CyberSalukis
CyberSalukis Secure 16th Place Nationally in 2022 U.S. Department of Energy CyberForce Competition
CARBONDALE, Ill. — November 5, 2022
A team of graduate students from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Computing, known as the CyberSalukis, earned an impressive 16th place nationally in the 2022 U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) CyberForce Competition, held on November 5, 2022. The team competed against 144 teams from 108 institutions across the United States, showcasing their cybersecurity expertise in a high-stakes, real-world simulation.
The CyberSalukis (Team-108) included:
- Ismail Hossain (Ph.D. in Computer Science)
- Tyler Joseph (M.S. in Computer Science and Cybersecurity)
- Mohammad Mashud Nesary (M.S. in Computer Science)
- Sai Mani Teja Puppala (Ph.D. in Computer Science)
- Trenton D. Spencer (M.S. in Computer Science)
- Robert Wigfall (M.S. in Computer Science)
The team was mentored by Dr. Sajedul Talukder, Assistant Professor in the School of Computing and Director of the Security and Privacy Enhanced Machine Learning (SUPREME) Lab
A Nationally Recognized Performance
The CyberForce Competition is a premier national event designed to test students’ cybersecurity skills in a realistic, scenario-based environment. This year’s challenge revolved around defending the infrastructure of a simulated electric vehicle manufacturing plant and its solar power generation facility—highlighting the intersection of cybersecurity and renewable energy.
SIU’s CyberSalukis ranked 4th among 12 teams from Illinois, outperforming many prestigious institutions. Another SIU team, the Security Dawgs (Team-107), also participated and secured the 41st position nationally, further demonstrating the strength of SIU’s cybersecurity program.
Scoring Highlights
The CyberSalukis earned a total of 7,134 points, placing them in the top 11% of all competing teams. Their performance across various categories included:
- Anomalies: 1,365 points (68.25%) – Rank: 20
- Security Documentation: 867 points (86.70%) – Rank: 29
- C-Suite Panel: 873 points (87.30%) – Rank: 37
- Red Team Defense: 1,202 points (48.08%) – Rank: 16
- Service Scans: 1,947 points (97.35%) – Rank: 55
- Green Team Surveys: 880 points (58.67%) – Rank: 20
These results reflect the team’s well-rounded capabilities in both technical defense and strategic communication.
Building on a Legacy
This achievement builds on SIU’s strong track record in cybersecurity competitions. In 2021, the School of Computing team ranked 13th nationally in the same competition, demonstrating consistent excellence and growth in the field.
The CyberForce Competition, hosted annually by the DOE, aims to:
- Enhance understanding of the critical infrastructure and cybersecurity nexus.
- Promote hands-on cyber education for students and professionals.
- Provide real-world context for cybersecurity practices, policies, and ethics.
A Testament to SIU’s Cybersecurity Education
The CyberSalukis’ success is a testament to the quality of education and mentorship provided by the School of Computing. Through initiatives like the SUPREME Lab and participation in national competitions, SIU continues to prepare students for leadership roles in cybersecurity and information assurance.
The School of Computing congratulates the CyberSalukis and their mentor, Dr. Talukder, for their outstanding performance and dedication. Their achievement not only brings pride to the university but also inspires future students to pursue excellence in cybersecurity.
Media Contact: School of Computing Communications • socinfo@siu.edu