Cybersecurity employers want more than a list of courses and certifications. They want to hear how you approached a technical problem, worked through something unfamiliar, collaborated with others, and responded when your first solution did not work.
CCN’s 2026–27 cybersecurity competitions will help you build those experiences.
Our first event this semester is:
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This individual competition is open to students at every experience level. Beginner challenges are included, and you can work at your own pace throughout the weekend.
This is the best place to start if you have never competed before.
Practice and build confidence
Use what you learn during the CTF to identify the skills you want to strengthen. Join campus practice sessions, use CCN-provided cyber ranges, and work through challenges with other students.
Prepare for a Live Fire team
Students can apply to be considered for CCN’s team-based Live Fire competitions at Wake Tech and MetLife in Cary. These events place students in realistic defensive situations and may include cybersecurity professionals, industry judges, and recruiters.
You do not need to know everything before you compete. Nobody solves every challenge. Competition is where you discover what you know, identify what to learn next, and become more confident working through unfamiliar problems.
Your first goal is not to win. Your first goal is to participate, solve what you can, and leave better prepared than when you started.
Student – Competitions – Carolina Cyber Network, register for the October Virtual CTF and ask your professor about campus practice opportunities.
We want to see you compete, experience, and grow!