Alfred State Hackathon 2026
The CIT Department at Alfred State College is hosting a high school cybersecurity competition where students will compete in a hands-on Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge using the Virginia Tech US Cyber Range platform. Participants will test their technical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork in a structured and supportive environment.
What is the Hackathon?
This event is a cybersecurity competition designed for high school students interested in technology, programming, networking, or digital security. Participants will work through interactive challenges that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Challenges may include:
Network security fundamentals
Web application vulnerabilities
Password cracking and encryption concepts
Digital forensics basics
Problem-solving under time constraints
No prior competition experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
What is the US Cyber Range?
The Virginia Tech US Cyber Range is a nationally recognized cybersecurity training platform used by schools and organizations across the country. It provides secure, cloud-based environments where participants can safely practice cybersecurity techniques in realistic scenarios.
Why Participate?
This hackathon is more than a competition — it’s an opportunity to explore the world of cybersecurity in a safe and supportive environment.
Participants will:
- Participate in real cybersecurity challenges
- Learn about network security, web vulnerabilities, digital forensics.
- Connect with CIT faculty and students to learn about cybersecurity pathways.
Who Should Participate?
High school students interested in technology
Beginners and advanced learners welcome
Students curious about cybersecurity, networking, or programming
Anyone interested in hands-on problem solving
what is capture the flag (CTF)?
Capture the Flag (CTF) is a cybersecurity competition where participants solve challenges related to computer security. These challenges can take different formats, such as Jeopardy-style questions, attack and defense simulations, or team-based scenarios like Red Team vs. Blue Team.
CTFs cover a wide range of topics including programming, system administration, digital forensics, reverse engineering, network analysis, cryptography, and ethical hacking. They are designed to help participants build real-world cybersecurity skills in a hands-on and engaging way.
Want to learn more and be prepared for the competition?
Explore this curated playlist to learn key cybersecurity concepts and practice real-world CTF challenges. Learn more about how CTF competitions work using the resource below.
Event Details
Ready to Compete? Secure your place in the Alfred State College Hackathon today. Online participation options are available!
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Location: Alfred State College