The National Security Agency is seeking nominations for the 2013 Annual Best Scientific Cybersecurity Paper Competition, Vigilance can report. The competition is for scientific papers that were published between October 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, and that show an outstanding contribution to cybersecurity science. Deadline for nominations is March 31, 2014.

The competition was created to stimulate research toward the development of systems that are resilient to cyber attacks. Entries are judged on scientific merit, the strength and significance of the work reported, and the degree to which the papers exemplify how to perform and report scientific research in cybersecurity.

"This competition supports the greater NSA mission to strengthen and protect cyber space for our nation," said Dr. Michael Wertheimer, NSA Director of Research. "It offers a great opportunity to share scientific methods and it was a remarkable success in its first year."

Vigilance learnt this year's nominations will be reviewed by a panel of distinguished experts including:

Dr. Dan Geer, In-Q-Tel

Dr. John McLean, Naval Research Laboratory

Dr. Whitfield Diffie, Cybersecurity Advisor

Professor Angela Sasse, University College London

Professor Fred Schneider, Cornell University

Mr. Phillip Venables, Goldman Sachs

Professor David Wagner, University of California at Berkeley

Dr. Jeannette Wing, Microsoft Research

The NSA/CSS Research Directorate creates breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These discoveries enable NSA to achieve and sustain intelligence advances against immediate and emerging threats to U.S. national security. Our continuing investment in a world-class faculty contributes to mission success, bringing the power of science to securing our nation's future.