Cyber Defense Challenges

Iowa State University hosts five Cyber Defense Challenges (CDC) each year. CDCs are held on a Friday and Saturday in 1313 Coover Hall. Friday is for final set up and the actual challenge starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday. The scenario for the challenge is released about four weeks prior to the event so that teams can start building their Blue Team network. Click here for an informational How-To Video.

How to get involved in the CDC

  • Become a Sponsor. Companies and organizations can sponsor one or more CDCs. Check out our sponsorship letter, which describes the opportunities, here.
  • Play on the Blue Team. Three of the CDCs are open to certain groups outside of Iowa State.
  • Play on the Red Team. Members of the Red Team attack the Blue Team on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We welcome anyone who is interested in being a part of the Red Team. Contact cdc_support@iastate.edu to learn more.
  • Play on the Green Team. The Green Team members are users and will spend Saturday testing the usability of the Blue Team systems.
  • Visit the competition. Anyone is welcome to stop by and visit the CDC during setup on Friday afternoon, or during the challenge on Saturday.
  • The Iowa State University CDC is open to ISU students only.
  • The Community College CDC is open to any community college in Iowa and surrounding states.
  • The International CDC is open to any school in Iowa, schools in surrounding states as well as teams in Kosovo and surrounding areas.
  • The High School CDC is open to any Iowa high school that participates in the Innovate-IT program.

CDC Dates for 2025 – 2026

International CDC
Sign Up
Scenario
Video
February 22, 2025
Iowa State University CDC
Sign Up
Video
March 28-29, 2025
High School CDCApril 26, 2025
Iowa State University CDCOctober 3-4, 2025
Community College CDCDecember 5-6, 2025

CDC Dates for 2025 – 2026

Iowa State University CDCFebruary 20-21, 2026
International CDCMarch 28, 2026
High School CDCApril 25, 2026

If you are interested in participating in a CDC, please contact cdc_support@iastate.edu with your interest!