ECPI University’s Columbia campus cybersecurity team, D0wn the L1ine, earned first place at the Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition (PCDC) April 16. ECPI University surpassed nine other universities – including Clemson University, The Citadel, University of South Carolina, and the United States Naval Academy – to take home the gold.
PCDC is a three-day cybersecurity competition hosted by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, in collaboration with the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The competition, held annually, focuses on real-world cybersecurity scenarios and challenges teams to solve complex problems in a time-sensitive environment.
“We are incredibly proud of our Columbia cybersecurity team and their impressive victory at the Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition,” said ECPI University President Mark Dreyfus. “Not only is this a significant win, but it also shines a spotlight on the quality of ECPI University’s cybersecurity program and the level of talent we’re seeing in our students. The Columbia cyber team’s hard work and exceptional skills have more than earned this well-deserved recognition.”
The ECPI University cybersecurity program is designed to provide students with hands-on training and real-world experience in cybersecurity. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity.
“Defeating formidable cyber teams reinforces our teaching methodology,” said ECPI University Columbia Campus President Jim Rund. “Strong competitive events, like PCDC, allow our students to improve their skills and expertise so they can hit the ground running in their chosen career path of cybersecurity.”
This isn’t the first time ECPI University’s cybersecurity program is getting recognized this year. In January, ECPI University was one of five educational institutions to receive the prestigious “2022 Academic Circle of Excellence” award from EC-Council, a global leader in
InfoSec Cyber Security certification program.
Founded in 1966, ECPI University offers career education, hands-on programs in technology, nursing, health science, business, criminal justice, and culinary arts throughout the Southeast (VA, NC, SC, FL), Texas and online. ECPI uses a year-round schedule so students can earn their degree faster.
