UAT Cyber Ninjas: Cyber Club and Competition Team

At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), the Cyber Ninjas competition team stands as a cornerstone of our cybersecurity community. We're more than just a club—we are a diverse group of passionate students united by our love for cybersecurity, dedicated to skill development, and committed to creating an inclusive environment for newcomers and veterans alike.

The UAT Cyber Ninjas welcome all students, regardless of their experience level. Whether you're taking your first steps into the world of cybersecurity or you've been breaking and defending systems for years, our team has a place for you. Our strength lies in our collaborative approach—experienced members regularly mentor newcomers, and everyone is encouraged to reach out to our Professors & Subject Matter Experts, Dr. Briant Becote and Aaron Rodriguez when faced with challenging problems.

Our training methodology centers around self-paced learning through the National Cyber League (NCL) Gymnasium and TryHackMe modules, which allows each member to progress according to their individual skill level and interests. This personalized approach ensures that everyone continues to grow their cybersecurity knowledge regardless of where they started. We also take knowledge learned in our amazing classes and apply it to the team and competitions.

The Cyber Ninjas participate in numerous competitions throughout the year, spanning both offensive and defensive cybersecurity domains. Our comprehensive approach includes competing in National Cyber League, Google CTF, Buckeye CTF, and Cat the Quest. Here, we hone our system exploitation, OSINT, and password cracking skills. On the defensive competitions, we regularly participate in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) and National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE) Games, where we focus on protecting networks and systems from active threats.

This balanced participation in offensive and defensive competition gives our members a holistic cybersecurity skillset. The challenges we face—from identifying vulnerabilities to implementing robust security measures—mirror real-world scenarios that cybersecurity professionals encounter daily. Many of our competitions involve time pressure elements that simulate the urgency of actual security incidents, preparing our members for future careers.

What makes these competitions particularly valuable is their global nature. By competing against teams from various backgrounds and expertise levels worldwide, our members gain exposure to diverse approaches and techniques. These international connections often lead to networking opportunities and knowledge sharing that extend beyond the competitions themselves. Therefore, creating a richer learning environment for everyone involved.

Our commitment extends beyond competitive events. The Cyber Ninjas actively engage with the broader cybersecurity community through various professional development opportunities throughout the year. We regularly attend industry conferences like CactusCon, where members network with security professionals, participate in workshops, and gain exposure to cutting-edge security research. These conferences often lead to internship connections and mentorship opportunities that help launch our member's careers.

The team also organizes and attends professional networking events that bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice. These connections have proven invaluable for members seeking to understand current market demands and career pathways.

Recently, we had the privilege of meeting with Ryan Murray, Arizona's Chief Information Security Officer, to discuss the state's cybersecurity posture, AI integration in security operations, and valuable career guidance. These professional development opportunities provide our members with industry insights and connections that complement classroom learning, creating a more comprehensive educational experience. Meeting with industry professionals gives our members a clearer understanding of career pathways and current cybersecurity challenges, helping to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice.

What truly sets the Cyber Ninjas experience apart is the lifelong connections formed while tackling complex challenges. When you join our team, you don't just gain technical skills—you build a professional network and friendship circle that extends far beyond graduation. Our members regularly describe the team as "finding their people" at UAT. The camaraderie developed during late-night competition preparations, celebrating victories at our traditional post-competition Sonic runs, or sharing a team Thanksgiving dinner creates bonds that last throughout your academic journey.

On campus, you'll often find Cyber Ninjas gathered in the Security Operations Center (SOC). This hub serves as our training ground, meeting space, and occasional movie theater where we combine relaxation with research during our regular movie nights. These informal gatherings help strengthen our team bonds while providing a casual space to discuss security concepts in a relaxed setting.

We pride ourselves on maintaining an open, supportive environment where anyone interested in cybersecurity can find their place. Whether you're looking to compete, learn new skills, or simply connect with like-minded tech enthusiasts, we invite you to be part of our journey in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Ready to step into the digital shadows with the Cyber Ninjas? Find us in the UAT SOC or connect with any team member—your journey into the fascinating world of cybersecurity begins with us.