By Jennifer Forker, director of communications at Regis University
Eight teams vied for the coveted top spot at the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (RMCCDC) hosted by Regis University in early March, but only one team – top-performing Red Rocks Community College – will represent the Rocky Mountain region at the national event in Orlando, Fla., later this year.
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) finished second in the two-day event, the 10th year for both the competition and the University’s hosting at its Denver Tech Center Campus. As the second-place finisher, USAFA will compete in a wild-card round to earn a spot at finals.
The competition allowed teams to test their cybersecurity skills, knowledge and abilities. A unique aspect of RMCCDC is its focus on how well individual teams work together while being pushed to their limits, said Robert Bowles, the director of Regis’ Center for Information Assurance Studies and an RMCCDC organizer.
Each year, the competition focuses on a unique scenario. This year, teams were briefed about a cyberattack at a college institution and the ensuing need for business continuity and the protection of students’ personal data. Students were given computers, printers and other electronic equipment as well as the applications and internet services needed to run a simulated business. Each team attempted to secure its business’ assets from cyberattacks waged by a team of 20 crafty volunteers attempting to break into the systems throughout the two-day event.
While fending off cyberattacks from some of the area’s most talented penetration testers, the teams had to simulate a normal workday, such as responding to a CEO’s sudden, deadline-driven request.
“While we try to emphasize that our goal is to give them the opportunity to succeed at securing ..
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