Huntington Times

Marshall University's cyber team achieved an eighth-place finish at the Emagine The Future 2024 cybersecurity competition, held on November 1 and 2 at Loyola University in Baltimore. The event was organized by Emagine IT Inc.

The team comprised students Abrianna Angus, Adam Whitehair, Zander Lambert, Noah Quesenberry, and Jacob Lauffer. They were led by faculty advisor John McFee and sponsored by the Institute for Cyber Security. Their participation highlighted Marshall University's dedication to providing students with practical experiences that enhance both technical skills and professional networking opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

“This challenging, six-hour competition tested their knowledge and skills across various cybersecurity domains, including Reverse Engineering, Open Source Intelligence, Network Analysis and Digital Forensics,” McFee stated. “The experience not only strengthened their practical skills but also encouraged collaboration and critical thinking under pressure, preparing them for future careers in a fast-evolving field."

In addition to the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition, participants attended panels featuring industry and national security leaders. These sessions focused on key issues such as advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data strategies, and evolving threat landscapes.

Through this engagement with experts in the field, students gained insights into strategic directions and challenges within national security while expanding their professional networks. “Exposure to both the technical competition and the thought leadership panels not only enhanced their practical skills but also broadened their understanding of cybersecurity’s impact on national and global scales,” McFee added.

For more information about Marshall University's cybersecurity programs, visit www.marshall.edu/cyber.