They weren't testing the operating systems, they were testing the cadets.
Agreed 100%. While supposedly the country's best & brightest, Cadets truly aren't more than horny 21 year-olds (I was a cadet... trust me I know!
Yes, the NSA could've SMASHED them in minutes. But the bigger concept here is to get the cadets to wrap their brains around the idea of a Pearl Harbor on the US' IT infrastructure & how to protect against it.
Assuming this exercise started this year (it didn't... just saying), we'll start to benefit in ~5 yrs, as these horn-dogs assume senior roles.
As a CGA cadet back in the day, I would've LOVED to have done this. Alas, this was in the early 90's before this competition became reality.
Alas, the Coast Guard has since completely eliminated the academy's CS major altogether (instead replacing it with some bullshit Op Analysis degree). Talk about being told your services aren't wanted anymore!
But screw 'em and their horrible decision; I make more than an admiral now, anyway.
"I am, therefore I am." -- Akira