SIU Security Dawgs Clinch 1st place in Illinois State Collegeiate Cyber Defense Competition
The SIU Security Dawgs clinched the 1st place at the highly competitive Illinois State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition on February 17th. This victory marks an exceptional start to the new Cybersecurity Technology program, showcasing the talent and dedication of SIU students in the field of cybersecurity.
The competition was fierce with 8 schools vying for the top spot. Competing teams included institutions such as the Illinois Institute of Technology, Lewis University, Governors State University, DePaul University, Loyal University Chicago, John A. Logan College and College of DuPage. Despite the strong competition, the SIU Security Dawgs emerged victorious, demonstrating their superior skills in cybersecurity defense strategies.
The SIU Security Dawgs team was comprised of exceptionally talented students led by team advisor Matthew Nicklin who provided countless hours guiding and supporting the team. Mr. Nicklin’s commitment to the Information Technology program and to the SIU Security Dawgs has been instrumental in team success. Team members are pictured from left to right, starting with the top row: Tony Barnes, Dustin Myers, Tyson Nicklin, Alex Hayes, Nikolis Lissimore, and Matthew Nicklin (advisor). On the bottom row, from left to right, are: Matthew Pawlowski, Andrew Barnes, and Trent Grider. The students’ teamwork, expertise, and dedication were pivotal in navigating the challenges of the competition and ultimately securing the first-place victory.
This achievement not only highlights the strength of SIU’s Information Technology program and the new Cybersecurity Technology program, but also sets a high standard for future teams. The success of the SIU Security Dawgs at the Illinois State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition is a testament to the quality of education and training provided by faculty in these programs.
Congratulations to the SIU Security Dawgs for their outstanding performance. This victory is a proud moment for Southern Illinois University and the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Technology programs.
Posted: Februrary 19th, 2024
Security Dawgs win third-place at Cyber Defense Competition
The SIUC Security Dawgs competed in the 2023 Erich J. Spengler Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, which took place on March 17th and 18th at Moraine Valley Community College. Out of ten competing schools, the Security Dawgs placed third, following their previous successes of placing second in the Illinois Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and first in the Wildcard. The competing schools included Baldwin Wallace University, DePaul University, Davenport University, Indiana Tech, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Purdue University, University of Louisville, and the University of Wisconsin – Stout. DePaul University and Indiana Tech claimed the first and second spots, respectively. The SIU Security Dawgs team consisted of Dustin Myers, Trent Grider, Tyson Nicklin, Matthew Pawlowski, Tony Barnes, Mike Whisenhunt, Andrew Barnes, Alex Hayes, and Isaac Brown.
Security Dawgs win first-place at Cyber Defense Competition
Congratulations to the SIU Security Dawgs for winning the first-place title at the Wildcard Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition! Out of 18 teams across the Midwest, the Security Dawgs rose to the top, beating opponents such as Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Their impressive win has earned them a spot in the upcoming Erich J. Spengler Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
We are proud of our team members' hard work and dedication that led to this incredible victory. Their commitment to excellence and passion for cybersecurity has put them on the map as a top-performing team in the Midwest region.
Once again, congratulations to the SIU Security Dawgs for their outstanding achievement!
Posted: March 7th, 2023
Security Dawgs place third in TriState competition
The SIU “Security Dawgs” have reason to celebrate as they placed third overall across three states, including Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) Saturday, February 18th. The team also secured the second spot in the Illinois State CCDC, making them one of the top cybersecurity teams in the region. The Security Dawgs are now gearing up for the wildcard round of the CCDC, and the entire college community wishes them the best of luck in the competition.
Team members (from left):
Row 1, Michael Whisenhunt, Anthony Barnes, and Andrew Barnes.
Row 2, Alexander Hayes, Dustin Meyers, Isaac Brown, and Tyson Nicklin.
Row 3, Matthew Pawlowski, Matthew Nicklin (he is an advisor for the team and not a team member) and Trent Grider.
The SIU Security Dawgs clinched the 1st place at the highly competitive Illinois State Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition on February 17th. This victory marks an exceptional start to the new Cybersecurity Technology program, showcasing the talent and dedication of SIU students in the field of cybersecurity.
The SIUC Security Dawgs competed in the 2023 Erich J. Spengler Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, which took place on March 17th and 18th at Moraine Valley Community College. Out of ten competing schools, the Security Dawgs placed third, following their previous successes of placing second in the Illinois Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and first in the Wildcard. The competing schools included Baldwin Wallace University, DePaul University, Davenport University, Indiana Tech, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Purdue University, University of Louisville, and the University of Wisconsin – Stout. DePaul University and Indiana Tech claimed the first and second spots, respectively. The SIU Security Dawgs team consisted of Dustin Myers, Trent Grider, Tyson Nicklin, Matthew Pawlowski, Tony Barnes, Mike Whisenhunt, Andrew Barnes, Alex Hayes, and Isaac Brown.
Congratulations to the SIU Security Dawgs for winning the first-place title at the Wildcard Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition! Out of 18 teams across the Midwest, the Security Dawgs rose to the top, beating opponents such as Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Their impressive win has earned them a spot in the upcoming Erich J. Spengler Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
The SIU “Security Dawgs” have reason to celebrate as they placed third overall across three states, including Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin, in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) Saturday, February 18th. The team also secured the second spot in the Illinois State CCDC, making them one of the top cybersecurity teams in the region. The Security Dawgs are now gearing up for the wildcard round of the CCDC, and the entire college community wishes them the best of luck in the competition.