Advancing a connected, workforce‑ready regional cybersecurity community
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) hosted the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (MACCDC) for the first time on March 27–28, 2026, at its Dorsey Station location in Elkridge, Maryland. Sponsored by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the regional event brought together collegiate teams to test their cybersecurity defense skills in a realistic, hands-on environment.
Established in 2005, MACCDC challenges students to protect enterprise-level systems against simulated cyber threats, providing practical experience that mirrors real-world cybersecurity scenarios. UMGC organized the virtual qualifying round leading up to the in-person regional finals, provided identically configured computer systems for the competition, coordinated simulations and scoring, and facilitated career networking events.
“Hosting MACCDC underscores our commitment to supporting the local cybersecurity community and connecting education to practice,” said Jesse Varsalone, collegiate associate professor of cybersecurity technology and coach of the UMGC cybersecurity competition team.
“Events like this allow learners, educators, and employers to come together, share expertise, and strengthen the pipeline of future cybersecurity professionals.”
Participating teams included James Madison University, Liberty University, Messiah University, Penn State University, Robert Morris University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
The University of Virginia won first place, with Liberty University placing second, and Penn State finishing third. The Energetics Technology Center, a Maryland-based nonprofit that supports U.S. national security, provided trophies to the winning teams.
Supporting a regional cyber ecosystem beyond the classroom
While MACCDC included a hands-on cyber defense exercise, the event also served as a platform for professional engagement and career exploration.
Cybersecurity technology company CrowdStrike hosted an employer engagement session following the first day of activities, offering student teams direct access to industry professionals. The session provided insight into cybersecurity roles, expectations, and trends, helping participants better understand how academic experiences translate into real-world careers.
These interactions reflect UMGC’s broader approach to workforce-ready learning, leveraging experiential education, industry collaboration, and community partnerships designed to help students graduate with both technical skills and professional networks. More than 18,000 students at UMGC are enrolled in graduate and undergraduate cybersecurity programs.