Frostburg State University Hosts First-Ever Capture the Flag Cyber Range Competition

Frostburg State University Hosts First-Ever Capture the Flag Cyber Range Competition

Apr 28, 2026 8:00 AM

Frostburg State University successfully hosted its first-ever Capture the Flag (CTF) Cyber Range competition on Saturday, April 26, welcoming student teams from across Maryland and as far away as South Carolina. The event builds on the University's growing reputation in cybersecurity education and hands-on experiential learning.

The competition follows a strong showing by FSU students in the recent Maryland Capture the Flag competition, hosted virtually by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on March 28. In that event, the Backdoor Bobcats team earned third place among more than 30 teams statewide, highlighting the strength of FSU's Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program.

Continuing that momentum, FSU's Backdoor Bobcat II team secured another third-place finish in the University's inaugural Cyber Range competition. The event also marked an important milestone for several students who participated in their first CTF, demonstrating determination, curiosity and resilience as they tackled complex cybersecurity challenges.

Participants engaged in hands-on exercises spanning cryptography, web security, reverse engineering and digital forensics-mirroring real-world cybersecurity scenarios. One student reflected on the experience, saying, "I captured a lot of flags today, but there were definitely some flags that captured me."

Event organizer Dr. Zhijiang Chen emphasized the broader impact of the competition. "Events like this bring students together to apply what they've learned in a real-world setting and help build a stronger cybersecurity community," he said.

Faculty member Steve Kennedy highlighted the practical value of the event, noting, "This CTF turns classroom theory into real-world skill."

Dr. Joy Zheng also underscored the educational benefits, stating, "It's exciting to see students approach complex challenges with creativity and confidence in a hands-on environment like this."

The event drew praise from attendees and families alike, with one parent sharing how meaningful it was to witness their child's engagement and accomplishments in such a dynamic learning environment.

FSU's Cyber Range competition represents a continued investment in experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for success in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. By hosting events like this, the University strengthens regional collaboration, fosters innovation and equips students with the technical and problem-solving skills needed to meet industry demands.

For more information about Frostburg State University's programs visit https://www.frostburg.edu.