City of Salisbury

SALISBURY — The Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory (MAGIC), in partnership with Fibrant and other localities across the nation, will host its fifth Capture the Flag competition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 21.

The Fibrant competition will be held on the same date and time at Salisbury City Hall, 217 S. Main St.

The ethical hacking cybersecurity competition is for entry-level participants at the middle school, high school and college level between ages 13 and 22.

It will feature multiple teams of two to four students working their way through a series of cybersecurity puzzles set up in a “Jeopardy!” style format to find hidden flags to earn points.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top team members. No experience is required, and the competition is free for participants.

The contest will be live-streamed from City Hall as well as the main arena at the Community Media Center of Carroll County in Westminster, Maryland.

Multiple satellite locations will have competitions simultaneously throughout the country.

“We are excited to host Fibrant’s first Capture the Flag event in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Gigabit Innovation Collaboratory, utilizing our lightning-fast fiber-optic network and central space at City Hall,” said Evans Ballard, interim director of Fibrant and information technology. “This event is also lucky to have the support of Hotwire Communications, with whom we are in current negotiations for a long-term lease management agreement for Fibrant.

“We know that there is tech talent in the Rowan County community and look forward to uncovering that talent,” Ballard said. “This event will give these folks a platform to showcase their skills and abilities.”

MAGIC — which is headquartered in Westminster, Maryland — provides hands-on technology and entrepreneurial education experiences for participants tand contributes to tech workforce development. The organization is working to close the gap of needed cybersecurity professionals by increasing students’ interest in the field.

Team registration is now open. Teams must register by April 10. To register, visit Fibrant.com/Hackathon or call 704-638-5304.