A team of students from California State University Maritime Academy secured a top-ten finish at one of the world’s most prominent cybersecurity policy competitions, placing 7th out of 44 teams at the March 14th-15th 2025 Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge sponsored by the Atlantic Council.

The Cal Maritime Cybersecurity Policy Team included Liam Pogue-Hartwig, Stacey Kasai, and Cameron Alby. All three are students in Cal Maritime’s unique International Strategy and Security (ISS) department, which blends security studies, international relations, and public policy. Dr. Chris Chiego, an assistant professor in the ISS Department, served as faculty advisor and coach. 

The Cyber 9/12 Challenge simulates a real-world cybersecurity crisis, tasking students with analyzing a rapidly unfolding cyberattack. Before the first round, the Cal Maritime team crafted a written document outlining their recommendations, then briefed and responded to questions from a panel of expert judges.

Based on their strong performance on the first day of the competition, the team advanced to the semifinals where they had less than 12 hours to process new intelligence and develop updated recommendations overnight. 

Competing virtually against top academic institutions from around the globe, Cal Maritime’s team distinguished itself with its 7th-place finish over teams from schools such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, Texas A&M University, and New York University.

“The team put in long hours of research wrestling with how cybersecurity actually works in practice: who does what, how it’s regulated, and what gaps policymakers need to address,” said Dr. Chiego. “Applying skills learned in the classroom to tackle real-world challenges is at the heart of what Cal Maritime students do best, and the students rose to the occasion with aplomb.”

The team is now preparing for a November 2025 in-person competition in Monterey, California, and is actively seeking new members. Interested students from all majors are encouraged to contact Professor Chiego at cchiego@csum.edu.