Wisconsin University hosts first-ever 6-hour cyber security hackathon

The School of Computing and Technology of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, has set a new standard in cybersecurity education with the successful hosting of its maiden 6-hour Cybersecurity Hackathon Challenge under the theme “Capture the Flag.”

The groundbreaking event, held on the university’s main campus, brought together cybersecurity enthusiasts, students, and professionals for an intense, skill-testing competition aimed at promoting ethical hacking and digital resilience.

The six-hour, non-stop challenge the first of its kind in the university’s history drew significant attention from industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), who also served on the panel of judges.

A representative from the CSA, Mr. Isaac Adu Amaning, commended the university for organizing what he described as a “highly innovative, mentally stimulating, and practically impactful event.” He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing threats in the digital landscape.

The hackathon was spearheaded by Mr. Dunstan Guba, a Lecturer, Cybersecurity Analyst, and award-winning expert at the 2025 INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge in Malaysia. As the event organizer, Mr. Guba highlighted the university’s forward-thinking approach and its leadership in cyber defense education across West Africa.

According to him, Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, remains “the only private institution in the sub-region equipped with state-of-the-art cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratories.”

He added that the university’s MSc programmes in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics offer students a unique, hands-on learning experience that blends theory with practical, real-world applications.

During the challenge, students were tasked to ethically hack and secure deliberately compromised systems — a simulation of real-world cyber vulnerabilities.

The systems used in the competition were expertly designed by members of the university’s cybersecurity team: Mr. Terrance Adams, Mr. Dickson Apaka, and Mr. Dunstan Guba.

The event attracted 25 teams, comprising 118 students, all competing for supremacy in cyber defense and ethical hacking. Among the participating teams were:
Team Fearless, Fire Team, BlackArrow, EagleEye, Hacktrio, CODERED, Geesport, HackShield, Exploit Hunters, Zero-Day, WAGST RT, Exploiters, METATRON, Script Invaders, RootRebels, RootForce X, VenomX, Lebrecht, COY, Nova, TeamByte, DarkHalo Unit, Sniff Squad, Cyclone Security, and Bug Bounty Bandits.

After six hours of rigorous competition, Team Script Invaders emerged victorious, scoring 292 out of 300 points to clinch the top spot. Their remarkable performance marked by speed, smart execution, and teamwork  earned them $2,000 worth of cybersecurity equipment as the grand prize.

The event not only showcased the exceptional talent of students but also reflected Wisconsin International University College’s commitment to practical, industry-oriented education. By integrating competitions like “Capture the Flag” into its academic framework, the institution is positioning itself as a leader in cybersecurity training and innovation in West Africa.

The inaugural hackathon, observers noted, was more than just a competition it was a powerful demonstration of the university’s vision to empower a new generation of ethical hackers capable of protecting Africa’s digital future.