The event is scheduled for May 18-21 and features teams from around the world.
Brunty, who has played a key role in developing cybersecurity talent on both the national and international stage, said the experience has reinforced the growing importance of preparing students to meet modern cybersecurity threats.
“Cybersecurity professionals are on the front lines of protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, businesses and national security in an increasingly connected world,” Brunty said. “Preparing students for the challenges of 21st century cyber defense requires hands-on experience, collaboration and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving threats. It has been an incredible honor to help mentor and coach some of the nation’s top cyber talent through this international competition.”
The International Cybersecurity Challenge brings together elite cybersecurity students and professionals from countries around the world to compete in advanced cyber defense and security challenges designed to strengthen global collaboration and workforce development in cybersecurity.
This marks the third and final time Brunty will serve in the head coach role for the national team. Following the competition, he will step away from his leadership position with the U.S. Cyber Team to focus his efforts on advancing Marshall University’s cybersecurity initiatives and student programs.
That work comes as Marshall continues to expand its national reputation in cybersecurity education and workforce training through competitive teams, academic programming and partnerships focused on digital security and cyber resilience.
Concurrently underway at the university is construction of a new home for its cyber programs — a $45 million Institute for Cyber Security which is forecast to serve as a significant security shield for the East Coast. The 78,000- square-foot facility will house advanced cyber ranges, digital forensics labs, unmanned systems and drone research space, operational technology (OT) environments, instructional labs, collaborative work areas and flexible training zones for real-world cyber exercises.
For more information on Marshall’s undergraduate cyber academic program, visit Cyber Forensics & Security.
Graduate program information is available here.