This October, ten North Carolina universities will compete in a month-long test of cyber skills to earn bragging rights and win prizes.
Join fellow Mountaineers by celebrating National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and playing the Cyber Bowl — a quiz competition that leverages friendly rivalries to raise cybersecurity awareness.
How to Play
The Cyber Bowl runs from Thursday, Oct. 1 to Thursday, Oct. 31, and engages students, faculty and staff in cybersecurity awareness through friendly competition. To play, log into the Cyber Bowl website using your App State credentials and take a short cybersecurity quiz covering topics such as passwords, phishing, malware and online privacy. Finish the quiz to earn a point for App State — even if you don't get every answer correct and to be entered to win prizes. At the end of the month, two winners will emerge — one winner for the highest participation percentage and one winner for the most players.
The Competition
In 2024, NC State University, Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill competed in the inaugural Cyber Bowl, and UNC-Chapel Hill took home the first-ever championship title. In 2025, the competition expanded to include North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, East Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, UNC Wilmington and Elizabeth City State University, who claimed the second championship title. This year, Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University have joined the competition. Check the live scoreboard at cyberbowl.oit.ncsu.edu/results.
Why It Matters
Every October, Appalachian State University celebrates National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the world's foremost initiative promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities all participate as part of keeping our communities cyber safe.
The Cyber Bowl is a fun and educational way to build on that awareness — essential for everyone in the digital age. Cybersecurity isn't just about protecting your devices and data; it's about protecting your identity, your reputation and your future.
Prizes
Players who complete the quiz will also be entered to win prizes! Information Technology Services (ITS) has the following items to raffle, along with other great prizes at tabling events in the Student Union and Central Dining Hall throughout the month of October.
Four tickets to the App State vs. ULM football game on Saturday, Nov. 21
Tailgate kit including one large Yeti Tundra cooler and two folding lawn chairs
One spring 2027 semester surface lot parking pass (reimbursement for existing pass holder is an option)
Two tickets to St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Schafer Center on Thursday, April 8
And more great prizes from our technology vendors and campus partners (campus dining and campus store)
Winners will be notified via email in early November.
Other Opportunities
This year, ITS has also partnered with National Cybersecurity Alliance’s speaker series. The following online sessions are available for free to all faculty, staff and students and will be hosted with other university constituencies online via Zoom. Register to attend or receive the recording with the following links.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. — The Smart Person's Guide to Getting Duped. Learn to identify and avoid common scams, how to protect your data and what to do if you or a loved one is the victim of a scam. Zoom Registration.
Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. — Click, Apply, Regret: A Scam Survival Story. Learn how to recognize red flags and common tactics used in countless types of scams through one college graduate's journey after being targeted by scammers while job hunting. Zoom Registration.
Friday, Oct. 16 at 12 p.m. — A Whole Lotta BS (Behavioral Science) about Cybersecurity. Attend this session to understand public attitudes and beliefs on security. Come away with practical advice and tips on how to keep yourself, family members and your organization safe and secure. Zoom Registration.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. — Level Up Your Cyber Game: Trivia Game Show. A fun but competitive game show where attendees’ knowledge is tested, and everyone learns new information and tips for being cyber safe. Zoom Registration.
Faculty and Staff: Complete Annual Training, Too
October also marks the start of App State's Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Training, running from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 and required for all faculty and staff.
Don't miss these opportunities to show off both your school spirit and improve your cyber savvy.
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About Information Technology Services
Appalachian State University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) is committed to providing innovative and reliable technological resources and support for teaching, research, learning and working. ITS is responsible for implementing, monitoring and maintaining all centralized information technology — such as network services, technical infrastructure, data center operations, VoIP phone lines, desktop support, academic technology, print and copier services, research computing, information security and project management. ITS is led by the chief information officer and comprises seven central IT divisions: Academic and Emerging Technologies, Enterprise Applications, Information Security, Infrastructure, IT Support Services, Systems and Research Computing and the Project Management Office. Learn more at https://its.appstate.edu.
Byline:
Ellen Gwin Burnette and Crystal Brooks
09/23/2026
BOONE, N.C.
App State Cyber Bowl black and gold logo of a football with computer part outlines overlayed on an image of a football field with bright stadium lights
This October, ten North Carolina universities will compete in a month-long test of cyber skills to earn bragging rights and win prizes.