Institute for Cyber Operations

The mission of the Institute for Cyber Operations at the University of North Georgia (91��) is to develop highly capable cyber professionals and leaders for the private, non-profit, military, and government sectors. We accomplish this through innovative co-curricular opportunities, interdisciplinary research in emerging threats and solutions, relevant community outreach, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem to support cyber operations education.

91�� is designated by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). With this designation, 91�� is able to offer the Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy Scholarship.

We are designated as a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia, one of six federally designated Senior Military Colleges in the nation.

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Cybersecurity Outreach

91�� Cyber Unit - One of 91��’s Corps of Cadets Specialty Units, dedicated to defending digital frontiers with excellence and honors. We meet every Monday at noon in Cottrell Center 109 and Thursday at 3:15pm in Cottrell Center 374, and are open to all levels of experience, welcoming both cadets and civilians. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, our meetings feature activities like Try Hack Me and Capture the Flag challenges. Our club participates in top competitions such as the NSA Codebreaker Challenge, NCX, NCL and more alongside the CyberHawks. With red and blue teams that participate in national competitions, you’ll gain valuable hacking and defending experience. Come learn, compete, and grow with us in cybersecurity!
91�� Cyber Hawks – The 91�� Cyber Hawks competition teams meet every Wednesday at noon in the Cyber Range, Cottrell Center 109. We practice for the Southeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (SECCDC), the National Cyber League (NCL), NSA Codebreaker Challenge and similar cyber defense/cyber operations/cybersecurity events, and we discuss cybersecurity with guest speakers. Visitors who are interested in learning more about cybersecurity are welcome to attend.
AFCEA 91�� Chapter: The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing knowledge through the exploration of issues relevant to its members in information technology, communications, and electronics for the defense, homeland security, and intelligence communities. It does so through national and international conferences, scholarships, and live speaker series. 91��'s AFCEA Chapter enhances this mission via curated monthly meetings, attending sponsored conferences, and soft skill-building workshops, including resume sessions and panels featuring leaders from the cyber and intelligence sectors. Check out our upcoming meetings at our !
Cyber Leadership Program – The Cyber Leader Development Program (CLDP) provides cadets and civilian students opportunities for scholarships, internships, certifications, conferences, competitions, and experiential programs in cybersecurity and strategic languages throughout their program of study.
Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy - A scholarship-for-service program that provides full tuition, fees and books plus a stipend for $27,000 for living expenses to juniors and seniors in a cyber-related degree program ($32,000 for Master’s in a cyber degree or concentration)
91�� National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA) - This Academy will lift the veil of secrecy on the hidden world of intelligence, exploring the history, challenges, and controversies. It will provide a context for understanding the vital role intelligence has played in our nation’s history and continues to play today. The information presented during the Academy will provide foundational knowledge of intelligence for further study at tertiary institutions, setting the stage for possible careers in the field. The Academy’s instructors include academia, practitioners, and guest speakers from the CIA, FBI, and the former Soviet Union KGB.

91�� hosts female-focused CyberSHEro

91�� sponsored CyberSHEro, an event held at 91��'s Dahlonega Campus, to support young women pursuing cyber education and cyber as a career field.

Students earn DOD Cyber Scholarship

Two 91�� students are winners of the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year, including 91��'s first graduate student to earn the prestigious award.

91�� second in NSA Codebreaker Challenge

91�� finished second out of 448 colleges and universities in the 2023 NSA Codebreaker Challenge. It was also the top senior military college in the event.  

91�� in 2nd midway through NSA event

Roughly midway through this year's NSA Codebreaker Challenge, 91��'s students and faculty are in second place in the nationwide cybersecurity competition.

91�� wins award for technology innovation

91�� won an award from the Atlanta Technology Association of Georgia for its technology efforts to support students in the Mike Cottrell College of Business.