.svg)
.png){kind=logo}
CyDef Lab Events & News
Each year, the Cyber Defense Lab hosts a number of events for VMI cadets to offer increased experiential learning and the opportunity to hear from and interact with prominent figures in the cybersecurity community and digital world in general.
Some of the important events are CyberFusion, GenCyber, Cyber Smart for middle and high schoolers. During these events, students learn a set of modern technologies such as:
- Cryptography
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Drone technology
- Python programming
- AI and Cybersecurity
Upcoming Events in 2026 - Organized by CyDef Lab, VMI
- Middle School Cyber Smart Workshop, in the CLE, VMI June 8-11, 2026 (from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
- High School Cyber Smart Workshop Monday – Thursday - June 15-18, 2026 (from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Stay tuned for more details as well as registration links as the events draw closer.
In addition to coverage of these VMI-hosted events, our program and its participants are also included in cadet profiles and features produced by VMI. Additionally, outside news agencies are invited to report on the important work being done related to the CyDef Lab.
INTERNAL NEWS
Cyber Defense Laboratory (CyDef Lab) Hosts - Senior Military Colleges SMC Cyber Fusion in Moody Hall VMI
The Senior Military Colleges (SMC) Cyber Fusion event was held by CyDef Lab at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on February 26–27. The two-day event brought together more than 20 participants from all six Senior Military Colleges, including Norwich University, University of North Georgia, Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Military Institute. The event featured technical talks and a cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competition designed to promote collaboration and hands-on learning among cadets. One of the featured sessions, “When Cyber Attacks Control Physical Systems: A Hands-On SCADA Security Experience,” demonstrated how cyber intrusions can impact industrial control systems, providing participants with practical exposure to cybersecurity challenges affecting critical infrastructure.
Virginia Military Institute hosted the 9th annual Commonwealth Cyber Fusion and Virginia Cyber Cup (VCC) Competition, a state-wide collegiate cyber security competition, February 20 and 21.
Prestigious people attend Virginia Military Institute, claims Ben Hagerich ’26 — and he was determined to be one of them. That drive, along with the chance to run cross country and track, drew him to the Institute.
Two cadets, Benjamin Davis ’26 and Dang Khoa Le ’25, shared their research project findings recently at the 15th Annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computing and Communication Workshop and Conference where they earned the Best Paper Award.
LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE
By Allyssa Beatty | Broadcasted on WDBJ TV and Published on their Website: Feb. 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM EST
LEXINGTON, Va. (WDBJ) - Students from across Virginia are stepping into one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most critical career paths, cybersecurity, during a statewide event focused on real-world training and workforce development.
Held at Virginia Military Institute, the annual Commonwealth Cyber Fusion event brings together colleges, companies and aspiring cyber professionals for two days of competition, networking and career exploration. Organizers say the goal is simple. Prepare students for a digital future where cybersecurity touches nearly every industry.
Cadets Helping Businesses Address Cybersecurity
Published March 4, 2026
The News Gazette (Lexington, VA): Virginia Military Institute has developed an experiential learning project called “Students- Led Cyber Defense: Creating a Safer Digital Landscape for Local Businesses and Nonprofits in Rockbridge County.”
In this project, VMI cadets serve as instructors, mentors, trainers, and support to nonprofits and small local organizations in Rockbridge County which have no information technology or cybersecurity team.
EXTERNAL NEWS
Cybersecurity Industry News
Rise of AI-Powered Cyber Attacks - Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by both defenders and attackers in cybersecurity. Experts warn that AI-driven malware, phishing campaigns, and automated attack tools are making cyber threats faster and more sophisticated. At the same time, organizations are investing in AI-based detection systems and automated response tools to counter these evolving threats.
Companies Increasingly Paying Ransomware Demands - Recent cybersecurity reports show that more companies are paying ransom demands after cyberattacks. In 2025, about 24% of affected organizations paid ransoms, reflecting the growing pressure from sophisticated ransomware operations that can disrupt business operations and critical infrastructure.
Global Cybercrime Costs Continue to Grow - Cybercrime continues to grow as a global economic threat. Experts estimate that worldwide cybercrime costs have reached trillions of dollars annually, driven by ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches affecting businesses and governments worldwide.
Governments Expanding Cybersecurity Strategy and Regulations - Governments around the world are strengthening cybersecurity policy and enforcement efforts to combat cybercrime and protect critical infrastructure. New policies focus on improving international cooperation, targeting cybercriminal organizations, and increasing cybersecurity investments across government and industry sectors.
Cybersecurity Risks Accelerating Due to AI and Global Tensions - Recent cybersecurity outlook reports highlight that cyber risks are increasing due to factors such as artificial intelligence, geopolitical conflicts, and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Experts emphasize the need for stronger collaboration between governments, businesses, and academia to address emerging digital threats.
Explore VMI CyDef:
