Team of 25 places sixth in NSA Cyber Exercise
The University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) finished sixth out of 11 schools participating in the National Security Agency Cyber Exercise (NCX) held virtually April 8-10.
After entering as an expo team in 2019, this was the first year Â鶹ÊÓƵ participated as a competition team. Â鶹ÊÓƵ faced off against the nation's five other senior military colleges, three service academies and two National Security Agency (NSA) units.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ's team included 17 cadets and eight civilian students, including 11 seniors. Fourteen of these students are eligible to compete again next year.
"It's a terrific training platform for our future cyber leaders," said Dr. Bryson Payne, professor of computer science and director of the Center for Cyber Operations Education. "Our students are willing to try something new and get out there and learn. That's what it takes to really excel in cyber."
The three-day NCX competition included cyber combat, forensics and policy modules. The event "helps to develop and test cybersecurity skills, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making," according to the NSA website.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ launched a in fall 2018 and is designated by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
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Jaden Clark-Davidson and Brandon Clark-Davidson were two of the 20 Â鶹ÊÓƵ cadets who commissioned Sept. 10 as second lieutenants in the Army and Georgia Army National Guard.
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Two Â鶹ÊÓƵ students further enhanced their skills this summer at Cyber Summer Immersion events funded by the Department of War.
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Â鶹ÊÓƵ student Sophia Stone has earned a $15,000 scholarship to support her studies in accounting. Stone is pursuing a Master of Accountancy.
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Zach Simmons took advantage of multiple opportunities afforded by Â鶹ÊÓƵ to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees in two and a half years before entering the cyber workforce.