The University of Central Florida (UCF) has become a hub for cybersecurity enthusiasts looking to hone their skills in a unique and challenging way through an event known as Horse Plinko. Despite its playful name, Horse Plinko offers students a chance to test their cybersecurity knowledge and abilities in a simulated real-world scenario.

Organized by Hack@UCF and the UCF Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition Team (C3), the Horse Plinko Cyber Competition has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on campus. With over 160 participants in the second edition of the competition, students are given the opportunity to experience firsthand the intensity of defending a company’s network from live cyberattacks.

Harrison Keating, the competition director and a cybersecurity master’s student at UCF, explains the significance of Horse Plinko in providing students with practical cybersecurity experience. “We simulate a business network for teams to defend, and we pit them against live attackers attempting, and often succeeding, to hack into their network,” he says. “That’s an experience many of them won’t get again until they’re out working in the field.”

The motivation behind the Horse Plinko Cyber Competition is to immerse participants in a scenario where they take on the role of cybersecurity interns tasked with safeguarding a fictional company, the International Horse Plinko League, from cyber threats over a six-hour period. Teams must work together to identify and neutralize threats while ensuring the company’s critical services remain operational.

Despite the high-pressure nature of the competition, organizers have taken measures to make the event approachable and engaging for students of all skill levels. The lighthearted atmosphere, quirky name, and humorous elements woven throughout the competition serve to alleviate nerves and create a fun learning environment for participants.

While Horse Plinko may have an element of fun, its primary purpose is to provide a serious learning experience for students. Beyond technical skills, the competition emphasizes teamwork and communication, essential aspects of the cybersecurity field. Participants have the opportunity to practice working collaboratively under pressure, learning from one another and gaining valuable real-world experience.

For first-time competitor Muhammad Ali, the Horse Plinko competition was not only challenging but also transformative. Overcoming feelings of self-doubt, Ali found confidence in his cybersecurity abilities through the competition, ultimately leading his team to a second-place finish. Inspired by his experience, Ali is now preparing for future cybersecurity competitions and plans to return to Horse Plinko as an attacker on the red team.

The accessibility of Horse Plinko is a key factor in its success, as it opens doors for students of all backgrounds to engage in cybersecurity activities. Designed to be inclusive and welcoming, the competition provides a valuable learning opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the field of cybersecurity.

As Horse Plinko continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a vital training ground for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By fostering a sense of community, shared learning, and mentorship opportunities, the competition equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the challenges they will face in their future careers.

In conclusion, Horse Plinko is not just a fun event—it’s a significant stepping stone for aspiring cybersecurity experts to laugh, learn, and prepare for the rigors of their professional journeys. Through hands-on experience, teamwork, and mentorship, students participating in Horse Plinko are setting themselves up for success in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.

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