PRESS RELEASE

ARLINGTON, Va., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The town of CyberVille is asking you to help defend its vital infrastructure against evil viruses and attacks!

The Air Force Association's CyberPatriot Program Office recently launched a Facebook game, CyberVille, with a theme based on cyber defense. Sponsored by Northrop Grumman, this new game provides players insight on how vulnerable cyber systems are and the importance of practicing cyber security.

Game players use strategy and swiftness to repel waves of cyber attackers who try to hack cell phone systems, bank accounts and local companies. Success is measured by how well a player defends his or her town against malicious viruses and cyber attacks, and on how far he or she progresses.

"Our purpose in fielding our first phase of CyberVille is to provide awareness of how pervasive cyber security is. We want to present in a fun and recreational way that cyber systems are everywhere--at the bank, at the fire department, and even in the local fast food restaurant," said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner. "CyberVille won't make someone a cyber security expert, but we do hope, through a fun and engaging game, to draw players to AFA's CyberPatriot, the national high school cyber defense competition, which can put them on that path."

Any Facebook user can access CyberVille by simply logging onto Facebook and browsing through the "Apps" section.

CyberPatriot is the nation's largest and fastest growing high school cyber defense competition. It provides students hands-on learning about technology, emphasizing teamwork and leadership, and exercising critical-thinking skills. Competitors get to control computer networks, learning to defend and protect computer systems from cyber threats and potential hackers.

Registration for CyberPatriot IV will remain open until October 8, 2011. Visit www.uscyberpatriot.org for more information.

The AFA is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has over 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 120,000 members. Visitwww.afa.org.