Day of Cyber
Explore. Solve. Defend.
Two groups. One mission. A brighter tomorrow.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test during a hands-on day of cybersecurity, technology, and STEM challenges at Norwich University.
Day of Cyber 2026 brings middle and high school students to campus for two mission-based experiences. Students will work together to investigate problems, build solutions, and complete challenges inspired by a mission to Mars.
Grades 9–12: Mission to Mars — The Lost Rover
Recover the data. Solve the mystery. Complete the mission.
Contact with one of the OzoBot-9000 Mars Rovers was lost during atmospheric entry. An escape pod containing the rover's "black box" has been recovered, but cosmic radiation corrupted several files.
Your mission: Recover the missing operational logs and determine what went wrong.
What you'll do:
The Lost Rover
Analyze telemetry and recover missing logs.
Decode Transmission
Decipher a Chinese-language transmission using a mini-dictionary.
Life Support
Solve a mission-critical life support challenge.
Grades 9–12 Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:30–9:45 a.m. | Welcome to Day of Cyber |
| 9:45–10 a.m. | Mission briefing and team setup |
| 10–10:45 a.m. | Session 1 |
| 10:45–11 a.m. | Transition |
| 11–11:45 a.m. | Lunch |
| 11:45 a.m.–noon | Transition |
| Noon–12:45 p.m. | Session 2 |
| 12:45–1:30 p.m. | Session 3 |
| 1:30 p.m. | Mission complete |
Location: Mack Hall
Grades 6–8: Operation Red Horizon — Cyber Rescue on Mars
Build. Code. Secure. Complete the mission.
HELIOS-1819, a Mars research colony, has entered Mission Safe Mode after inconsistent telemetry and command status.
As members of a Norwich Cyber Mission Response Team, students must verify the environment, build, code, and secure systems before completing the final Mission to Mars challenge.
What you'll do:
Drones
Verify the environment.
Build
Create a solar-powered rover.
Secure
Construct an authenticated Mission Control status panel.
OzoBot Evo
Command an OzoBot Evo in the final challenge.
Grades 6–8 Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:45–10 a.m. | Arrival and sign-in |
| 10–10:20 a.m. | Welcome and mission introduction |
| 10:20–10:50 a.m. | Rotation 1 |
| 10:50–10:55 a.m. | Transition |
| 10:55–11:25 a.m. | Rotation 2 |
| 11:25–11:30 a.m. | Transition |
| 11:30 a.m.–noon | Rotation 3 |
| Noon–12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30–12:55 p.m. | Rotation 4 |
| 12:55–1:35 p.m. | Transition to Sabine Field and free time |
| 1:35–1:45 p.m. | Outdoor missile defense and conclusion |
Location: Plumley Armory
Day of Cyber Overview
Take on a Cyber Mission at Norwich
Cybersecurity goes far beyond computers. It brings together technology, problem-solving, communication, engineering, critical thinking, and teamwork.
At Day of Cyber 2026, students in grades 6–12 experience these connections through hands-on, mission-based challenges at Norwich University. Middle and high school students follow separate programs designed for their grade levels, with each group working toward the completion of a Mission to Mars.
Students will build, investigate, decode, analyze, and problem-solve while experiencing how STEM and cybersecurity skills can be applied to real-world challenges.
Why Attend?
Day of Cyber gives students an opportunity to experience cybersecurity and STEM outside the traditional classroom while spending a day on the Norwich University campus.
Students will:
- Take part in hands-on cybersecurity and STEM challenges.
- Practice problem-solving, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills.
- Work with technology through mission-based activities.
- Discover connections among cybersecurity, engineering, language, and technology.
- Experience Norwich University's campus and learning environment.