Students from Grand Valley State University’s College of Computing recently put their cybersecurity skills to the test at the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC), where they faced high-pressure, real-world attack scenarios designed to simulate the challenges of today’s digital landscape.

During the competition, the team was tasked with defending their systems against continuous cyberattacks from experienced “red team” professionals—individuals who actively work in cybersecurity and penetration testing. According to team member Caleb Kipp, senior studying cybersecurity, the environment was intense and unpredictable.

“We were getting spammed via malicious IP addresses, fake users being created on systems, and much more,” Kipp said. 

What set this year’s team apart was their level of preparation and commitment. Beginning in September, the group dedicated five months to weekly practices, where they simulated attacks, rebuilt systems, and refined their defensive strategies.

“Our team consistently showed up to practice for months. We studied, built and tore down machines, practiced different simulations, and more,” Kipp said. 

That preparation paid off during key moments in the competition. One standout turning point came when network engineer Achilles Adams identified the subnet being used by attackers. By blocking it across both firewalls, the team was able to prevent further intrusions and gain a significant scoring advantage.

The competition required strong collaboration and clearly defined roles. Each team member was responsible for managing and securing a specific system, including positions such as network engineer, Windows and Linux administrators, backup engineer, and SIEM analyst. This structure allowed the team to operate efficiently while under constant pressure.

Preparation for CCDC went beyond traditional coursework. Instead, students relied on hands-on practice and a deep understanding of their systems.

“No coursework could have prepared you for this,” Kipp explained. “You are actively being attacked by real red team people… The best preparation was knowing each person’s machine inside and out.” 

The team was supported by both industry and faculty mentors. Alex Curry, an IT infrastructure analyst at Stryker Medical and former CCDC competitor, provided guidance on setting up systems and anticipating attack strategies. On campus, Professor Andrew Kalafut supported the team through funding and coordination.

Through the competition, students gained valuable experience working with technologies such as Windows Server, Linux systems, Cisco and Palo Alto firewalls, and network infrastructure tools. More importantly, they developed the ability to respond to live cybersecurity threats—an increasingly critical skill in today’s workforce.

“This competition gives you real experience in a cybersecurity crisis,” Kipp said. “With so many data breaches and attacks happening, this experience is crucial.” 

Beyond technical growth, participation in CCDC also provides strong career benefits. With many employers sponsoring the event, students have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and showcase their skills in a high-stakes environment.

Students interested in joining future teams are encouraged to get involved early through GVSU’s H.A.T. Club and be prepared for a significant time commitment.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, experiences like CCDC help prepare GVSU’s College of Computing students to meet the demands of the field—equipping them with both the technical expertise and real-world resilience needed to protect modern systems.