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Raytheon Applied Signal Technology, Inc. (Raytheon AST) is sponsoring the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) on March 25–27 at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA.

The competition tests students’ knowledge on how to manage and protect an existing commercial network infrastructure while accomplishing routine business tasks. Students from two- and four-year colleges and universities from Arizona, California, and Nevada will face a “red team” of hackers trying to disrupt and compromise their networks. The winning team will go on to compete at the National CCDC event sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security at University of Texas, San Antonio, in April 2011.

“Cyber threats are continuously evolving. Defense of our critical infrastructure is key, and competitions such as the CCDC provide students with an exciting and challenging introduction to careers in technology and engineering. We are proud to support the Western Regional CCDC as it provides real-world training – something the students do not experience in the normal academic lab,” said William Van Vleet, President of Raytheon AST. “Industry must actively develop and employ the next generation of cyber warriors to ensure the availability and trustworthiness of our nation’s critical networks and information.”

Several Raytheon AST employees will be on site during the competition in various support roles. Some will discuss recruiting and joint research and development opportunities with Cal Poly Pomona and others will participate as red team members. “Our ongoing involvement in these skill-building competitions reflects Raytheon AST’s commitment to investing in education, technology, and our global security,” said Van Vleet.