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For the 2022 LeatherHack training and cybersecurity competition held at WIU, Computer Science faculty conducted training sessions in a Cybersecurity lab.
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Professor Binto George said, "this year, the competition focused on web application vulnerabilities, and the plan is to expand to other skill areas assuming the necessary equipment would be available.”
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WIU Computer Science Faculty Hold Cybersecurity Training & Competition

March 9, 2022

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's School of Computer Science hosted the 2022 LeatherHack training and cybersecurity competition in February.

A selection committee chose 11 students out of 58 applicants to participate in the competition, based on their experience and interest in cybersecurity. Computer Science faculty conducted training sessions in a Cybersecurity lab. Six of the participants advanced into the finals and competed as two teams, Team Kali and Team Phoenix.

The final competition was held Feb. 23. Professor Binto George coordinated training and competition activities. A panel of judges, including Assistant Professor Antonio Cardenas-Haro and Assistant Professor Nilanjan Sen, declared Team Kali as the winning team.

Members of Team Kali included senior economics major Ryan Otte (captain), senior law enforcement and justice administration major Olivia Lamb and computer science graduate student Patrick Evah.

Members of Team Phoenix included senior enforcement and justice administration major Justin Nguyen (captain), computer science graduate student Abdulaziz Olaleye Lbiyeye and computer science graduate student Smart Idima (substitute).

After the competition, the teams were debriefed and performed an after-action analysis.

"Many students said that they gained immense knowledge from participation," said George. "This year, the competition focused on web application vulnerabilities, and the plan is to expand to other skill areas assuming the necessary equipment would be available."

The competition, and a reception following, was organized by members of the Cybersecurity Enthusiast Club, including computer science graduate student Ayobami Olatunji (club president), computer science graduate student Philip Nwaga (Cybersecurity lab assistant).

For more information on Western's Computer Science program, visit wiu.edu/computerscience.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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