Craig Newmark paid attention in Sunday School. The founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies centers his life and business philosophy around the ethos of the Golden Rule and serving as his “brother’s keeper.” Newmark is content to live comfortably without the excesses his wealth can afford; instead, he is a full-time philanthropist, laser-focused on helping and protecting the people who help and protect our country.

Newmark knows what he believes in. His philanthropic priorities span a wide range of causes, including journalism, election integrity, and, unexpectedly, pigeon rescue. But his primary commitments support the people who protect our country, particularly cybersecurity, and for military families and vets.

Cyber Operations at West Point

In line with his dedication to cybersecurity, Craig Newmark Philanthropies has confirmed its commitment to West Point and has advanced the mutual goal of strengthening cybersecurity and reducing cyber risk by supporting the West Point Cyber Team for the 2024–25 academic year. This gift will bolster the team’s capabilities, enabling them to continue training the next generation of Army cyber leaders.

The West Point Cyber Team, facilitated by the Directorate of Cadet Activities (DCA) with Margin of Excellence funding, plays a pivotal role in preparing cadets for modern warfare. It develops leaders of character who can think adversarially and understand systems and problems holistically. The team builds relationships with the joint force at the service academy level and attracts technical cyber talent to the Army and the DoD. Additionally, the Cyber Team consistently produces highly competent leaders with the necessary experience and expertise to understand technical risk and solve pressing problems in the cyber domain facing the Army, USCYBERCOM, and the nation.

The team is split into two complementary groups: the Cyber Operations Team and the Cyber Policy Team. Both teams draw cadets from various academic departments, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of cybersecurity.

The Cyber Operations Team hones cadets’ technical skills in attacking and defending cyber networks. They compete in top competitions, such as the Cybersecurity Awareness Worldwide (CSAW) Competition and the NSA Cyber Exercise, engaging in realistic scenarios of cyber threats they may face as Army officers.

The Cyber Policy Team sharpens cadets’ abilities to navigate the legal and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. They participate in events like the Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenges, where they create and present policy solutions to simulated cyber crises.

The Impact of Newmark’s Philanthropy

Craig Newmark Philanthropies’ donation is crucial for the Cyber Team. The funding will cover essential needs such as equipment, software licenses, and travel to support approximately 15 competitions a year. This gift, along with existing support from the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, expands the Cyber Team’s reach, enabling more cadets to engage in these critical learning experiences.

“This gift is very impactful,” said COL Thomas Babbitt ’99, Director, Cyber Research Center. “Competition is critical in developing leaders of character ready to fight and win in cyberspace. A large body of research shows the educational and skill-building benefits of cyber competitions. The Cyber Team competes in various events where cadets hone offensive, defensive, and policy skills; build winning teams; and prepare themselves for service to the nation as cyber leaders.”

Preparing Army Leaders and Building Professional Networks

In collaboration with U.S. Army Cyber Command, West Point is shaping leaders ready to meet the demands of a career in cybersecurity and defend the country from digital warfare. Cyber operations are a key component of West Point’s academic and extracurricular programs. The Academy offers various pathways for cadets to gain experience in cybersecurity. EE&CS introduced the Cyber Science major with the Class of 2023, and it offers a Cyber Security minor. In the summer of 2024, roughly 40 cadets participated in various cyber-focused AIADs around the country and world. The Cyber Corps (CY), established in 2014, is the newest branch of the Army, and it is a highly popular branch selection among cadets. The Academy commissions approximately 40-45 new Cyber officers into the Army each year. It is the military’s premier data-centric force, providing crucial support to commanders in a complex, multi-domain environment.

“Being a part of the Cyber Team at West Point has been one of the most rewarding and developmental experiences I’ve had,” said CDT Matei Golesteanu ’25. “Beyond the technical skills gained, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a winning team and surround myself with incredibly hardworking teammates. The team has given me a place to push myself and experience what it means to be a leader, as well as compete and represent West Point both nationally and internationally. I am extremely grateful for the community I’ve become a part of on the Cyber Team and for the positive impact it has had on me as a cadet.”

Crucial Contribution to Cyber Defense

Newmark’s partnership with West Point aligns with his broader commitment to cyber civil defense, as seen by his involvement in the #CyberCivilDefense movement. His dedication to cybersecurity extends beyond West Point, influencing national conversations on protecting America’s digital infrastructure. This donation is an immediate investment in the future of America’s military leadership. As these cadets prepare to take on critical roles in the U.S. Army, Newmark’s philanthropy ensures they have the resources, training, and networks they need to excel in all domains of the battlespace.