Computer hackers are no longer viewed as outsiders living in their parents’ basements — occasionally dangerous, but usually more of an annoyance to government cyber security professionals.  In fact, the governments of the U.S. and the United Kingdom are actively recruiting them as their newest weapon to answer their malicious counterparts who are members of organized crime rings and hostile nation-state cyber armies. The U.S announced this year its first-ever “Cyber Challenge,” a nationwide contest which mirrors a similar competition China has been running for five years. Organizers say the Cyber Challenge is designed to identify young people with exceptional computer skills and inspire them to join the shorthanded ranks of specialists needed to protect government, military and industrial cyber infrastructure.

Indeed the U.S. Air Force recently inaugurated its first cyberspace-dedicated wing, the 24th Air Force. To earn their wings, these cyber security warriors will complete a challenging “X-Course” and be awarded Basic, Senior and Master Cyberspace Officer status.

In 2009, the intelligence center at Cheltenham in the UK formed a cyber security team similarly aimed at recruiting former “naughty boys”. “You need youngsters who are deep into this stuff…if they have been slightly naughty boys, very often they really enjoy stopping other naughty boys,” said Lord West, UK Minister for Cyber Security.