DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (November 12, 2025) – Daytona State’s FalconSec cybersecurity team captured second place in the third annual Florida College System (FCS) Cybersecurity Competition. This is the third year in a row the DSC team has made the podium in the statewide contest.

The competition brings together students throughout the FCS institutions to showcase their talent and put their cybersecurity skills to the test in a virtual cyber range, simulating real-world challenges faced by industry professionals.

“This year’s competition was especially demanding, and our team rose to the occasion,” said Anindya Paul, Chair of the School of Computer Science. “Earning first, third, and now second place over the past three years shows the remarkable depth of skill and dedication our students bring to every challenge. These achievements stem from the vibrant, student-led Cybersecurity Club, guided by senior professor Timothy Pintello, where members meet regularly to tackle hands-on projects and analyze real-world security scenarios. The college has equipped the club with cutting-edge tools and resources to foster innovation and growth, reflecting the unwavering commitment of our students to advancing the field of cybersecurity.”

The FalconSec team includes Jess Harness and Joshua Roberts, who are pursuing Associate of Science degrees in Networking Services Technology, and Brian McGrath and Caleb Pintello, who are pursuing Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees. The group elected McGrath to serve as team captain. The team is managed and coached by Professor Timothy Pintello.

Daytona State offers an Advanced Technical Certificate in Cybersecurity and Cyberforensics program that provides students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with an understanding of technical and management aspects of computer and network security and forensics using exposition of theory, laws, and technical forensic and security tools and techniques. Students build their skills via hands-on projects where they are required to combine theory, legal issues and technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. The program incorporates innovative, tested methods of instruction with hands-on lab work to encourage student learning and success.

Daytona State created The Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in 2013 through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program. Since its inception, the Center – housed in DSC’s Advanced Technology College – has focused on providing training in the critical areas of cybersecurity and cyberforensics. In 2016 the Center was designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency/Central Security Service.

In January 2023, the National Security Agency redesignated Daytona State College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2028.

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Offering more than 100 certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the leader in education and workforce training needs of Volusia and Flagler counties and beyond. The College enrolls approximately 23,000 students a year at its seven campuses, with graduates serving in critical fields including healthcare, emergency services and public safety, aeronautics, business, education, hospitality, engineering, project management, accounting, computer science, digital media and more.

Daytona State has been recognized as a leader in higher education numerous times. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College among the Top Tier Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center ranks DSC among the top 50 most affordable public four-year institutions in the country, with less than half the tuition of the national average. And U.S. News & World Report has ranked DSC among its Top Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans multiple times.

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