Bellevue University Cyber League Team Completes Season With Top 50 National Ranking
Students practice, master skills through cybersecurity challenges
The Bellevue University Cyber League team recently completed the 2023 National Cyber League (NCL) spring season and scored a top 50 national ranking.
The Bruins ranked number 45 out of 451 competing colleges and universities to land in the top 10% of teams nationally. This is the highest ranking the Bellevue University team has achieved out of 10 seasons of play.
NCL virtual competitions consist of pre-season games where students practice skills; individual games where students compete by themselves; and team games where students are placed on teams of up to seven individuals and compete as a group.
“Joining Cyber League and being a part of the NCL was one of the best choices I made besides going back to school,” said Bellevue University student Natasha Jeter. “The knowledge and experience you gain on your own and with a team is invaluable. Not to mention it’s fun!”
NCL “Capture the Flag” style competitions award students flags, or points, for solving various cybersecurity challenges. Challenges fall into categories such as Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Cryptography, Password Cracking, Log Analysis, Network Traffic Analysis, Wireless Access Exploitation, Forensics, Scanning, Web Application Exploitation, and Enumeration & Exploitation.
Joining Cyber League and being a part of the NCL was one of the best choices I made besides going back to school. The knowledge and experience you gain on your own and with a team is invaluable. Not to mention it’s fun!
“My experience with NCL was amazing,” said Lisa Hubka, another member of the Bellevue University team. “I loved password cracking and OSINT! I set up my first virtual machine and learned to use so many of the tools that came with it.”
Each NCL season, every student’s progress and strengths are validated through individual scouting reports and team rankings, enabling employers and recruiters to easily determine the students’ fit for open positions.
According to Associate Professor Doug Rausch, Bellevue University’s team will compete in the Fall 2023 NCL and is looking for students interested in improving their cybersecurity skills in a hands-on, competitive environment.
“We’re seeking both undergraduate and graduate students,” said Rausch, “and not just those pursuing a cybersecurity degree. This is a great way for students to develop and improve their cybersecurity skills and prepare for a future career.”
About Bellevue University
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).