CyberCenter – Student Awards

Cybersecurity requires specific skills, mindsets and adaptability to be a successful professional. Within the Walsh programs, many students evolve and expand their skills in our cybersecurity classes, incorporating approximately 20 labs and six live attack and defense events. Each student grows and expands their skills. Walsh’s CyberCenter actively reviews student performance, acknowledging students demonstrating critical skills and abilities in cybersecurity classes.

Please note – Top grades are not necessarily the primary driver of these awards, but the ability to demonstrate knowledge and hands on skills during timed live fire events. While most cyber programs focus on grades, Walsh’s CyberCenter focuses on tradecraft skills for success in the profession.

Three awards were created to earmark students’ exceptional abilities in cybersecurity:

Cobalt Squad - Defensive, a.k.a. blue team, operational skills are recognized with Cobalt Squad. Cobalt is a shade of blue. Defensive skills are tested in live fire events to actively defend infrastructure from aggressive red team actors. Cobalt Squad team members have demonstrated reliable defensive skills under duress. Each squad recipient is presented with a certificate and challenge coin. (See below for students awarded Cobalt Squad.)

Crimson Squad - Attack, a.k.a. red team, operational skills are recognized with Crimson Squad, with crimson a shade of red. Crimson Squad members demonstrate reliable and effective red team activities under duress. Each squad recipient is presented with a certificate and challenge coin. (See below for students awarded Crimson Squad.)

Cyber Squad - Combined defensive and attack skills are recognized with a purple award, named Cyber Squad. Recipients are chosen by instructors for demonstration of hands-on skills and approaches to different cybersecurity skill sets. Skills are tested in timed "live fire" events. Each squad recipient is presented with a certificate and challenge coin. (See below for students awarded Cyber Squad.)

Cybersecurity squad alumni will be invited to member only events, enabling networking, mentoring and career advice.