Irvine Valley College's Collegiate Cybersecurity team, Cyber Optics, recently competed in the Western Region Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (WRCCDC) and emerged successful. The competition, held virtually, brought together teams from universities and colleges in the western region of the United States to test their skills in cybersecurity defense. The Cyber Optics team, made up of four students with a passion for cybersecurity, competed against 20 other teams in a simulated high-stress cybersecurity environment. The competition included real-world scenarios designed to test their abilities to protect against cyber-attacks, manage critical infrastructure, and maintain the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information systems.
After an entire day of intense competition, the Cyber Optics team emerged as a top-performing team, placing higher than some of the other community colleges. Team captain, Ian Bagherzadeh, shared his excitement about the experience and the opportunity to compete again next year.
"I think it was an amazing experience to get exposure to real-world scenarios. I am excited to participate next year if the opportunity arises to try again and hopefully do a bit better after being able to prepare," said Bagherzadeh. He also shared that the competition helped him learn more about high-stress cybersecurity environments and the importance of teamwork in such scenarios. "I also learned a lot about real- world high-stress cybersecurity environments. Thanks so much for the opportunity to compete!" The Cyber Optics team's success is a testament to the determination for cybersecurity education and training at Irvine Valley College. The college's new Cybersecurity club is set to provide students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity and preparing them for careers in the industry.
"We are extremely proud of the Cyber Optics team and their success in the WRCCDC. This competition provides students with valuable experience in a high-stress environment that mimics real-world situations. We congratulate them on their performance and look forward to their continued success," said Professor Michael Franklin, Cybersecurity Club Advisor. The Cyber Optics team's achievement highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the need for skilled professionals in the field. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the need for cybersecurity experts continues to grow. Irvine Valley College's incoming Cybersecurity program is poised to play a vital role in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.