Capitol College Cyber Team Places 8th Nationally at Cyber Challenge 2012

Capitol College’s cyber team recently competed in Cyber Challenge 2012 and finished No. 8 out of 57 teams nationally. Cyber Challenge 2012 was a cybersecurity competition pitting teams from various colleges and universities against each other and tested the students’ cybersecurity knowledge through a variety of challenges.

Teams were required to solve challenges covering topics such as steganography, software exploitation, computer forensics, cryptography and networking. Members participating on Capitol’s team included Mark Evans, Marc Fruchtbaum, Jeremy Hedges, Austin Merson, Annie Pope, Brian Wilhide and Nathan Wray.

“The team performed beyond expectations and I trust the entire Capitol College community joins me in a warm round of applause,” information assurance faculty member Dr. Jason Pittman said. “This was the first ‘offensive’ oriented event for these students and the team totally captured the intended spirit of the competition: have fun, learn and win. Moreover, we embraced the school's motto and, when confronted with obstacles, either found a way or made our own.”

Cyber Challenge 2012 was sponsored by The MITRE Corporation, Career Technical Education Foundation (CTEF) and (ISC)² to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines for cybersecurity.

“As our first strategic CTF event, we gained immense knowledge through much practicing, perseverance and teamwork,” senior Marc Fruchtbaum said. “This competition helps pave the way toward future events as it is a clear indication of our skill level and charisma. We hope to score even higher at the next competition in October (MDC3).”

Capitol College’s information assurance students study and hone their skills in the college’s Cyber Battle Lab (CBL). In the CBL, students can simulate, detect, analyze and eliminate hacker attacks and various other malicious cyber threats. The lab provides hands-on experience for students who are looking to supplement their information assurance education. The students on Capitol’s cyber team also competed in the challenge from inside the CBL.

Capitol College offers a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree in information assurance. 

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a Doctor of Science in Information Assurance, professional development training and certificates. Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.