Cyber Challenge Brings MC Students Together for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The PIC MC team hosted an afternoon of teamwork and cybersecurity challenges on October 15, 2026, at Montgomery College's Germantown Campus. Sponsored by AFCEA, a nonprofit that supports technology education and connects government, industry, and academia, the Cyber Challenge brought together 27 attendees, including 23 students, three staff members, and one faculty member. Students worked together to outsmart a virtual hacker through an interactive escape room experience.

MC's own Professor Reza Mirabrishami served as the event's master of ceremonies and spoke with students about the importance of participating in challenges like this to build their skills and apply classroom learning. He also emphasized the value of developing knowledge in artificial intelligence as students prepare for a rapidly changing technology landscape. Professor Mirabrishami is partnering with PIC MC to host another challenge in January 2027.

The "Beat the Hacker" experience encouraged teams to identify cybersecurity risks and make informed decisions together. Challenge topics included phishing, fraudulent text messages, password security, voice cloning, and deepfakes, connecting cybersecurity concepts with threats students may encounter at school, at work, and in their personal lives.

Just 20 points separated the top three teams:

• First place: Winnars, 574 points. Tyler Hall, Alexander Soruco, Honora Owusu-Afriyie, Christopher Delasos, and Chance McNeil.
• Second place: tinalaya, 563 points. Christina Quach and Laya Vennapusa.
• Third place: The Ringed Seals, 554 points. Lidija Stamenkovic and Dennis Mangan Jr.

Held during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the event gave students an opportunity to strengthen their problem-solving and communication skills through friendly competition. Thank you to PIC MC, Professor Mirabrishami, Germantown Cyber Lab Coordinator Paul Thompson, and sponsor AFCEA for making the experience possible, and to all the participants who brought their curiosity, energy, and competitive spirit to the challenge.