NSU places in top 10% at national cybersecurity competition

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Students from Northeastern State University’s (NSU) Cybersecurity Clinic (CSIC) placed in the top 10% of competitors at the Spring 2026 National Capture the Flag competition, finishing 301st among more than 3,600 participating teams.

Hosted by Cyber Skyline, the competition challenges students to solve real-world cybersecurity scenarios involving cryptography, web exploitation, reverse engineering, digital forensics and network security and more. Participants are evaluated on accuracy, timing and problem-solving ability.

The achievement marked NSU’s first appearance in the competition and highlighted the hands-on experience students are gaining through the university’s Cyber Security Clinic and cybersecurity program.

Supported through Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund in collaboration with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, NSU’s Cybersecurity Clinic provides students with real-world experience through projects with businesses, nonprofits and government organizations. Students work under professional mentorship while developing practical cybersecurity, risk management and consulting skills.

NSU President Rodney Hanley said opportunities like the competition help students apply classroom learning in meaningful ways while preparing for careers in a rapidly growing field.

“Cybersecurity continues to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most essential industries, and NSU is committed to providing students with experiences that prepare them to succeed from day one,” Hanley said. “Through hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world projects, our students are developing skills that directly support businesses, organizations and communities.”

Michael Gonzalez, Cybersecurity Clinic Program Coordinator attributed NSU’s culture for dedication and excellence as a reason for the achievement.

"I am so proud of how our team represented NSU in our very first appearance at this competition,” Gonzalez said. “I hope this leads others in this field to consider joining the group and learning. This achievement is a tribute to their dedication and I’m eager to see our group grow as more students realize the impact they can have here."

The CTF competitions are widely recognized within the cybersecurity industry for helping students strengthen technical skills, critical thinking and teamwork in fast-paced environments designed to mirror real cyber threats and investigations.

NSU’s cybersecurity program combines coursework in criminal justice, computer science and information systems while emphasizing hands-on learning and workforce readiness. The degree is offered online, on-campus and in hybrid formats.

For more information about the cyber security program, visit academics.nsuok.edu/criminaljustice/DegreePrograms/CyberSecurity.aspx.

For more information about NSU’s Cybersecurity Internship Clinic, visit https://academics.nsuok.edu/continuingeducation/cybr_intrn_clnc.aspx.

###