Saint Louis University Cybersecurity Center
Saint Louis University is a leader in cybersecurity education and innovation, offering cybersecurity degree programs that prepare students to manage and lead cyber teams, as well as workshops and activities for students and cybersecurity professionals.
NSA-Designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
SLU is designated by the U.S. National Security Agency a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). This designation, granted to SLU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, highlights the program's rigorous educational standards, preparing students to become highly skilled members of the an in-demand cybersecurity workforce.
Academic Program in Cybersecurity
Contact Us
Maria Weber
Cybersecurity Center Point of Contact
Director of the Cybersecurity and Information System Master Program
maria.l.weber@slu.edu
314-977-3348
Joe D. Lyons, Ph.D.
Cybersecurity Center Alternative Point of Contact
Director and Assistant Professor of Security and Strategic Intelligence
joe.lyons@slu.edu
314-977-3204
Cybersecurity Faculty and Advisors at SLU
- Todd Raines
- Jeff Robertson
- Manuel Zurita
- Kyle Wilhoit, Director of Threat Research Palo Alto - Unit 42
- Naren Bhattiprolu, VP of Digital Identity at Mastercard
- Eric Kruse, Global Head Of Digital Product Security and Trust at Bayer
- Rehman Khan, Chief Information Security Architect/Head of Security Architecture and Engineering at Netskope
- Alan Hrebec, NGA - Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Activities and Events for Students
SLU students hone their cybersecurity skills through activities and competitions, on campus and beyond. These events provide opportunities to collaborate and network with cybersecurity students from other institutions and industry professionals from top employers in the St. Louis region, a cybersecurity hub.
SLU is an active member of the Gateway Higher Education Cybersecurity Consortium and the Global Center for Cybersecurity @ Cortex, participating in regional cybersecurity events, including:
- Collide on Cybersecurity, co-hosted with Washington University, Webster University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and Maryville University
- STL Tech Week @ Cortex
- SLU Cybersecurity Seminar, sponsored by Boeing
Students also participate in:
- Capture the Flag competitions
- BSides Chicago
- BlackHat USA and DEFCON 32
Attend a Cybersecurity Event
February 2025 Events
February 13: Cyber Billikens Capture the Flag
Organized by Cyber Billikens
Cyber Billikens is looking for members of the SLU community who are passionate about
cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and solving challenging puzzles.
The Cyber Billikens are hosting a Capture The Flag competition. Capture The Flag (CTF)
is like a high-tech treasure hunt where people search for hidden "flags" to score
points.
In this cyber treasure hunt, participants solve tricky puzzles, crack codes, and find vulnerabilities in test websites. It's a way to test and showcase skills in computer security while having fun with challenging problems.
Anyone with an interest in cybersecurity can join in on a Capture The Flag (CTF) competition. Cyber Billikens is open to both beginners and experienced individuals. Collaboration and teamwork are key to success in CTF competitions.
Anyone interested in joining the cybersecurity team and wanting to be part of a dynamic team is welcome to join.
Members are required to bring their own laptops.
Those who perform well and demonstrate enthusiasm and zeal will have the opportunity to join the Cyber Billikens Team.
Date: February 13, 2025
Time: 02 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Tegeler Hall Room 103
For more information and to express your interest, contact Captain Syam Sai Siddabhattula by email cyberbillikens@slu.edu or by phone at 314-575-7346.
Visit the Cyber Billikens webpage for more information.
March 2025 Events
March 4: High School Outreach
The Secure Pathways Series is the Alliance’s coast to coast cybersecurity event series with middle, high school and college students. The 3-4 hour workshops expose students to a wide swath of cybersecurity careers, skills and resources, along with gamified education through our Capture The Flag Platform. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for students to interact directly with local cybersecurity professionals, building relationships and gaining real world knowledge on what’s important today.
Your participation is highly valued, and we kindly request that you must attend once you've registered. Your presence will contribute to the richness of our discussions and the overall success of the event.
Date: March 4, 2025.
Time: 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Event Schedule:
- 8:45 Buses Arrive and Students Get Situated
- 9:15 Introductions and Basic Principals of Cybersecurity
- 10:00 Capture The Flag
- 11:15 Break For Lunch
- 11:30 Career Pathways Discussion and Ongoing Resources
- 12:15 Closing Comments and Students Depart
- 12:30 Event Concludes
March 14 to 16, 2025: Collegiate Hackathon
SLU, Washu, Webster, SIUE, Marryville, St Louis Community College, and the Gateway Higher Education Cybersecurity Consortium (GHECC) is hosting a weekend hackathon from March 14–16 at the SLU Center for Global Citizenship.
Participants will collaborate in small teams to develop innovative solutions for enhancing digital security. The event will provide meals, snacks, workspace, high-speed internet, and swag. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams, judged by a panel of industry experts.
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity and skills in cybersecurity!
Date: March 14–16
Location: SLU Center for Global Citizenship, 3672 West Pine Mall, St. Louis, MO 63108
March 19, 2025: Women in IT Industry Night
In celebration of Women’s Month. Cybersecurity leaders from across the Saint Louis Region will come together to advise students on career paths.
- Meet employers
- Learn new industries
- Prepare for employment
- Attend panel discussion
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: Event begins at 6 p.m.
Location: International Career Services, SLU Busch Student Center (BSC) Room 251