A&M takes 2nd place-Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition

Kris Rodriguez (photo)

Public Affairs Specialist

UTSA 1604 Campus

2008 National Collegiate Cyber Defense competition Champion Crowned

Top three finalists Baker College, Texas A&M University and University of Louisville

Baker College of Flint, Michigan, Texas A&M University and the University of Louisville took first, second and third place honors in the 3rd annual National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) held April 18-20 at the Airport Hilton Hotel in San Antonio. The winning team received an invitation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to attend the March 2010 Cyber Storm III National Cyber Security Exercise in Washington, D.C.

“We’ve competed in these collegiate cyber defense competitions for the last three years and have never made it passed the regional level,” said Brandon Hladysh, Baker College team captain. “I’m really proud of my teammates and they truly are the best of the best.”

Closing ceremonies included an awards presentation and keynote address from Cornelius Tate, the newly appointed director of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Division (NCSD).

According to Tate, NCSD’s primary focus is working on preventing a cyber version of 9/11 by ensuring that all systems of either a federal or critical infrastructure nature, are being protected appropriately. Tate does not want to see a situation arise in which they are not able to operate due to a malicious attack, natural disaster or other incident that is of a catastrophic nature.