Virtual Capture The Flag
Part-fundedIt is widely accepted that everyone in business, whether communicating, trading online or working within cloud-based networks, needs to be aware of the potential cyber risks and threats that exist.
Organisations, now more than ever, cannot afford business disruption, reputational damage, or financial threats to their bottom line caused by security breaches. Company directors have the responsibility to protect their businesses and ensure that their organisations have employees who are competent at recognising and managing the prevention of cyber threats and risks, suitably trained to maintain compliance with data security requirements, continuously security conscious and aware of their cyber responsibilities, whether dealing with co-workers or outside organisations.
What is ‘Capture The Flag’ all about?
The Virtual Capture The Flag (vCTF) event is an interactive fun environment and an opportunity for organisations to have their employees engage in a set of technical or non-technical challenges which:
- trains them to both recognise and mitigate exposure to potential threats
- ensures that they hone their cyber awareness skills through puzzles and challenges
- tests their knowledge and competency, both individually, and as a team.
vCTF is a fun and safe environment to learn what hackers do and the tools they use. Regardless of background or skillset, vCTFs really are suitable for all ability levels. It introduces complete beginners to cyber hacking.
If you know how to open a web browser then you’re ready to take part in your first vCTF event. Participants will learn how to hack a website, break into servers and steal computer files. It will also demonstrate how vulnerable computer technology is and help participants to become more aware and skilled at securing and defending against attacks. So, if you enjoy solving puzzles, want to learn a little about cyber security or just want to challenge yourself, then these events are for you.
Virtual Capture the Flag (vCTF) events are available to everyone.
Many challenges do not require technical or security knowledge and are simply a matter of problem solving and creative thinking. vCTF events vary hugely in difficulty.
For our events we offer two tracks running concurrently to cater for all abilities and skills levels. The key element being you don’t need any technical skills or a background in security to participate in and enjoy the events.
At the time of registration you will be asked to choose which track suits you best:
- Non-Technical: Suitable for all levels, especially those who don’t consider themselves to have any technical IT background or skillset. These challenges will show you how easy it is for hackers to perform some of the more common attacks. Most of these challenges can be solved with just a web browser.
- Technical: If you come from a technical background, then this is the track for you. You don’t need to have any security background. This track is particularly suited for those who consider themselves elite hackers or experienced developers, system administrators or network administrators etc.
Playing as a team
By far the best way to experience CTFs is to play as part of a team. Teams usually consists of of 3-4 people. Challenges cover a wide range of topics and the more diverse mix of skillsets and backgrounds you have on a team, the better. Many eyes looking at a puzzle or problem always makes it easier to solve and you can learn so much from everyone on your team.
Are there any pre-requisites
All that is required is to bring your own laptop.
Events take place in-house and are typically a half day event.
Participants will be formed into teams of 4 which are posed a series of problems that increase in difficulty. Teams will be competing to defend against cyber attacks in real time whilst attempt to earn the most points, but do not directly attack each other. Rather than a race, this style of game play encourages taking time to approach challenges and prioritise the quantity of correct submissions.
The winners will be announced at the end of the event.
Applicants must be employed by, or operating as, an eligible business engaged in economic activity in the Republic of Ireland. This includes private companies, sole traders, commercial social enterprises and eligible commercial semi-state organisations. Additional eligibility verification may be required for certain organisation types to avail of grant-aided fees.
If you or your company are interested in setting up a Capture the Flag event, please use the Make an Enquiry button on this page to discuss bespoke training packages and costs.
What Past Participants Have Said
“Took part in today’s CTF and had a great time with an ad-hoc team. The advanced challenges were surprising – new and clever. We got the silver, hats off to the team that went home with gold. Absolutely recommended!”
“Overall – I REALLY enjoyed the event. The experience of the environments, the types of challenges, the topics of the challenges, working in a team. Loved it. This will be my 1st of many!”
“It made you think outside the box, brought back some old skills I don’t use much anymore”
“The moderators were very helpful and responsive – it all worked really well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions our team are asked most often about this programme. If your question is not answered here, make an enquiry and we will come back to you.
A Virtual Capture The Flag, or vCTF, is an interactive cybersecurity challenge in which participants solve a series of technical or non-technical puzzles based around common cyber threats and attack techniques. The aim is to build cyber awareness and problem-solving skills in a safe environment while testing participants individually and as part of a team.
vCTF events are suitable for employees across a wide range of roles and experience levels, from people with no technical background to experienced developers, system administrators and other IT professionals. The challenges are designed to accommodate different skill levels, so participation is not restricted to cybersecurity teams.
No. You do not need a cybersecurity or IT background to participate. Many of the challenges focus on problem-solving and creative thinking rather than technical knowledge, and complete beginners can take part using little more than a web browser. A separate technical track is available for participants with stronger IT or development experience.
The non-technical track is suitable for all ability levels and is particularly appropriate for people without an IT background. The technical track is designed for participants such as developers, system administrators and network administrators who are comfortable with more advanced technical challenges. Participants choose the track that best matches their experience when registering.
Participants develop a better understanding of how cyber attacks work and how organisations can reduce their exposure to them. Through practical challenges, they build awareness of common threats, strengthen problem-solving skills and gain experience recognising and responding to cybersecurity risks in a controlled setting.
Participants are normally organised into teams of around four people and work through a series of challenges that increase in difficulty. Teams earn points for successful solutions, with the highest-scoring team announced at the end. A mix of backgrounds and skillsets can be valuable because participants can approach challenges from different perspectives and learn from one another.
Virtual Capture The Flag is offered as bespoke company training, so pricing depends on the event requirements. Eligible organisations engaged in economic activity in the Republic of Ireland may qualify for Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant-aided fees. Companies interested in arranging an event should use the Make an Enquiry option on the course page to discuss delivery, availability and cost.
