East Tennessee State University's Cyber Security team demonstrated exceptional skills at the recent 2023 CyberForce Competition®, securing the 29th position out of 95 teams representing 75 universities and colleges across the nation.
The CyberForce Competition® is organized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and hosted by DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response. The event aims to enhance cyber operational technology education, increase awareness of the connection between critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, and provide real-world, scenario-based learning experiences.
During their first appearance in the competition, the ETSU Cyber Security team remained consistently visible on the scoreboard, with rankings fluctuating between 16th and 28th places.
ETSU Team members include Chandler Scott (Captain), Anthony Vandergriff, Reid Bandy, Thomas Justice, Jake Hebert, and Ben Merritt. The team is mentored by Dr. Biju Bajracharya, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing.
"The DoE's CyberForce Program provides our students the great opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world cybersecurity scenarios involving distributed energy resources (DERs) and the efficient management and operation of a mini-electric grid, all while defending against real-time cyberattacks," said Dr. Biju Bajracharya. "Equipping students with such real-time cybersecurity experience can foster a skilled and robust workforce, crucial for safeguarding our next-generation energy systems from cyber threats."
The competition not only provided a platform for students to showcase their skills but also contributed to the broader goal of addressing the growing need for cybersecurity professionals in the energy workforce.