Capture The Flag (CTF)
Capture The Flag is a concept that seeks to achieve a goal by answering a series of questions in cyberspace using the concept of capturing the flag.
A system is neither harmed nor portrayed as a target, i.e., all transactions are conducted in accordance with the law.
CTF typically demands beginner to intermediate cybersecurity knowledge.
Real-world as well as online CTF competitions are possible. As well as solo involvement, four- or eight-person groups can answer questions.
Under the CTF banner, there are two main sorts of competitions, which are as follows:
- Jeopardy
- Attack / Defense
Jeopardy: In order to advance in this edition of Jeopardy, contestants will be required to satisfactorily answer a series of security questions. The question formats vary in terms of the level of difficulty they present and the number of points they're worth. You will not be permitted to proceed to the next question unless you have answered at least one of the questions offered.
Attack / Defense: In this version of the game, one team is responsible for defense, while the other team is in charge of offense. The competitor companies are searching for more security flaws while they seek to patch the ones highlighted by the system. The rivals are attempting to fix the security holes in the system that were revealed to them. Consequently, conflict exists between the two opposing parties.
The following topics will dominate the discussion:
- Forensic Informatics
- Web Security
- Steganography
- Cryptology
- Mobile Security
- Cyber Intelligence
FORENSIC INFORMATION: In general, you may encounter questions such as file format analysis, network packet analysis, network analysis, RAM images, memory dumps.
Web: You are asked to find Flag by using vulnerabilities on websites.
Mobile: The APK or related files of a mobile application containing the vulnerability are given.
Cryptology: Something encrypted is given, it is asked to be decrypted.
Steganography: Means "hidden writing" in ancient Greek and is the name given to the science of hiding (not encryption) information. In the questions, sometimes a picture or a sound file is given to you with something hidden inside.
What are the Benefits of CTF?
- It brings teamwork and work distribution.
- Provides solution-oriented and faster decision-making skills.
- It gives a strategic perspective.
- Gains hacking experience and knowledge.
- Provides security information for protection.
- It gives competitive experience.
- The competition provides information on vulnerabilities, hackers and new techniques in security.
- Possible situations also give the ability to think like an attacker.
During the course of the competitions, the most prestigious awards are doled out in line with a system that takes into account both the total number of contestants and the size of the organization. This ensures that the most deserving individuals receive recognition.
After the competition is concluded, the participants will have the chance to talk about the riddles' solutions, the difficulties they encountered, the phases they have already finished, and the results they have achieved. This particular step of the process is going to be referred to as the "Writeup," so that you can keep track of what's going on.