Beginners

How to Play

A CTF is a puzzle hunt for cybersecurity. Open a challenge, dig through the clues or files, and submit the hidden flag.

Getting started

  1. Register and create or join a team of up to 4.
  2. When the event starts, open Challenges.
  3. Read each challenge carefully — files and clues are attached there.
  4. Submit flags in the form SCARY{…}.

Free tools we recommend

  • CyberChef Decode, decrypt, and transform data in the browser — Base64, XOR, hashes, and more.
  • exiftool Inspect image and document metadata for hidden clues.
  • Wireshark Open network packet captures (.pcap) and follow the traffic.
  • strings Pull readable text out of binary files and mystery blobs.

Categories

  • First Blood (Level 1) — introductory challenges to get you moving.
  • Haunted Network (Level 2) — a step up; still beginner-friendly.

Stuck? Ask a staff member on the floor before burning too many hint points. Also read the Rules.