Join URI’s Cybersecurity Club

The URI Cybersecurity Club offers students the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity in a hands-on environment while competing in various cyber competitions.

What The URI Cybersecurity Club Does: We participate in national collegiate cybersecurity competitions throughout the year, including:

URI has had strong performances in the past, including a 7th-place finish nationally in the CAE Cybergames and a 60th-place overall institution score in the NCL.

Who Competes: Any undergraduate or graduate student dedicated to learning cybersecurity.

What Is A Competition? Competitions often include “Capture the Flag” challenges where teams solve problems like password cracking, decryption, vulnerability identification, and digital forensics. Many competitions also involve defending a virtual network (Blue Team) against simulated attacks (Red Team), requiring participants to secure systems by removing vulnerabilities. Competitions typically feature hundreds of teams from colleges nationwide, and points are awarded for solving challenges and defending networks effectively.

When and Where Are Competitions? Most competitions are virtual, with the URI team gathering in Tyler Hall on the Kingston campus. If we qualify for regional or national finals, travel may be required, with expenses likely covered. Competitions usually take place on weekends (e.g., Saturday afternoons).

Why Join the URI Cybersecurity Team?

  • It’s a great learning experience. We learn from every competition, and while we aim to perform well, our ultimate goal is to have fun and grow as a team.
  • It’s fun! The competitions are engaging and rewarding as we work together to solve challenges.
  • It’s a valuable resume builder. Participation in national cybersecurity competitions demonstrates practical skills, teamwork, and dedication to employers.

Interested in Joining? Connect with us on Discord for meeting times, competition details, and access to our Brightspace page with tips and resources.

Questions? Contact Coach Ben Dahrooge (bdahrooge@uri.edu) or reach out via our Discord.