With an ever-growing number of sophisticated computer hacks, the Air Force is looking for more “cyber patriots”, including from the next generation. And at least one group of students at a Nevada City charter school are showing a strong interest. Two teams from Forest Charter school… each consisting of two middle-school students and two high school students… did well at a recent practice competition at Sierra College in Rocklin. They’re working on developing a winning system that protects a simulated small business from cyber attacks. Faculty team leader Heather Buck says the actual competition begins this month, usually on a weekend, lasting around six hours each day…

click to listen to Heather Buck

Buck says with students living in an increasingly technological society, they shouldn’t just be users…

click to listen to Heather Buck

Buck says there is currently a huge shortage of “cyber patriots”. Top teams around the country earn all-expenses paid trips to Washington D-C for the National Finals in March, where they can also earn scholarship money.