National University faculty and students recently provided technical support during the the Final round of the San Diego Mayor’s Cyber Cup Competition. This Cyber competition teaches students how to defend computer systems from Red Team attack. During the intense final round the top eight teams compete face-to-face in a challenging and robust eight hour cyber defense competition. The teams must solve complicated cryptographic challenges while defending a virtual set of computer systems from red team attack. The red team is made up of seasoned penetration testers.

NUCSIA students Sweta Sharma and Maria Manaois set up student computers and provided outstanding technical support during the challenging competition. Dr. John Cicero, the Dean of the School of Engineering, Technology, and Media observed the competition and noted:

“I was impressed with the energy and excitement of the students as well as with the organization, dedication, and commitment of the sponsors, and staff. This activity certainly produced excitement for and interest in cyber security and STEM education.”

The NUCSIA curriculum provides a four course specialization on penetration testing and ethical hacking that includes courses on red teaming and cyber competitions. Support of the San Diego Mayor’s Cyber Cup provides an opportunity for students to experience cyber competitions outside of the educational environment while giving back to the local community.

National University faculty and students also set up and delivered the competition laptops that were generously provided by Computers 2 SD Kids.