Cyber Security Center

Learn. Compete. Lead.

Cybersecurity at CSN extends beyond the classroom. Students have opportunities to develop technical skills, participate in cybersecurity competitions, collaborate with peers, and engage with the cybersecurity community through hands-on activities and real-world challenges.

CSN CTF Squad

The CSN CTF Squad is the student cybersecurity community at the College of Southern Nevada. Members develop hands-on cybersecurity skills through competitions, technical workshops, team exercises, guest speakers, and collaborative learning opportunities.

Students of all skill levels are welcome.

Meeting Information

Thursdays, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Arberry Telecommunications Building (A2752)
3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue
North Las Vegas, NV 89030

National Cyber League Success

CSN students actively compete in the National Cyber League (NCL), one of the largest collegiate cybersecurity competitions in the United States. NCL challenges students in areas such as digital forensics, open-source intelligence (OSINT), network analysis, cryptography, web application security, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking.

Recent Achievements

• CSN Team Ranked #44 Nationally among 7,522 student competitors during the Spring 2026 National Cyber League season.
• College of Southern Nevada Ranked #59 Nationally among 441 participating colleges and universities.

National Cyber League also recognized Professor Morningstar for her leadership and success in coaching the CSN team.

Recognized Student Competitors

• Matthew Cook
• Paula Guijarro
• Ethan Mikes
• Matthew Nunez
• Enrique Fabian
• Parker Glisson
• Jena Richardson
• Jeffrey Aragon
• Akeem Demetritte

Learn More

National Cyber League Spring 2026 Power Rankings:
https://cyberskyline.com/data/power-ranking/spring-2026-national

AWS Academy Jam Hackathon – May 1, 2026

CSN students participated in the AWS Academy Jam Hackathon.

The event challenged students to solve real-world, scenario-based cloud computing and cybersecurity problems using Amazon Web Services (AWS) technologies.

Working individually and in teams, students applied technical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a competitive environment that mirrored industry challenges.

Participation in events such as the AWS Academy Jam helps students gain practical experience with cloud technologies while developing skills that are highly valued by employers in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information technology.

Google Data Center Visit – May 4, 2026

CSN cybersecurity students visited Google's Henderson Data Center to learn about the technologies, operations, and security practices that support one of the world's leading technology companies.

During the visit, students participated in hands-on activities, toured portions of the facility, and engaged with Google professionals who shared insights into careers in technology, cloud computing, infrastructure operations, and cybersecurity.

Students also learned about internship and employment opportunities at Google and gained valuable insights into the skills and experience needed to succeed in the technology industry.

Why Choose CSN for Cybersecurity?

The cybersecurity profession continues to evolve as organizations face increasingly sophisticated threats to their systems, networks, and data. At the College of Southern Nevada, students gain the technical knowledge, hands-on experience, industry certifications, and academic pathways needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field.

Whether your goal is to enter the workforce, earn professional certifications, compete in cybersecurity competitions, or transfer to a bachelor's degree program, CSN provides multiple pathways to help you achieve your goals.

Nationally Recognized Cybersecurity Program

CSN is proud to be designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA).

This prestigious designation recognizes institutions that meet rigorous standards for cybersecurity education and demonstrate a commitment to developing the nation's cybersecurity workforce. CAE-CD institutions are recognized for providing high-quality cybersecurity education aligned with national workforce needs and industry best practices.

National Cybersecurity Education Partnerships

CSN participates in the broader national cybersecurity education community through organizations and initiatives dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity education and workforce development.

National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE)

NCyTE is a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) Center dedicated to improving cybersecurity education and workforce preparation. NCyTE supports faculty development, curriculum innovation, student engagement, and partnerships that help prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-changing fields in technology. New threats, emerging technologies, and evolving attack techniques require cybersecurity professionals to continuously adapt and learn.

To ensure students remain competitive, CSN regularly reviews and updates cybersecurity curriculum, laboratories, and learning experiences to reflect current industry practices, workforce demands, and emerging technologies. Coursework is aligned with nationally recognized frameworks and prepares students with the knowledge and skills employers are seeking today.

Hands-On Learning with Modern Technology

At CSN, cybersecurity education goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Students gain practical experience through hands-on labs, technical exercises, simulations, competitions, and real-world projects.

Students have opportunities to develop skills in:

• Cyber Defense and Security Operations
• Network Security
• Digital Forensics
• Ethical Hacking
• Incident Response
• Malware Analysis
• Cloud Security
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance
• Linux and Windows Administration
• Programming and Automation

Faraday Cage Cybersecurity Laboratory

CSN's Faraday Cage laboratory provides a dedicated environment for advanced cybersecurity education and experimentation.

Students use the facility to perform activities such as:

• Malware Analysis and Reverse Engineering
• Digital Forensics Investigations
• Network Traffic Analysis
• Incident Response Exercises
• Ethical Hacking and Vulnerability Assessment
• Security Research and Testing

These experiences help students apply classroom concepts to realistic cybersecurity scenarios while developing skills used by today's cybersecurity professionals.

Industry Certifications

CSN coursework helps prepare students for industry-recognized certifications that validate technical knowledge and strengthen career opportunities.

CompTIA Certifications

Students develop foundational skills aligned with:

• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+

EC-Council Certifications

As an EC-Council Academic Partner, CSN students have access to training aligned with advanced cybersecurity certifications, including:

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
• Certified Cloud Security Engineer (CCSE)

These certifications are recognized by employers in government, healthcare, finance, defense, and technology sectors around the world.

Transfer Opportunities

Students who wish to continue their education beyond CSN can take advantage of transfer pathways to bachelor's degree programs in cybersecurity and related disciplines.

Current transfer opportunities include:

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
• More coming soon

Additional transfer partnerships are currently being developed and will be added as agreements are finalized.

Educational Pathways

CSN offers multiple academic pathways designed to meet the needs of both transfer students and those seeking immediate employment opportunities.

Associate of Science (AS) in Cybersecurity

The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. The degree provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity, networking, programming, Linux administration, information systems, business, and security operations while satisfying lower-division requirements for continued study.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees

Career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the cybersecurity workforce:

• Cybersecurity – Compliance
• Cybersecurity – Digital Forensics
• Cybersecurity – Network Security
   

Certificate of Achievement

Students seeking specialized training may pursue:

• Cybersecurity – Digital Forensics

Start Your Cybersecurity Journey at CSN

From nationally recognized cybersecurity education and industry certifications to hands-on laboratory experiences and transfer opportunities, CSN provides students with the foundation needed to succeed in one of today's most exciting and in-demand professions.

Whether your goal is to protect critical systems, investigate cybercrime, defend organizations from cyber threats, or continue your education at a four-year institution, CSN can help you take the next step toward a cybersecurity career.

Build Your Cybersecurity Career

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand professions in today's workforce. Organizations across government, healthcare, finance, technology, education, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure rely on cybersecurity professionals to protect systems, networks, and data from evolving cyber threats.

Success in cybersecurity requires more than earning a degree. Students must continuously develop technical skills, gain hands-on experience, earn industry certifications, build professional networks, and stay current with emerging technologies and threats.

The resources below can help you explore career pathways, develop technical expertise, participate in competitions, attend industry events, and connect with employment opportunities.

Explore Cybersecurity Careers

CyberSeek

CyberSeek provides career pathways, workforce demand data, salary information, and labor market insights for cybersecurity professionals across the United States.

NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity

Developed by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), this framework identifies cybersecurity work roles, knowledge, skills, abilities, and career pathways used by employers, educators, and government agencies nationwide.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Explore salary information, employment projections, and career outlook data for Information Security Analysts and related cybersecurity occupations.

Government Resources

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

America's Cyber Defense Agency. CISA provides cybersecurity guidance, workforce resources, threat advisories, training materials, and career opportunities.

CISA Careers

Explore internship, student, and professional employment opportunities with the nation's leading cybersecurity agency.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

NIST develops cybersecurity standards, frameworks, publications, and technical guidance used throughout industry and government.

USAJobs

Search cybersecurity and information technology positions throughout the Federal Government.

Professional Training & Career Development

Continuous learning is essential in cybersecurity. The following organizations provide industry-recognized training, certifications, career development resources, research, and networking opportunities.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Cybersecurity standards, frameworks, publications, and technical guidance used throughout industry and government.

SANS Institute

One of the world's leading cybersecurity training and certification organizations.

Black Hills Information Security (BHIS)

Free webinars, workshops, webcasts, and technical cybersecurity training resources.

ISC2

Global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity profession and creator of certifications including CISSP, CC, SSCP, and CCSP.

ISACA

Professional association focused on cybersecurity, governance, audit, risk management, privacy, and compliance. ISACA also offers globally recognized certifications such as CISA, CISM, CRISC, and CDPSE.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

International cybersecurity organization providing professional development, mentorship, networking opportunities, local chapter events, and educational resources.

Cisco Networking Academy

Industry-recognized training in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information technology.

Cybrary

Online cybersecurity training, certification preparation, and professional development resources.

OWASP

Community-driven resources focused on application security, secure coding, and web application testing.

Cybersecurity Competitions

Cybersecurity competitions provide valuable hands-on experience and help students develop practical technical skills while working in realistic environments.

National Cyber League (NCL)

One of the largest collegiate cybersecurity competitions in the United States.

National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC)

Team-based competitions focused on defending enterprise networks against real-world attacks.

Hack The Box

Interactive cybersecurity labs and realistic penetration testing challenges.

TryHackMe

Guided hands-on cybersecurity learning and practical exercises.

CyberDefenders

Digital forensics, threat hunting, and incident response challenges.

PicoCTF

Cybersecurity challenges designed to teach practical security concepts.

CyberPatriot

National youth cybersecurity competition program.

GenCyber

Cybersecurity education programs and learning opportunities for students and educators.

Conferences & Professional Networking

Participation in cybersecurity conferences helps students learn from industry experts, explore emerging technologies, discover career opportunities, and build professional networks.

DEF CON

One of the world's largest and most influential cybersecurity conferences, held annually in Las Vegas.

Black Hat

Premier cybersecurity conference featuring technical training, research, and industry presentations.

BSides Las Vegas

Community-driven cybersecurity conference held annually alongside Black Hat and DEF CON.

WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity)

Professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for students and professionals.

SANS Summits

Technical conferences focused on emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and best practices.

Local & Professional Cybersecurity Communities

One of the best ways to accelerate your cybersecurity career is to connect with professionals already working in the field. Southern Nevada offers several active cybersecurity organizations that provide networking opportunities, technical presentations, mentorship, scholarships, training, and career development resources.

ISACA Las Vegas Chapter

Professional association focused on cybersecurity, governance, risk management, audit, and compliance.

https://engage.isaca.org/lasvegaschapter/home

ISSA Las Vegas Chapter

Educational programs, workshops, networking opportunities, certification resources, and professional development events.

https://www.lvissa.org

Nevada ISC2 Chapter

Professional development, mentoring opportunities, certification resources, and industry networking.

https://www.nvisc2.org

InfraGard Nevada Members Alliance

Partnership between the FBI and private-sector organizations dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure and improving cybersecurity awareness and information sharing.

https://nevadainfragard.org

Women in CyberJutsu

A nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women in cybersecurity through mentorship, training, career development, leadership opportunities, and community engagement.

https://www.wicys.org

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

Provides mentorship, scholarships, networking, leadership development, conferences, and professional opportunities for women pursuing cybersecurity careers.

https://www.wicys.org

Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in professional organizations and cybersecurity communities. These groups provide valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals, discover internships, attend technical presentations, and develop leadership skills that support long-term career success.

Your Professional Journey Starts Today

The cybersecurity profession rewards curiosity, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. Students are encouraged to participate in competitions, pursue certifications, attend conferences, join professional organizations, and actively engage with the cybersecurity community.

The opportunities are here. Your cybersecurity career starts with the next step you take.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, devices, applications, and data from unauthorized access, attack, damage, or theft.

Cybersecurity professionals work to identify vulnerabilities, defend systems against cyber threats, investigate security incidents, and help organizations manage risk in an increasingly connected world.

Today, cybersecurity plays a critical role in protecting:

• Businesses and corporations
• Government agencies
• Healthcare organizations
• Financial institutions
• Educational institutions
• Critical infrastructure
• Personal information and privacy

As technology continues to evolve, cybersecurity has become one of the most important and fastest-growing professions in the world.

A Brief History of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has evolved alongside computing technology.

1970s

Researchers working on early computer networks such as ARPANET began identifying the first security vulnerabilities and developing methods to protect information systems.

1980s

The rise of personal computers introduced the first widespread computer viruses and malware, creating a need for new security technologies.

1990s

The growth of the Internet accelerated the demand for firewalls, encryption, secure communications, and network security professionals.

2000s

Cybersecurity became a major business and national security concern as cybercrime, identity theft, and data breaches increased worldwide.

Today

Cybersecurity protects everything from smartphones and cloud services to hospitals, transportation systems, power grids, financial institutions, and national security infrastructure. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things continue to create both new opportunities and new security challenges.

Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming both cybersecurity and cyber threats.

Today, cybersecurity professionals use AI-powered tools to detect threats, analyze large volumes of security data, identify suspicious activity, automate repetitive tasks, and respond to incidents more quickly than ever before.

At the same time, cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to create more sophisticated phishing attacks, generate malicious code, automate reconnaissance activities, and develop new methods for evading traditional security controls.

As AI continues to evolve, cybersecurity professionals must understand both the opportunities and risks associated with these technologies.

How AI Supports Cybersecurity

AI is being used to:

• Detect unusual network activity and potential threats
• Analyze security logs and alerts
• Identify malware and malicious behavior
• Automate incident response activities
• Improve threat intelligence and threat hunting
• Enhance cloud and enterprise security operations

AI-Related Cybersecurity Challenges

Emerging cybersecurity concerns include:

• AI-generated phishing and social engineering attacks
• Deepfakes and synthetic media
• AI-assisted malware development
• Data privacy and protection of AI systems
• Securing Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Adversarial attacks against AI systems
• Responsible and ethical use of AI

Preparing for the Future

As organizations increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, cybersecurity professionals who understand both cybersecurity and AI will be in high demand.

Students interested in these emerging technologies are encouraged to explore cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, programming, and artificial intelligence as complementary skill sets that will shape the future of the profession.

Learn More About AI and Cybersecurity

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Resources

NIST AI Risk Management Framework

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) AI Resources

MITRE ATLAS (Adversarial Threat Landscape for Artificial-Intelligence Systems)

Women in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a profession built on innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. While women have made significant contributions to the field, they remain underrepresented in many cybersecurity roles.

As the cybersecurity workforce continues to grow, organizations across industry and government are actively working to increase participation and leadership opportunities for women in cybersecurity.

CSN welcomes and encourages women to explore cybersecurity education, competitions, internships, leadership opportunities, and professional organizations.

Cybersecurity offers rewarding careers in technology, investigations, cloud computing, risk management, artificial intelligence, software development, digital forensics, and cyber defense.

Resources Supporting Women in Cybersecurity

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

Mentorship, scholarships, conferences, networking opportunities, leadership development, and career resources.

Women in CyberJutsu

Technical training, mentorship, career development, and community support.

ISC2 Women in Cybersecurity Resources

Research, professional development opportunities, and career guidance.

Cybersecurity needs talented professionals from all backgrounds. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives that strengthen security and innovation.

Major Government Organizations

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

America's Cyber Defense Agency and the nation's lead agency for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.

National Security Agency (NSA)

Supports national security missions and cybersecurity education through the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Develops cybersecurity frameworks, standards, and best practices used throughout government and industry.

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)

Provides workforce frameworks and career guidance for cybersecurity professionals.

Major Cybersecurity Companies

Many of today's cybersecurity technologies are developed by industry-leading organizations that protect businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure around the world.

Cisco

Networking and enterprise security solutions.

CrowdStrike

Endpoint security, threat intelligence, and incident response technologies.

Palo Alto Networks

Network security, cloud security, and security operations platforms.

Fortinet

Cybersecurity platforms, firewalls, threat intelligence, and security operations solutions.

Microsoft Security

Identity protection, cloud security, endpoint security, and security operations technologies.

Google Cloud Security

Cloud security technologies, threat intelligence, and security operations solutions.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Security

Cloud infrastructure security and cloud-native security services.

Stay Informed: Cybersecurity News & Information Sources

Cybersecurity professionals never stop learning. New vulnerabilities, attack techniques, technologies, and defense strategies emerge every day. Developing a habit of staying informed is one of the most important skills for long-term success in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity News

The Hacker News

Breaking cybersecurity news, vulnerability disclosures, and threat intelligence.

BleepingComputer

Cybersecurity news, ransomware reporting, and technical analysis.

SecurityWeek

Industry news, research findings, and expert commentary.

Krebs on Security

Independent investigative cybersecurity journalism by Brian Krebs.

Government Threat Intelligence & Alerts

CISA Cybersecurity Advisories

Current cybersecurity alerts, advisories, and vulnerability information.

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog

Tracks vulnerabilities actively exploited by threat actors.

Research & Technical Resources

SANS Internet Storm Center

Threat monitoring, security research, and daily analysis.

OWASP

Application security resources, secure coding guidance, and web security testing information.

MITRE ATT&CK

Knowledge base of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

Learn Through Listening

Many cybersecurity professionals stay informed through podcasts that provide industry news, technical insights, and real-world case studies.

Darknet Diaries

Stories from the world of cybersecurity, hacking, and digital investigations.

CyberWire Daily

Daily cybersecurity news, analysis, and interviews with industry experts.

Hacking Humans

Focuses on social engineering, phishing, scams, and human-centered security issues.

Caveat

Explores cybersecurity law, privacy, surveillance, and public policy.

Start Exploring

Cybersecurity affects nearly every aspect of modern life. Whether your interests involve technology, investigations, problem solving, risk management, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or protecting others from cyber threats, cybersecurity offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact while building a rewarding career.

The best way to learn more about cybersecurity is to stay curious, stay informed, and become part of the cybersecurity community.

Faculty

Lori Scheuerman, Professor, Director of Cyber Security

Lori Scheuerman started her pursuit of IT knowledge simply wanting to know how it worked so she obtained, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications; then a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems. She worked at an ISP, became the network engineer for a large hospital organization, started her own managed services company, and worked for a company that manages the IT network of a large community college. Lori’s professional certifications now include CCIE in Security, CISSP, CEH/CNDA, and ITILv3.

Lori teaches Computer Forensics courses, Ethical Hacking, and Cisco courses.

Lily Morningstar, Cyber Security Faculty

Portfolio

Professor Lily Morningstar attained a master’s degree in Cybersecurity focusing on Digital Forensics from Utica University, NY. M.S. in Mathematical Modeling and Computer Science, M.Ed. Mathematics and Computer science from Stavropol Federal University, Russia. Ms. Morningstar is a doctoral student at UNLV School of Education, focusing her studies on curriculum and development in Higher Education. She has 20 years of experience in diverse technology, and education.

Professor Morningstar teaches CIT 112 Network+, CIT 173 Introduction to Linux, CIT 217 Security+, CSCO 230B Security Operations Center Fundamentals, CSEC 110B Introduction to Digital Forensics.

Michael Sthultz, Cyber Security Faculty

Michael Sthultz received his undergraduate education at Claremont Men’s College (B.A.) and the University of California , Berkeley (B.S.E.E.). His M.S. in Computer Science was completed at UNLV. He also holds or has held industry certifications in A+, AME, IC3, CCNP, CCAI, CEH, CLS, CLP, CNA, MCSE, and MCT. His industry experience includes systems engineering (IBM), programming, network administration, management, and consulting.

Michael has been a full time faculty member at CSN since 1999. His teaching specialties include the Cisco Networking Academy and Digital Forensics courses. He is the author, technical editor, and reviewer for a number of college textbooks. He also has published a number of technical articles and has a U.S. patent on a digital forensics fraud detection device.

Michael teaches Computer Forensics courses.

Jae Simpson, Cybersecurity Instructor, CISSP

With 30+ years of experience in innovation, managing diverse teams, and driving growth through big-picture leadership, I am a visionary technology leader dedicated to empowering organizations to achieve digital transformation and robust development. I leverage my cybersecurity, risk mitigation, IT governance and compliance, and systems engineering expertise to deliver practical knowledge of internal controls, RCSAs, risk assessments, and operational and compliance processes. I also hold the CISSP credential, demonstrating my proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program. My mission is to enable and facilitate the development and implementation of the IS/IT risk management and compliance program and pass my knowledge to the next generation of professionals. 
Jae teaches Security+ and Cybersecurity Compliance courses.

Advisory Council for Cyber Security and Networking

The Advisory Council meets each semester. The Council reviews current and proposed curriculum and degree requirements in cyber security and networking. This ensures that CSN graduates have the skills and knowledge needed in the cyber security/networking profession and in the local community.

Members

Rick Aker, University Medical Center (UMC)

Bill Baltas, Fortinet

Debbie Banko, Link Technology

Stephanie Benoit, Kurtz Trace3

Leo Bletnisky, Healthy Technology Solutions

Angela Cosca, Steinberg Diagnostics

Pete Elton, Institutional Cash Distributors

Cheryl Feldmeier, OTS/Synoptek

Kriste Kolasa, Dell Technologies

Joe Leavitt, SuperBook

Aakin Patel, Harry Reid International Airport

Cliff Schaut, HANU

Lori Scheuerman, Clark County Water Reclamation

James Tsang, Digital Experience Services/Synoptek

Ex Officio Members

Karen Ahern, CSN CIT Faculty

Lori Scheuerman, CSN Cyber Security Program Director

Lily Morningstar, CSN Cyber Security Instructor