WVU Parkersburg computer information technology students rank among top performers in National Cyber League Fall 2025 season

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Jan. 7, 2025) — Students enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science Computer Information Technology program at WVU Parkersburg earned national recognition through their performance in the National Cyber League Fall 2025 season, a competitive cybersecurity challenge that tests real-world technical skills.

Six teams of AAS Computer Information Technology students from the Introduction to Security course participated in the Fall 2025 Cyber League competition, with all six teams placing in the top 15% nationally among 4,214 teams. One team achieved an exceptional 72^nd-place finish overall and ranked first in the web application exploitation category, demonstrating advanced skills in identifying and addressing web-based security vulnerabilities.

“Allowing our students to compete nationally is competitions improves their confidence,” said Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg.

The National Cyber League is a biannual, online cybersecurity competition that provides high school and college students with hands-on experience in scenarios modeled after professional cybersecurity work. Competition challenges include areas such as network traffic analysis, digital forensics, cryptography, system auditing and web application security.

“Participating in cybersecurity competitions such as National Cyber League allows the students to apply theory from their coursework in a realistic, time-sensitive environment, which helps them have a better understanding of professional cybersecurity work,” said Doug Rhodes, associate professor of computer information technology at WVU Parkersburg. “The NCL also provides scouting reports to the students, which is a great addition to their degree, allowing them to showcase their strengths and skills to future employers.”

The web application exploitation category focuses on how modern websites can be compromised when security is overlooked. Students are expected to recognize and exploit common flaws in website design and development, preparing them to help design and implement safeguards against those types of attacks in real-world cybersecurity roles.

While teams in the National Cyber League may include students from multiple institutions, the competition’s power ranking reflect performance by students and teams from the same institution. Based on student performance in the Fall 2025 season, WVU Parkersburg ranked 80^th nationally and 36^th in the Eastern Division.

“We are thrilled to see the level of competency on global issues like cybersecurity being recognized in Vienna, West Virginia,” Jackson said.

Participation in competitions such as the National Cyber League supports WVU Parkersburg’s commitment to providing career-focused, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for employment in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.

For more information about the Computer Information Technology program at WVU Parkersburg, visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/computer-and-information-technology/