What happens when students are allowed to use artificial intelligence to solve cybersecurity challenges? That question took center stage as Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Professor Endadul Hoque hosted a capture-the-flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, bringing together 20 undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. Unlike traditional CTF competitions, participants in this event were allowed to use modern AI assistants, such as ChatGPT and Claude, while solving challenges. The competition was designed not only to test technical skills, but also to explore how AI is transforming the way students learn and approach complex cybersecurity problems. “Cybersecurity education is evolving rapidly with the rise of AI tools,” Hoque says. “This competition gave us a unique opportunity to observe how students use AI in real time—whether it helps them think more deeply about problems or simply speeds up solutions. Understanding that distinction is critical for the future of computer science discipline.” Participants competed individually across 10 challenges spanning beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The top three performers—Weixiang Wang (first place), Annepu Sai Charan (second place) and Armani Isonguyo (third place)—were ranked based on the number of challenges solved and the speed at which they completed them. Students described the experience as both exciting and challenging, noting that AI could guide their thinking but still required careful verification. “This reflects how we approach computer science and cybersecurity education at Syracuse University,” says Alex Jones, the Klaus Schroder Professor and chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. “AI tools are only as effective as their operators. They do not replace expertise. Dr. Hoque’s work is a great illustration of this approach. We emphasize deep fundamental knowledge while also encouraging the use of AI. This ensures our graduates can effectively use, evaluate, guide, and validate AI-driven solutions.” To better