Bethesda, MD – January 23, 2025 – The SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) proudly announces its outstanding performance in the 2024 NSA Codebreaker Challenge, achieving second place among 572 registered schools. SANS.edu led the competition with five students — Mark Lester Dampios, Andrew Effenhauser, Daymon McCartney, Zackery Tafoya, and Zhou An (John) Wu — completing all tasks, more than any other participating college.
The NSA Codebreaker Challenge is renowned as one of the premier cybersecurity competitions, offering participants real-world scenarios that test students’ problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and adaptability in tackling complex cyber threats. This year’s challenge featured multiple tasks, requiring competitors to analyze cryptographic algorithms, reverse engineer binaries, and exploit vulnerabilities, among other high-level activities.
“The NSA Codebreaker Challenge is a great test of practical skills, and each completed task brings a sense of achievement,” said Andrew Effenhauser, a student in the SANS.edu bachelor’s degree program in Applied Cybersecurity, who completed the entire competition within just one week. “SANS had the most completions, and I'm proud to contribute to that ranking.”
Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute, said, “Our students’ performance in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge is a testament to their dedication, expertise, and the exceptional education they receive at SANS.edu. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and their commitment to excellence in cybersecurity.”
About SANS Technology Institute
The SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu), America's premier college for cybersecurity, delivers distinguished career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs, characterized by a world-class faculty of highly skilled information security practitioners, hands-on cybersecurity courses regularly updated for real-world relevance, and industry-recognized GIAC certifications earned within each program. SANS.edu offers innovative online and in-person course delivery options, including 100% online options for all its programs.
Master's degree students at SANS.edu conduct leading-edge cybersecurity research, enhancing the state of the art in information security practices. The college also houses the Internet Storm Center, the world's leading global cyber threat detection network, where bachelor's degree students gain hands-on experience as Apprentice Handlers.
The SANS Technology Institute's emphasis on real-world skills, mentorship, and cutting-edge curriculum ensures graduates are equipped to defend against today's evolving cyber threats.
For more information about SANS Technology Institute and its programs, visit here.