Virtual Cybersecurity Career Challenge

Joe Molley, Aliyah Montes de Oca, and Alexa Solorzano participated in the Spring 2026 Virtual Cybersecurity Career Challenge (VCCC), hosted by the National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE). The competition brought together students from across the country to engage in an immersive, hands-on experience designed to simulate real-world cybersecurity environments and challenges.

Working in teams of five, the students were tasked with developing a comprehensive business plan while also building and securing a functional technical infrastructure. Their work included configuring virtual machines, establishing business processes, implementing network security measures, and ultimately presenting their solutions to an audience of cybersecurity professionals. Throughout the challenge, participants balanced both technical and strategic responsibilities, mirroring the interdisciplinary nature of the cybersecurity field.

The teams were mentored by cybersecurity instructors from both community colleges and universities, who provided guidance and industry-informed feedback during the competition. This mentorship component allowed students to refine their approaches, strengthen their technical skills, and better understand professional expectations in the field.

All three students gained invaluable real-world cybersecurity experience through their participation, developing not only technical competencies but also collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.

The Virtual Cybersecurity Career Challenge (VCCC) is designed to give students practical exposure to the types of scenarios they may encounter in cybersecurity careers. Participants work under time constraints to solve complex problems, apply both technical and business-oriented thinking, and respond to evolving challenges. In addition to strengthening their skill sets, students gain insight into industry standards and have opportunities to connect with professionals, making the competition a meaningful stepping stone toward future careers in cybersecurity.