A team from the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts won third place in the JOLT Cyber Challenge hosted by The Venture Center on Oct. 11-13.
The third-place team of PeanutButterEggs was comprised of ASMSA seniors Karsen Beck of Maumelle, Gunner Evans of Hot Springs, Gabrielle Taunton of Austin and Haven Whitney of Searcy. PeanutButterEggs competed against 34 other teams in the annual event.
Teams work over two days to solve computer science-based puzzles involving subjects such as decryption, programming and cybersecurity. The competitors included a mix of professionals representing corporations, college students and teams from other high schools in the state. It was held at the Walton School of Business in Little Rock.
The first- and second-place teams had ASMSA connections as well. The first place team, That Team Over There, included 2018 ASMSA alumni Ben Allen and Noah Sherry. Caitlyn Hallett, a 2015 ASMSA alumna, was a member of the second-place First Orion team. ASMSA computer science instructor Nicholas Seward served as one of the Game Masters for the competition.
The students said the competition provided them opportunities to learn while having fun.
“I had a great experience and learned so much about web security, cryptography and general computer science in such a short period of time,” Whitney said.
Evans added, “This competition makes you really think, even when the answer turns out to be right there in front of you.”
Beck said there were some “really clever puzzles, especially the ones involving searching servers or hash decrypting.”
Taunton said her main role during the competition was “to be the team motivational speaker.”
Her speaking and the team’s ability to solve the puzzles earned ASMSA’s team $250 for finishing third. The top prize was $1,000.
In a press release, Venture Center Executive Director Wayne Miller said the organization will continue to host the games because the opportunity to strengthen Arkansas’ tech community is invaluable.
“One of the reasons the JOLT Cyber Challenge is important to our state is because it allows us to showcase our local tech talent, and encourage networking with other tech professionals, building a strong Arkansas tech community,” Miller said. “It’s a weekend to educate participants on the many tech opportunities we have right here in Arkansas so we can keep our talent here and help Arkansas tech companies fill their jobs."
Chris Wright, lead Game Master and CEO of Citadel Systems, also noted the community aspect of the event. "JOLT is a community-focused cybersecurity competition that brings students and industry together to solve puzzles, think critically, and network," said Wright. "The Game Masters are committed to this event because we know the high cost of vulnerability for businesses and individuals. We are deeply committed to encouraging and strengthening Arkansas' tech community and to insulating individuals and businesses from devastating cyber attacks."