{"id":82805,"date":"2018-07-18T13:00:56","date_gmt":"2018-07-18T20:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paloaltonetworks.com\/blog\/?p=82805"},"modified":"2019-01-31T13:10:07","modified_gmt":"2019-01-31T21:10:07","slug":"build-cyber-skills-heres-host-successful-capture-flag-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.paloaltonetworks.com\/blog\/2018\/07\/build-cyber-skills-heres-host-successful-capture-flag-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Build Those Cyber Skills: Here\u2019s How to Host a Successful Capture the Flag Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

Experience matters when it comes to stopping contemporary cybercriminals. This advice might sound straightforward, but the real question is, \u201cHow?\u201d How exactly do cybersecurity professionals and those new to the field get this kind of experience?<\/p>\n

Learning to think like a hacker includes having hands-on experience \u2013 learning to do what hackers do, and using the tools and tactics they use. That provides valuable on-the-ground intelligence on how to best prevent cybersecurity breaches.<\/p>\n

This type of hands-on experience is not part of most traditional computer science programs. However, one activity many organizations find successful is to hold capture the flag events on a regular basis for students, employees and others who may be interested. If done right, CTF events can be highly interactive sessions for participants to build a rapid understanding of how security works, and how they can stop hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in their own environments.<\/p>\n

Ask any member of a Red Team \u2013 the \u201cwhite hat\u201d hackers who take on the challenge of using their hacker mindset on a daily basis to stay several steps ahead of the bad guys \u2013 and that person will recommend participating in capture the flag events.<\/p>\n

\"CTF_1\"<\/span><\/div><\/p>\n

Palo Alto Networks hosted \u201cAcademy Day\u201d in our Amsterdam office. Over 40 students from universities in six different countries participated in a CTF event. <\/em>Watch highlights from the event<\/a><\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What\u2019s Behind Hosting a Successful Capture the Flag Event?<\/strong><\/p>\n

While hosting a capture the flag event requires resources and planning, the benefits of having a more security-minded workforce \u2013 and being able to introduce students and others to the fast-growing field of cybersecurity\u2014are well-worth it. What follows are some important factors to consider when hosting a successful CTF event.<\/p>\n

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Determine the Challenge<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n