RPISEC, a student-run cybersecurity club at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has been making waves in the collegiate cybersecurity scene with strong performances in national competitions. The team recently secured 7th place at the CyberSEED competition, further solidifying its reputation as a competitive force in the field. Earlier this year, RPISEC also placed 1st among collegiate teams (3rd overall) in TUCTF, a cybersecurity competition held in January.

Despite being a longstanding organization at RPI since its founding around 2009, RPISEC faced near dissolution in 2023. However, thanks to the guidance of Jeremy Blackthorn, M.S. ’15 - RPI’s Hacker in Residence - and a dedicated group of students, the club was revitalized in November 2023. What started as a team of mostly inexperienced first-year students has now transformed into a formidable competitor through rigorous training, weekly meetings, and participation in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions.

RPISEC also regularly designs its own cybersecurity challenges for internal training and has also contributed to the broader cybersecurity community. In Fall 2024, RPISEC partnered with Northeastern University’s cybersecurity club to organize a beginner-friendly competition, helping introduce new students to the field at both institutions.

Beyond competitions, RPISEC members engage with the professional cybersecurity community by attending renowned conferences such as BSidesROC (Rochester, NY), Shmoocon (Washington, D.C.), and REcon (Montreal, Canada). These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, learn from experts, and even secure internships.  

A key factor in RPISEC’s resurgence and growth has been its strong alumni network. Former members provide mentorship, career connections, and internship opportunities, ensuring that new generations of RPISEC members continue to thrive in the cybersecurity industry. The club has also hosted talks from industry professionals, including Jeremy Blackthorne (Boston Cybernetics Institute; and Hacker in Residence at RPI), Bernie Lampe (Magnet Forensics), Matt Raneri (Margin Research), Claudia d’Antoine (Margin Research), and Alex Radocea (Supernetworks).

One thing RPISEC members appreciate is the welcoming and inclusive nature of the club, which encourages participation at any experience level. RPI student Erik Umble '27, dual major in Computer Systems Engineering and Computer Science, serves as the systems administrator (sysadmin) for RPISEC. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, “Cybersecurity is a fast-moving and exciting field, and I love being part of a group that is eager to tackle the challenges in it and have fun while we are at it. My role as sysadmin allowed me to learn how to maintain and secure servers, providing me with Docker and IT skills that help me in my other projects and work.”

Other members echoed similar sentiments about the club’s impact. Paul Biernat ‘27, RPI Computer Science student and RPISEC’s president, stated, “RPISEC offers a unique experience in terms of club activities, members, and alumni. Through my time at the club, I’ve secured internships, made countless friends, and have learned more than I could have ever hoped.”

Another member noted, “I joined with only the determination to solve challenges, but now have skills and opportunities to tackle a variety of real-world security vulnerabilities. Not only that, but I now have a career I enjoy and a professional network.”

With its recent achievements and continued growth, RPISEC is proving to be a powerhouse in collegiate cybersecurity, showcasing the exceptional talent being cultivated at RPI.