A Historic Achievement #
I’m incredibly proud to share that I was part of the Penn State Competitive Cyber Security Organization (CCSO) team that placed 3rd in the world at the Global Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC)! 🌍
This is the highest placement in Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology history, and it’s an honor to be part of such an incredible achievement.
The Competition #
Out of 62 teams globally (545 participants), we not only made it to the Global Finals but also earned the Best Presentation Award—a testament to our ability to communicate complex security findings effectively.
CPTC is not your average competition. It’s a real-world penetration testing simulation where teams assess and report on a company’s security posture. The challenge pushes technical skills, creativity, and teamwork to the limit.
My Role #
I had the privilege of serving as the main lead for:
- Web Application Penetration Testing
- Database Security
- Linux Exploitation
From hunting vulnerabilities to crafting exploits and developing remediation strategies, every moment of the competition was intense and rewarding. The experience reinforced the importance of team collaboration, precise documentation, and effective reporting—all essential skills in professional cybersecurity.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work #
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and expertise of my amazing teammates:
- Jonathan Skeete
- Liam Geyer
- Jenna Fox
- Asa Reynolds
- Robert Roderick
And, of course, a huge thank you to our advisor Nicklaus Giacobe, whose guidance was instrumental throughout the competition.
Looking Ahead #
This experience has only fueled my passion for cybersecurity and penetration testing. As a team, we’ve set a new standard for Penn State, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
Thank you to everyone who supported us on this journey. Here’s to pushing boundaries, learning, and continuing to represent Penn State on the global stage!
WE ARE! 🦁