Cybersecurity Interest Group

Welcome to the Fayetteville State University Cybersecurity Interest Group! We create a supportive and hands-on learning environment for students interested in cybersecurity, information technology, and related fields. We will help students build technical skills, prepare for certifications, compete in cybersecurity competitions, network with professionals, and promote cybersecurity awareness across campus. We provide members with opportunities to participate in labs, Capture the Flag competitions, workshops, guest speaker events, certification study groups, and national competitions such as the National Cyber League (NCL), Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC), and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC).

We have set up a Cybersecurity Capture The Flag (CTF) Course on Canvas. If you’re ready to take your cybersecurity skills to the next level—and help build a stronger, more competitive program — please contact Dr. Xiangping Wang (xwang3@uncfsu.edu), an invitation email will be sent to you soon.

What the Cybersecurity CTF Course Provides
  • Training activities, materials, and discussion forums – all hosted within the course to help you learn at your own pace and with peers.
  • Team organization – we’ll help you form and manage teams for local and national CTF competitions.
  • Monthly stipend support – top performers may receive a monthly stipend, generously supported by Dr. Sambit Bhattacharya.
  • CompTIA Security+ exam vouchers – You may receive vouchers for industry-recognized professional certifications at little to no cost.
  • Faculty mentorship – you will be mentored by an experienced faculty team including Dr. Xianping Wang, Dr. Tieming Geng, and Dr. Longfei Wu.
How This Benefits Your Academic and Career Goals
  • Build a competition portfolio – CTF participation demonstrates hands-on abilities that stand out on résumés and graduate school applications.
  • Earn industry certifications – the Security+ voucher gives you a head start on required credentials for many cybersecurity jobs and government positions (e.g., DoD 8570 compliance).
  • Strengthen your problem-solving and teamwork skills – exactly what employers look for in security analysts, penetration testers, and engineers.

Our cyber security tools and platforms:

Steering Committee:

Archie Titus, Tristan James Oliveros, Razan Alyazidi, Samuel Siciliano, Jalyn Thomas, Julia Murray, and Lucas Curtis.

Faculty advisors:

Dr. Xianping Wang, Dr. Tieming Geng, and Dr. Longfei Wu.