Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference 2025
Marcraft was proud to have John Carbaugh present at the Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference, held July 24–25, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. John showcased Hack the Skies, featuring Marcraft’s new Cybersecurity for Drones (Uncrewed Aircraft) UAS-6500 training system. Attendees had the opportunity to learn how this innovative system helps prepare students for the future of drone technology and cybersecurity education.
About the Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference
Hosted annually by Virginia Tech, the Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference brings together educators, researchers, and professionals dedicated to expanding cybersecurity education and workforce readiness. The 2025 conference featured sessions on AI, data privacy, and hands-on cybersecurity instruction, giving educators practical resources to integrate into their classrooms. John Carbaugh’s presentation on Marcraft’s Hack the Skies program highlighted the intersection of cybersecurity and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), demonstrating how these technologies can be safely and effectively taught in an educational environment.
Learn more about the event and future conferences by visiting the official website.
Highlights from Hack the Skies
The Cybersecurity for Drones (Uncrewed Aircraft) UAS-6500 is designed for uncrewed aircraft (UA) courses, allowing students to fly a real drone indoors without cages or outdoor restrictions. The system includes a tethered drone, a computer-based ground control station, and a handheld controller. It provides a safe, realistic environment for teaching both flight fundamentals and cybersecurity principles.
Students begin with basic drone operation before progressing into cybersecurity topics, including NIST Cybersecurity Frameworks, risk management, penetration testing, and defense strategies for UAS systems. The program bridges the gap between aviation technology and digital defense—empowering educators to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in emerging drone technologies.
