Rowan Cyber Club Forms Transatlantic Connection

Rowan Cyber Security is going international! Connecting with other computer scientists all over the globe provides a student with exciting opportunities to network and see beyond their local curriculum. The Rowan Cybersecurity club has an exciting opportunity to make those connections happen. Last fall, Rowan student cyber enthusiasts teamed up with UWEcyber—the cyber security group at the University of the West of England—resulting in a new student society at UWE (CTF-Falcons), and the establishment of a Transatlantic Cyber Security Club between the two institutions.

The connection sparked when Rowan Professor Fred Stinchcombe returned to Britain to attend BSides Bristol, a conference held at his alma mater, the University of the West of England. BSides Bristol is a cybersecurity conference aimed at connecting information security enthusiasts to both new ideas and each other. He was invited onto the UWEcyber podcast, where he spoke about American cybersecurity competitions with UWE Professor Phil Legg. The two broke into discussion about the benefits of connecting their students, and the idea of a cross-continental club formed. “Personally, I’m very keen about how our students at UWE can learn more about what’s happening in the cybersecurity world outside of our university, so Professor Stinchcombe and I took it upon ourselves to link up the UWEcyber and RowanCyber students. Through a mutual connection, students can learn what it’s like to work without someone outside of their sphere—sharing what they’re learning with each other,” says Professor Legg.

“We really want UK students to participate in the cybersecurity competitions over here, since it’s a great opportunity to get tangible experience for your resume,” continued Professor Stinchcombe.

As far as meetings go, students learn together about cybersecurity. “What to actually do during a cybersecurity competition, password cracking, log analysis, open source intelligence– we really do it all,” says Manahan. “If you know those skills, you’re much more prepared for cyber competitions.” There’s a big focus on capture the flag competitions, where students learn how to defend networks against cyber attacks, or learn how to hack into the environments themselves. These events can be hosted online, allowing for cross-club participation. One of the highlights of the year for the cyberclub is the National Cyber League Competition during the spring semester. 

This transatlantic connection is made possible by the wonders of the internet. UWE students can talk to Rowan Cyber club members in America by joining the Rowan Cybersecurity club discord. Within the discord, students—graduate and undergraduate—chat with one another and exchange information about news in the Cybersecruity world, or upcoming cyber competitions. And thanks to video call, UWE students can participate in twice-weekly Cybersecruity club meetings virtually. “There’s a huge time difference between the United States and Britain, so we here over at Rowan compensate for this by meeting twice during the week—with one meeting at a more reasonable time for the UWE students,” says Rowan Cybersecurity club president Ian Manahan. CTF-Falcons have been busy getting up and running, with talks and activities available for all to join virtually, exposing Rowan students to professionals in the English cybersecurity community, as well as offering UK students the chance to interact and network with us too.

“For me, it's about showing our students what's going on in other universities, other parts of the world—how they build their network, what they’re learning, but also, we want to encourage students to share their knowledge with others as well,” says Professor Legg. 

“The key thing really is that this is a club driven by students, for students,” says Professor Legg. Rowan students interested in getting involved are welcome to join the Rowan Cyber Security club starting this fall. All students are welcome! 

Written by Kiley Parker | Posted 5.14.24