Just like stickers, competitions are a big part of the cybersecurity lifestyle. A CTF is a hands-on tournament where individuals and teams solve realistic security challenges to capture “flags” and score points. It is a safe and engaging event to practice technical and professional skills on isolated systems. CTFs can have a specific focus, such as social engineering, or can cover multiple security areas. While most events take 3-4 hours to complete, it is not uncommon to have one or two-day-long events.

• Competency building: Students practice offensive and defensive techniques used by security teams in the real world.
• Portfolio evidence: Students receive a report on their performance and ranking, produce write-ups and create challenge artifacts to show tangible ability.
• Teamwork and leadership: Students can have roles, share responsibilities, collaborate and depend on each other
• Confidence and grit: Students will build resilience working towards timed challenges under pressure
• Career visibility: Students can meet mentors, judges, and recruiters and their professional network for future internships and jobs.

• Meet motivated and dedicated students
• Place your logo on the website, flyers, event site and social media posts.
• Participate in panel discussions and a keynote.
• Host a boot and offer interviews.
• Advance cyber education and workforce development in the Tampa Bay area