Cybersecurity Competitions
CCDC (Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition)
Feb 7 2026
Focus Area: Ubuntu/Linux Services | SQL Database | SSH/IMAP
Rank: 3rd Place in Service Uptime
During the 2026 Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, I competed on a blue team responsible for defending a live enterprise-style environment while it was being actively attacked. My role focused on the Ubuntu/Linux side of the environment, especially systems that supported database access, SSH remote administration, and email services.
A big part of my work involved making changes carefully without breaking the services we were being scored on. I worked with a SQL database service, SSH access, and an IMAP mail server, which meant I had to think about both security and availability at the same time. If I locked something down too aggressively, I could cut off legitimate access or break a scored service. If I left it too open, it could give the red team another way into the system.
For the SQL database, I focused on checking access, reviewing users, and making sure the service stayed available. With SSH, I had to balance securing remote access while still keeping it usable for administration and troubleshooting. For the IMAP server, I worked around service availability, configuration checks, and keeping mail functionality stable while the environment was under pressure.
This competition helped me understand that real security work is not just about applying every hardening step at once. It is about knowing what a system does, what could break it, and what changes are worth making first. I learned how important it is to test changes, communicate with teammates, and avoid making rushed decisions that could cause more damage than the attack itself.
Our team earned 3rd place in Service Uptime, which reflected our ability to keep critical services running throughout the competition despite the pressure of active attacks and constant troubleshooting.
NCAE Cyber Games
March 14 2026
Focus Area: MikroTik RouterOS | Firewall/NAT | Network Segmentation
Recognition: Most Valuable Teammate
During the 2026 NCAE Cyber Games, I competed as part of a collegiate cybersecurity team responsible for defending and maintaining a live business-style environment. My role focused heavily on the network infrastructure, especially the MikroTik RouterOS systems that controlled routing, firewall rules, NAT policies, access control, and segmentation.
A lot of my work involved keeping the network secure without breaking legitimate connectivity. I had to review firewall filters, adjust NAT rules, test routes, and make sure scoring systems and required services could still communicate. Since one small networking change could affect multiple systems, I had to be careful, test often, and think through how each rule would impact the rest of the environment.
One of the biggest challenges was working with unfamiliar infrastructure while the competition was still moving quickly around us. I spent a lot of time troubleshooting connectivity issues, checking access rules, validating routing behavior, and helping stabilize the environment when services or communication paths stopped working correctly.
This competition helped me become more comfortable with network defense and infrastructure troubleshooting under pressure. It also taught me how important communication is when working on shared systems. A firewall or routing change might solve one problem, but it can also create new problems for teammates if it is not explained clearly.
At the end of the competition, I was recognized with the Most Valuable Teammate award. That meant a lot to me because it reflected both the technical work I contributed and the way I supported the team throughout the event.
