Pennsylvania College of Technology students reached the virtual summit during a recent competition for information security practitioners. A team consisting of four information technology majors won the wireless “capture the flag” event during the Security B-Sides DC Conference in Washington, D.C.
Competing against students from other schools, as well as IT professionals, the Penn College team successfully employed radio frequency signals to access the opposition’s computer system and capture the “digital flag” stored on the system.
Members of the winning Penn College team were information assurance and security concentration majors Jeremy W. Rennicks, of Williamsport; David M. Mossop, of Newark, Delaware; Douglas S. Wilson, of Wellsville; and Zachary L. Lundberg, of Warren.
“It’s very impressive that our students were the first to capture the digital flag,” said Jacob R. Miller, associate professor of computer information technology and department head. “This type of competition augments their lab and classroom work. Participating in industry events is another way for the students to gain real-world experience.”
The victorious Penn College contingent received assistance from five classmates who also attended the conference: technical support technology emphasis major Tucker J. Harner, of Leesport, and information assurance and security concentration majors Evelyn E. Hill, of Muncy; Madelyn M. Lanoue, of Dallastown; Drew Pacell, of Ottsville; and Brian S. Stringer, of McVeytown.
In addition to the competition, the Penn College students attended sessions focusing on information security issues.
They were accompanied to the event by Ian M. Bell, technical support analyst; Pamela Ellis, course coordinator for computer information technology; and Donald E. Gustafson, assistant professor of business administration, management/information systems.
Penn College offers four information technology bachelor’s degrees and one associate degree. A national security telecommunications and systems security competency credential is also available.
For information on the Penn College IT majors and other degrees from the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/ICET.
For more about Penn College, which is celebrating its Centennial throughout 2014, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call 800-367-9222.