Competitions are a great way to develop your cybersecurity skills and build teamwork with other students, either by helping to run WPI’s own CTF or competing in an external contest. Here is a small sample of the many competitions available:
- WPI CTF: Each spring, the WPI Cybersecurity Club runs this Capture the Flag competition for students from WPI and other schools. Members design challenges for competitors to solve. Contact the CSC for more information: csc-exec at wpi.edu.
- MITRE e-CTF: This embedded security competition is organized by MITRE and targets a physical device. In the first phase, competitors design and implement a secure system following a set of challenge requirements. In phase 2, they analyze and attack other teams’ designs. Students can participate on teams formed through WPI’s Cybersecurity Club. This annual eCTF runs from January to March. More information is at: https://mitrecyberacademy.org/competitions/embedded/.
- Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC): Run by the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security at the University of Texas San Antonio, CCDC focuses on the operations involved in managing and protecting an existing commercial network. Teams compete in regional qualifying events in February, and finalists advance to the national championship in April. See more at www.nationalccdc.org/.
- Cyber Security Awareness Week (CSAW): The New York University Tandon School of Engineering’s annual CSAW event is a global, student-led security contest and conference. It is held every year in November. More information is at https://csaw.engineering.nyu.edu/.
- National Cyber League (NCL): NCL is a nonprofit organization that offers Fall and Spring seasons of online cybersecurity skill development and competition (both team and individual). Learn through exercises in the “gym” and team or solo games in the “stadium,” then receive a report on your strengths and weaknesses based on NCL learning objectives and industry-recognized competencies. The cost to participate is $35. See more at https://www.nationalcyberleague.org/.
Learning platforms:
Looking to develop your skills before entering a competition? Take a look at these skill-building platforms:
- picoCTF: Learn and practice on this platform developed by Carnegie Mellon University: https://picoctf.org/
- Tryhackme: Another free, online platform for learning cybersecurity, using hands-on exercises and labs. https://tryhackme.com/