Kilgore College student Michael Pyle has earned national recognition by placing ninth among U.S. participants in the SANS Institute Global Cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition, sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills2Jobs and the SANS Cybersecurity Institute.
Competing against 2,957 registrants from 45 nations, Pyle was one of only 189 U.S. competitors to score significant points on the leaderboard, demonstrating exceptional cybersecurity problem-solving and analytical skills.
Pyle said he appreciated the competition’s learn-as-you-go format.
“If you like puzzles, you will have fun. Besides, you might learn something. I did,” he said. “The more you know, the better chance you have of preventing attacks.”
The global challenge tested participants on real-world cybersecurity scenarios, including uncovering hidden data in header files, images and encoded text.
“I learned that there are way more ways to hide something in plain sight than I realized,” Pyle said.
For his top-10 finish, Pyle will receive professional development tools, including six months of access to SANS SkillQuests and career coaching with Brooksource, a cybersecurity staffing firm.
This recognition also highlights KC’s partnership with AWS Skills2Jobs, an initiative connecting students directly with employers through internships, apprenticeships and hiring events that provide hands-on industry experience.
“We focus every day on giving our students extra value in their learning experience,” said Danny Darden, instructor of computer information technology at KC. “Michael’s achievement in the SANS competition is just one of many opportunities available to our cybersecurity students.”
Through industry-sponsored competitions, AWS partnerships and immersive lab training, KC ensures graduates enter the workforce equipped with the technical skills and experience employers demand.
“Life is the sum of your experiences put together,” Pyle said. “It would be a shame to miss out on one.”
About the SANS Institute:
Founded in 1989, the SANS Institute is the world’s largest and most trusted provider of cybersecurity training, certifications and resources, empowering practitioners with practical skills to secure the digital world.
About KC’s AWS Partnership:
Kilgore College collaborates with the Amazon Web Services Skills2Jobs program to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering students direct pathways to cybersecurity careers through training, mentorship and employer connections. For more information, contact Danny Darden at (903) 983-8680 or ddarden@kilgore.edu.