AAMU to Host 2nd Annual Tracer FIRE Capture the Flag Hackathon

AAMU to Host 2nd Annual Tracer FIRE Capture the Flag Hackathon

Every day, cyber defenders battle against thousands of attacks aimed at compromising critical systems and stealing sensitive data. The stakes are high, and the threat is real. Now, Alabama A&M University’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences is offering students the chance to step into the front lines with the 2nd Annual Tracer Forensic Incident Response Exercise (FIRE) Capture the Flag Hackathon September 6 – 8.

Hosted in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories, the competition gives students a unique opportunity to experience the reality of cybersecurity. Sandia’s elite Tracer FIRE team has crafted intricate threat scenarios that mirror actual cyberattacks, challenging students to detect, trace, and neutralize the virtual enemy.

“Tracer FIRE is designed to immerse students in the fast-paced world of cyber incident response,” says Kevin Nauer, a cybersecurity researcher at Sandia National Laboratories. “Our goal is to simulate real-world attacks so students can sharpen their skills in a controlled, yet realistic environment, with guidance from Sandia’s top experts.”

Throughout the competition, teams will navigate through complex scenarios, working to identify the adversary’s tactics, techniques, and procedures. They’ll unravel how the attack occurred, determine the attacker’s motives, assess the damage, and strategize on how to prevent future breaches.

“We encourage students from all disciplines to join in,” says Dr. Ed Pearson, Alabama A&M assistant professor of computer science. “You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to compete – just have a passion for learning and an interest in cybersecurity. This event is as much about education as it is about competition.”

The top three teams will be awarded cash prizes, courtesy of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences. But beyond the rewards, the true prize lies in the experience: a chance for students to showcase talents, expand cybersecurity knowledge, and connect with peers and professionals who share interests.

The Tracer FIRE competition is a gateway to the exciting world of cybersecurity. Teams may register by the September 3 deadline to defend the digital frontier in competition September 6 – 8 in the A.J. Bond Engineering Building, Room 233.

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