Inside the 2025 VICEROY Symposium Cyber Competition
In today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape, classroom theory alone is no longer sufficient. Real-world experience—where adaptability, time-criticality, and teamwork collide—is essential to shaping the national security leaders of tomorrow. That’s exactly what the 2025 VICEROY Symposium Cyber Competition, hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS), delivered to VICEROY Scholars from across the country.
This capstone experience challenged participants to apply their technical knowledge in a simulated operational environment that tested not just what they know, but how they work under pressure.
Designed as a web-based cryptography and forensics challenge, the competition tested participants across various cybersecurity disciplines. Scholars faced complex situations, including detecting steganography in images, analyzing network traffic for hidden credentials, and recovering sensitive data from compromised systems. Each task simulated real-world threats, requiring competitors to apply foundational knowledge and creative problem-solving skills to succeed.
“VICEROY cyber competitions are an investment in our nation’s future cybersecurity workforce. By immersing scholars in realistic, high-stakes national security scenarios, we bridge the gap between academic knowledge and mission-ready expertise,” said Chester “CJ” Maciag, VICEROY National Director and Director of Cyber-Spectrum Academic Engagement in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). “Events like this cultivate a new generation of cyber warriors who can think critically, adapt rapidly, and respond decisively to evolving threats.”
Unlike traditional cyber competitions, where participants form teams ahead of time, the Symposium event emphasized adaptability by randomly assigning individuals into teams of three to four scholars. This structure mirrored real-world defense environments, where professionals must quickly build rapport and work effectively with new teammates under pressure.
Each team faced multiple challenges of varying difficulties – some could be solved within an hour, while others demanded over three hours of sustained effort. With limited submission attempts, teams had to balance speed with precision, making strategic decisions about which challenges to tackle first and how best to divide tasks among teammates. As scores updated in real-time, the pressure mounted, pushing competitors to refine their approaches and collaborate effectively. A live leaderboard added real-time pressure, heightening the need for quick thinking and clear communication.
“These types of events give students a chance to challenge themselves and gain practical experience with real-world cybersecurity skills. Students may have heard about these topics in class, but this competition allows them to experiment hands-on,” explained Dwayne Williams, Associate Director and competition monitor at CIAS/UTSA.
After an intense battle of wits and technical skill, Team 1 emerged victorious, achieving an impressive score of 215. Their performance was nothing short of exceptional, demonstrating both technical proficiency and strategic problem-solving. The second-place team, Team 4, was hardly out done though, finishing with the same score just seconds behind.
First Place: Team 1:
- Gabriel Moreno – Florida International University
- Chris Begines – The Ohio State University
- Caleb Chang – University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (UCCS)
“This was my first competition of this nature, and it was very rewarding to get to test the skillset I have developed as a student and VICEROY scholar. I also really enjoyed working in a team and getting to exchange ideas and cooperate with other students”– Gabriel Moreno, Florida International University
Second Place: Team 4:
- Joseph Antwi Attoh – University at Albany, SUNY
- Oscar Leon – Texas A&M University
- Adam Caudle – Washington State University (WSU) Pullman
“Participating in the 2025 Symposium Cyber Competition was an exciting and challenging experience. The Capture-The-Flag [foundational skills-building event leading to the 2025 National Cyber Competition in October] provided hands-on skills that sharpened our problem-solving abilities and deepened our understanding of real-world cybersecurity threats. Working as a team reinforced the importance of collaboration and critical thinking. This competition has been an invaluable learning opportunity, and I appreciate it” – Joseph Antwi Attoh, SUNY Albany
To commemorate their achievement, Team 1 was awarded the VICEROY Commander’s Coin—a distinguished symbol of mission-readiness and excellence in service to national security. In military tradition, receiving a challenge coin represents far more than a trophy; it is a mark of honor, integrity, and operational achievement.
The VICEROY Symposium Cyber Competition is more than a test of skill—it’s a proving ground for future cyber defenders. By fostering technical precision, teamwork, and strategic thinking under pressure, the experience equips scholars with the tools and mindset to protect our nation’s most critical digital infrastructure.
