UCF Collegiate Cyber Defense Team Wins Sixth National Championship

The Collegiate Cyber Defense Team at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has once again proven their dominance in the cybersecurity realm by winning their record sixth national championship at the 2024 National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC). The team, part of Hack@UCF, emerged victorious after defeating nine other regional champions in a fierce competition held at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

With over 2,100 competitors from 198 schools participating in regional events across the country, the top 10 teams advanced to the national championship where they were tasked with managing, operating, and defending the network infrastructure of a human resource outsourcing firm. This year’s competition also included responding to business tasks, interacting with customers, and fending off live Red Team hackers.

Professor Tom Nedorost, the head coach of the team, proudly declared, “UCF has the best cyber program, best students, and best coaches in the nation.” The competition not only tests the technical skills of the participants but also focuses on operational aspects to assess their depth of understanding and competency in managing and protecting network infrastructure.

The NCCDC is not just a competitive environment but also a platform for students to develop their professional networks and receive mentorship from hundreds of volunteers. These competitions provide students with real-world experiences and skills that make them highly sought after by potential employers.

For Harrison Keating, the journey to UCF and the Cyber Defense Team began in high school when he discovered his passion for cybersecurity. After learning about UCF’s winning track record in cyber competitions, he made sure to join the Hack@UCF cybersecurity club and eventually became the captain of the team.

Keating reflected on the team’s journey to victory, stating, “At the beginning of day two, we were in third place and victory didn’t seem possible. But the team’s determination and perseverance led us to become national champions in just one day.”

As Keating and several team members prepare to graduate this week, they leave behind a legacy of excellence in cybersecurity. The competition’s focus on realistic scenarios and hands-on experiences prepares these students for the challenges they will face in the real world after graduation.

The Collegiate Cyber Defense Team at UCF has once again showcased their talent, determination, and expertise in the field of cybersecurity, solidifying their reputation as one of the best in the nation.