Seton Hall Students to Compete in Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Thorin Collins - Sophomore, Information Technology Management
Seton Hall University's Cybersecurity Club is proud to announce its participation in the prestigious 2025 Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, taking place on March 15 in Washington, D.C. The competition, hosted by the Atlantic Council and the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, will be held in a hybrid format.
The dedicated team of Seton Hall undergraduates, competing as the Security Syndicate, will join students from around the world to tackle a simulated cybersecurity crisis. The Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition that tasks participants with crafting policy responses, analyzing global cybersecurity threats, and collaborating across disciplines. Focusing on strategy, diplomacy, and cybersecurity, the event challenges students to think critically and act decisively as policymakers and security professionals do in real-world scenarios.
Stephen Plotke - Sophomore, International and Homeland Security
"The Cyber 9/12 Challenge provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in tackling complex cybersecurity and diplomacy issues, enhancing their critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills," said Eric Lopez, director, IT Security and Faculty Advisor for the Cybersecurity Club. "The dedication and hard work of the students involved, guided by their coach, Seton Hall alumna Nicole Gizzi, is truly commendable. Nicole's leadership and commitment to their success ensure that they are not only well-prepared for the competition but also for careers in cybersecurity, intelligence, and national security.
Joseph Brennan - Junior, International and Homeland Security
The Cyber 9/12 Challenge engages over a thousand students worldwide each year and has expanded to include regional competitions across the U.S. as well as international locations such as London, Dundee, Geneva, Paris, San José and Cape Town. Seton Hall students have been participating since 2022, consistently demonstrating their ability to rise to the challenge and compete against top-tier universities and military academies.
As the team prepares for this year’s competition, their efforts reflect Seton Hall’s ongoing commitment to fostering expertise in cybersecurity, diplomacy and policy-making—preparing future leaders in the field.
Categories: Science and Technology
