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CTF Quest – Decode, Hack, Innovate!

Join the Capture the Flag (CTF) hackathon! A thrilling challenge for young minds to test their cyber security skills, solve puzzles, and crack security vulnerabilities in a fun and competitive environment.

The event will be a two-stage CTF Quest (Capture The Flag) :

Preliminary Round  – An 8-hour online CTF open to all registered teams.

Grand Finale (20.02.2025) – An 8-hour offline CTF for the shortlisted teams.

Stage 1: Preliminary Round – Online CTF

Registration Process:

Teams must register online via the official portal (thiran.sece.ac.in) Payment confirmation is required to complete registration. Teams will receive unique credentials and a CTF platform access link after registration.

CTF Guidelines:

The competition will run for 8 hours. Challenges will include: 

  1. Reverse Engineering 
  2. Cryptography 
  3. Web security
  4.  Forensics 

Teams must work collaboratively using the CTF platform. Flags must be submitted in the format specified in each challenge. The top-performing teams (based on points scored) will qualify for the Grand Finale.

Rules:

No external collaboration is allowed. Any form of malpractice or exploitation of platform vulnerabilities will result in disqualification. Teams must abide by the ethical hacking guidelines.

Stage 2: Grand Finale – Offline CTF

Eligibility:

Only the teams shortlisted from the Preliminary Round can participate. Each shortlisted participant must pay Rs. 300 per head to confirm their participation in the Grand Finale.

Event Details:

Duration: 8 hours Venue: To be communicated to shortlisted teams. The challenges will be more complex and may involve: 

  1. Reverse Engineering 
  2. Cryptography 
  3. Web security 
  4. Forensics

Rules:

  • Teams must bring their own laptops (pre-installed with tools like Burp Suite, Wireshark, etc.).
  • Internet access will be provided at the venue. Participants must strictly follow the event timings and venue rules.

Basic CTF Guidelines for Participants

Skill Areas to Learn:

Basic Linux commands and scripting HTTP/S protocols and networking basics Common CTF challenges from platforms like HackTheBox or TryHackMe

During the Competition:

Plan time wisely; assign team members to categories they excel in. Communicate effectively within the team. Keep notes of attempted solutions and partial progress for future reference. Verify all flags before submission. 

Disqualification Criteria

  • Use of malicious software or unethical behavior.
  • Misuse of the CTF platform or event infrastructure.
  • Failure to adhere to rules and guidelines.

Prizes and Certificates

Cash Prizes : I Prize 20,000, II Prize 15,000 and III Prize – 10,000

Grand Finale: Trophy’s for the top 8 teams and participation certificates for all.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Winner Benefits

  1. Internship opportunities
  • Members of top 3 teams eligible for internship consideration
  • Final Selection subject to interview process
  • Internship details to be communicated separately to qualified candidates
  1. Practizo Pro Subscription
  • One year subscription worth INR 8,999.
  • Provided to all members of top 3 teams
  • Includes: access to cyber security courses, premium webinars, future events and contests.
  • Qubira AI career Chabot tools such as AI Resume Builder, Cover Letter generator, Research paper copilot etc.