# AI Software Hacking Battles In DARPA's 'Cyber Grand Challenge,' Software Programs Hack it Out By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyber-grand-challenge References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/2016/07/security-bots-will-battle-vegas-darpas-hacking-crown/) & [cybergrandchallenge](https://www.cybergrandchallenge.com/) With more and more of modern day existence requiring the digital exchange of data, [cyber security](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cybersecurity-solutions) is as important as its ever been, which is why [DARPA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/darpa-1) has funded the Cyber Grand Challenge, the first ever all-machine hacking tournament. In the Cyber Grand Challenge, seven supercomputer software programs put together by teams from around the world will compete to simultaneously protect their own data while stealing data from the other six programs. The tournament offers $4 million in prize winnings, an exclamation point on the importance of such a task. The impetus behind the Cyber Grand Challenge is in the rise of the Internet of Things. While interconnected everyday devices are certainly convenient, the more IoT there is, the easier it could be for hackers to use [malware to steal sensitive information](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masterclass-cyberwarfare). The Cyber Grand Challenge is a way to demonstrate how powerful anti-malware can be in protecting information. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **AI Software Hacking:** Opportunity for innovative AI software programs to effectively protect against cyber attacks. - **Cyber Security:** Growing demand for advanced cyber security solutions to safeguard sensitive data in the era of IoT. - **Internet of Things (iot):** Disruptive potential for IoT devices to be targeted by hackers, driving the need for robust security measures. ### Who This Affects Most - **Software Development:** Openings for software developers to create cutting-edge AI programs for cyber protection. - **Cybersecurity Services:** Rising industry for cybersecurity companies to offer advanced solutions against hacking and malware threats. - **Iot Technology:** Opportunity for IoT companies to innovate secure and resilient systems to protect against cyber attacks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cybersecurity Simulation Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-city-defender.md) - [AI Safety Training Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-hackingclub.md) - [Cybersecurity AI Defense Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-sleep.md) - [Humanoid Robot Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/great-robot-olympics.md) - [AI Robotics Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-rover-challenge-event.md) - [Autonomous Vulnerability Management Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulnerability-management.md) - [Security Testing Gateways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hackgate.md) - [Automated Vulnerability Detection Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automated-vulnerability-detection.md) - [AI-Powered Chess Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/senserobot-debuts.md)