Hack The Box launches its annual University CTF to inspire the next generation of security professionals to take on cybercriminals
As the cyber skills gap widens to new levels, disruptive cybersecurity training and upskilling platform Hack The Box (HTB) has announced its annual global university competition “Capture the Flag” (CTF). which will take place from 2nd – 4th December 2022.
This year’s event, which is open to students and academics at higher education institutions worldwide, is designed to inspire and prepare a new generation of security professionals to join the fight against cybercrime, at a time when they are most needed with the global talent shortage. of 3.4 million.1
With attacks at 28% in the last quarter of 2022 alone2and cybercrime predicted to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion3 by 2025, participating students will learn only the latest practical hacking skills needed to combat the ever-growing and evolving volume of sophisticated threats. Higher education professionals will also be introduced to innovative and effective new methods of gamified and practical teaching.
HTB’s University CTF will see students worldwide face over 20 sophisticated cyber challenges, testing their skills in Cloud, Crypto, Pwn, Web, Forensics and more. This year’s challenges recreate the latest attack scenarios and cybercriminal techniques, helping to ensure that students at all levels are prepared for a career in modern cyber security.
This year’s CTF aims to shed light on cyberbullying and create an inclusive space where students all over the world can access the latest skills and networks, but also learn in an interactive, enjoyable and safe environment. Entitled ‘Supernatural Hacks’, this year’s CTF focuses on helping students interact safely online and build their digital citizenship, all while teams work together in a fictional wizarding world to defeat cyber’s darkest villains.
Proceeds from the competition are donated to Cybersmile, a multi-award winning non-profit organization committed to digital wellbeing and tackling all forms of online abuse and bullying.
Haris Pylarinos, CEO and co-founder of Hack The Box, says:
“Universities are the breeding ground for the next generation of cyber professionals, and their critical students have the experience of tackling real-world threats. The massive increase in the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks means that demand for new skills is booming and the old ways are no longer working.”
“CTFs are a very effective way to learn practical cyber skills through fun, gamified content. We see students joining to not only sharpen their skills, but also network with like-minded people looking to start a career in cyber. The competition is also a opportunity for academics and universities to learn new teaching methods that promote a ‘hacking mindset’ approach, necessary to match the current threat landscape.”
Haris continues
“The game has changed in cyber. Arbitrary hiring criteria for degrees and qualifications must be phased out and businesses must prioritize hands-on skills and training experience. This will help cut red tape that is holding back an untapped pool of highly skilled cyber talent waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, for younger generations who are increasingly looking for careers with purpose, hacking offers not only lucrative career opportunities, but also an opportunity to do meaningful work in stopping cybercriminals online – protecting businesses, governments, hospitals, schools and individuals against dangerous threats in real life. We are excited to continue preparing the hackers of the future.”
Last year’s University CTF winners included players from some of the biggest universities and schools in the world, University of Warwick, Hasso-Plattner Institute and 42 Paris. With more students looking to graduate themselves than ever, the HTB University CTF has also seen a 191% increase in participation from 2021 to 2021, with 2022 set to see record levels of participants.
Teams, consisting of 1-20 players, can enter the CTF from anywhere. All skill levels are welcome with challenge categories ranging from ‘beginner to difficult’. The CTF style will be Jeopardy and FullPwn. In addition to cash, swag prizes and certificates of attendance, you can earn for participating.
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