The National Cyber League (NCL) is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to prove your skills, push your limits, and prepare for your future career in cybersecurity. Students join NCL because it gives them hands-on experience with real-world challenges. By competing, you not only learn and grow, but also open doors to internships, job opportunities, and a strong network of peers who share your passion.

The National Cyber League (NCL) gives you real-world cybersecurity experience and a personalized Scouting Report to showcase your skills to employers, just like Merritt College students, who earned top rankings nationwide (Spring 2025, placing in the top 2.8%) and have consistently excelled in national NCL power rankings since 2018, turning passion into a standout career.

BSides San Francisco is a community-driven information security conference that brings together professionals, researchers, and students to share knowledge, collaborate, and explore the latest in cybersecurity. For students, attending an event like BSides is a game-changer: it’s a chance to hear directly from industry experts, engage in workshops, and even present your own work in a welcoming environment. More importantly, you’ll build connections with mentors, recruiters, and peers that can lead to internships, job opportunities, and long-term career growth.

Climb aboard history and step into the future of cybersecurity! The Merritt College Cybersecurity Program invites you to the legendary USS Hornet aircraft carrier, where learning meets adventure. This unique event features exciting showcases and live demonstrations of cutting-edge cybersecurity tools and techniques, along with hands-on activities, networking, and opportunities, all set in one of the most iconic venues you’ll ever experience.

In July 2024, Merritt College held its Secure AI Hackathon, a dynamic event showcasing innovation, collaboration, and ingenuity in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Here’s a recap of this incredible gathering of tech enthusiasts, developers, and innovators. Read the full article by Vaibhav Bhandari here.

The BangNull (!Null) Cybersecurity Club is a student-led cybersecurity team at Merritt College, dedicated to excelling in the National Cyber League (NCL), a nationwide capture-the-flag (CTF) competition for colleges, universities, and high schools. Founded in 2014 by just five students, the club has grown to over 50 active members and consistently ranks among the top teams in national competitions. Participating in NCL provides hands-on experience in real-world cybersecurity challenges, making it an ideal training ground for aspiring professionals. If you're passionate about cybersecurity, enjoy challenges, and want to build valuable skills in a supportive and fun environment, we invite you to join us. Come join our club and get started today!