{"id":21306,"date":"2026-11-03T14:06:17","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T19:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/?p=21306"},"modified":"2026-11-03T14:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T19:06:17","slug":"eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extraa-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”21312″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The Eckerd College Information Technology Services staff recognized student and staff winners of the annual Hackamajig cybersecurity awareness contest on Friday, October 30, 2026. Photo by Penh Alicandro ’22<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” el_class=”news_subhead” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Nine levels of cybersecurity puzzles, dozens of hidden cats, and a $500 scholarship were among the challenges and rewards awaiting Eckerd College students during this year\u2019s annual Hackamajig competition.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The interactive contest brought students, faculty and staff together to test their problem-solving skills, explore cybersecurity concepts and compete for prizes\u2014including a $500 cybersecurity scholarship. This year, Katie Lee, a junior political science student from Johnson City, Tennessee, earned the title of grand champion, becoming the first woman to win the competition.<\/p>\n

Hosted by Eckerd\u2019s Information Technology Services department, Hackamajig is designed to make cybersecurity education more engaging and accessible to the campus community. The competition, held annually for seven years, challenges participants to solve puzzles using clues and exploring concepts such as cryptography. This year\u2019s contest introduced a new platform called Synthwave Beach, allowing participants to log in with their Eckerd accounts, save their progress, and return to the challenge at any time. The contest featured nine levels, each presenting different cybersecurity puzzles. Challenges ranged from identifying phishing attempts to decoding messages and understanding how computer systems work.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”32″ top_margin_phone=”32″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”21309″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Kevin Celebi, the designer of Hackamajig, presents the grand champion trophy to Katie Lee.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]According to Chief Information Officer Walter Moore, the primary goal of Hackamajig is to increase awareness of cybersecurity among students while encouraging them to think critically about technology they use every day.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is constantly on the internet, and their data is potentially exposed,\u201d Moore said. He emphasized that students should be aware of common threats, including phishing emails and suspicious public Wi-Fi networks that can put personal information at risk.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”21311″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The homescreen for the 2026 Hackamajig cybersecurity challenge.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Moore explained that the Hackamajig began seven years ago as a way to make cybersecurity awareness more interesting for students. While faculty and staff participated in traditional online training programs, ITS wanted to create a more interactive experience for students. The competition offers an opportunity to learn about digital security through exploration, creativity, and problem solving.<\/p>\n

The challenge also encourages skills that extend beyond technology. Moore noted that participants must navigate unfamiliar environments, interpret clues and develop solutions, all abilities that can benefit students in scientific and intellectual fields.<\/p>\n

For Lee, participating in Hackamajig offered an opportunity to explore something outside her usual academic interests.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”21310″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Information Technology Services awarded prizes to students who completed all nine levels, including a $500 grand prize scholarship.\u00a0<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” el_class=”lg_text” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\u201cI\u2019ve always enjoyed puzzles and problem-solving, so when I heard about the competition, I thought it sounded interesting,\u201d Lee said. \u201cI\u2019m a political science major, so it was also a chance to try something outside my usual coursework.\u201d<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Although she entered the competition simply looking for a fun challenge, Lee said she was surprised when she learned she had won.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was honestly pretty surprised,\u201d she said. \u201cI went into the competition just wanting to have fun and challenge myself, so actually winning was really exciting. It was definitely rewarding to see all that time spent figuring out the puzzles pay off.\u201d<\/p>\n

The year’s competition saw 20 participants complete at least one level, with seven students successfully finishing all nine levels. The other winners included: Keilan Bargo, a sophomore biology student from Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Riley Fioresi, a junior business administration student from Oswego, Illinois; Joseph Raia, a junior physics student from Dillon, South Carolina; Levi Keyton, a senior marine science student from Fort Smith, Arkansas; Cassandra Sciarra,a senior animal studies and biology student from Patterson, New York; and Zekiel Thuma, a junior animal studies and creative writing student from Seffner, Florida.<\/p>\n

Moore said that he is constantly impressed by how quickly students complete the challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re always surprised by how quickly it gets solved,\u201d Moore said. \u201cIt\u2019s just a testament to how many creative and knowledgeable students there are on campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Lee, one of the most memorable moments of the competition came after completing the puzzles, when participants had the opportunity to search for a hidden phone.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”21307″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Cloud\/Software Engineer Kevin Celebi presents a prize during the recognition ceremony on Oct. 30.\u00a0<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” max_width_alignment_desktop=”default” max_width_alignment_tablet=”inherit” max_width_alignment_phone=”inherit” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\u201cAfter spending so much time working through all the different puzzles, it felt like everything I had done was finally leading up to something real. Actually getting to go out and search for it turned the whole experience into an adventure,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n

In addition to the competition, participants could search for 40 hidden cats throughout the platform. Thuma found all 40, earning the title of student cat-click champion. Staff members also participated, with Penh Alicandro \u201922 completing all nine levels and Henry B. Cowhey \u201921 finding 35 cats.<\/p>\n

As the first woman to win the Hackamajig, Lee hopes her achievements encourage other students to participate in future competitions. She said she was unaware of the distinction until it was brought to her attention during the interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cI actually didn’t even know I was the first until you mentioned it, but I think that\u2019s really cool!\u201d Lee said. \u201cHopefully, seeing someone like me win encourages more people to participate in the future, especially those who might not think cybersecurity is something they would be good at.\u201d<\/p>\n

As grand champion, Lee received a $500 cybersecurity scholarship, which she plans to put towards her college education.<\/p>\n

For Moore and the ITS department, the competition\u2019s success goes beyond the winners. The goal is to encourage more students to explore cybersecurity and recognize its importance in their everyday lives. ITS hopes to continue expanding cybersecurity education opportunities and finding new ways to engage the Eckerd community in the future.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extraa-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px”…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":205,"featured_media":21312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[205,161,159],"tags":[1714,1715,324],"class_list":["post-21306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-about-eckerd","category-student-life","category-students","tag-cybersecurity","tag-hackamajig","tag-information-technology"],"yoast_head":"\nEckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner - News | Eckerd College<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"News | Eckerd College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"News | Eckerd College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1718\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1145\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mia Williams '29\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mia Williams '29\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mia Williams '29\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52\"},\"headline\":\"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3683,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/Harckerz-Main.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Cybersecurity\",\"Hackamajig\",\"information technology\"],\"articleSection\":[\"About Eckerd\",\"Student Life\",\"Students\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/\",\"name\":\"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner - News | Eckerd College\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/Harckerz-Main.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/Harckerz-Main.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/51\\\/2026\\\/11\\\/Harckerz-Main.jpg\",\"width\":1718,\"height\":1145,\"caption\":\"A group of people, stand in a hallway beneath signage on the wall the says \\\"Information Technology Services.\\\"\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/blog\\\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/\",\"name\":\"News | Eckerd College\",\"description\":\"Newsroom at Eckerd College\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.eckerd.edu\\\/news\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52\",\"name\":\"Mia Williams '29\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mia Williams '29\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner - News | Eckerd College","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner","og_description":"News | Eckerd College","og_url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/","og_site_name":"News | Eckerd College","article_published_time":"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1718,"height":1145,"url":"http:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mia Williams '29","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mia Williams '29","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/"},"author":{"name":"Mia Williams '29","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52"},"headline":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner","datePublished":"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/"},"wordCount":3683,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg","keywords":["Cybersecurity","Hackamajig","information technology"],"articleSection":["About Eckerd","Student Life","Students"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/","name":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner - News | Eckerd College","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg","datePublished":"2026-11-03T19:06:17+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/51\/2026\/11\/Harckerz-Main.jpg","width":1718,"height":1145,"caption":"A group of people, stand in a hallway beneath signage on the wall the says \"Information Technology Services.\""},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/eckerd-colleges-annual-cybersecurity-contest-crowns-first-female-winner\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Eckerd College\u2019s annual cybersecurity contest crowns first female winner"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/","name":"News | Eckerd College","description":"Newsroom at Eckerd College","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/9df6f8753f2f212085a8f96b1b195f52","name":"Mia Williams '29","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/48100fa74d53279fa9da90c78c97f83c0ca596a749bee682d87cd1395abb4333?s=96&d=blank&r=g","caption":"Mia Williams '29"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/205"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21306"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21314,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21306\/revisions\/21314"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}