venue - Technology Advancement Center's TheLink Facility

The Technology Advancement Center (TAC) is a cybersecurity nonprofit driving small business and academic engagement, STEM and workforce development, and proof of concept innovation.

One of TAC’s key pillars is to help the United States government and industry partners get access to the types of innovative products and solutions they need to advance their cybersecurity capabilities, as well as serve as an intermediary to small business, non-traditional entities, and academic communities.