Every passing day brings a new headline about cybersecurity risks, ransomware attacks, hacking or phishing attempts and information technology vulnerabilities.
That's why in the burgeoning field of cybersecurity, it is imperative young learners are equipped with the right tools to detect and stop risks from becoming a reality.
That was the flavour of a recent 'Capture the Flag' competition hosted by the University of Guelph in partnership with the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence on Nov. 15, 2024. These events challenge teams to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a system to capture and "flag" a piece of information.
The Government of Ontario's first-ever Capture the Flag competition featured 18 teams, mostly comprising of university teams – with one exception: St. Clair College.
The Zekelman School of Information Technology's SCC Saints made an impressive debut at the contest, securing thirteenth place.
"Competing as the only Community College team, they demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, holding their own against seasoned university competitors from across the province," said Andrew Steele, a professor and coordinator of the Cybersecurity program at St. Clair College.
"Capture the Flag competitions like this are invaluable for our students. They provide hands-on experience in solving real-world cybersecurity challenges and foster skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and resilience," said Steele. "For students who couldn't participate this time, I highly encourage getting involved in the Club and looking out for future events. These are opportunities to not only enhance your skills but also to network with peers and industry professionals."
In addition to tackling a variety of cybersecurity challenges, the team had the opportunity to listen to keynotes from industry, government, and academic leaders. These talks offered valuable insights into cybersecurity career pathways and highlighted the growing importance of this field.
"This was an incredible learning experience for us," said the team members. "We're proud of what we accomplished and excited to build on this foundation for future competitions."
The team of Lucas Braga, Yash Aggarwal, Obianuju Onuegbu and Siva Sai Akunuru represented St. Clair College with excellence and enthusiasm. Prof. Steele said their dedication and achievements showcase the strength and potential of St. Clair students in the growing field of cybersecurity.
"I can describe the event in just one word: amazing!" said Obianuju Onuegbu, the President of the Student Cybersecurity Club. "I was able to meet and connect with industry professionals, gained valuable insights from the panel session, and also networked with people from other schools."
