Introduction

Welcome to the world of cybersecurity! Cyber Security could be very intimidating when you think about hackers doing super cool stuff on their black screens. Still, it could be tough and challenging to get started with it. Suppose you search tutorials or guides for the same. In that case, the most common thing you'll find is "Learn Networking & Linux" and participate in online competitions such as Capture the Flag(CTF). Yeah, Networking and Linux are definitely important. But after that, you need to work on real-world problems. And that's where CTF comes into the picture. But what is Capture the Flag?

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is an online competition that challenges participants to solve intentionally-vulnerable programs or websites in a set period. CTF challenges can cover many topics, including web exploitation, cryptography, reverse engineering, binary exploitation, or forensics. You need to use your skills to get the flag hidden there. For example in picoCTF competitions flags look like this: picoCTF{h1d63n_f7a9}. Flags are basically proof that you have completed the problem. Participants can compete individually or in teams, and the goal is to obtain the highest score by solving as many challenges as possible. Some CTFs can also offer prices such as cash or swag. The main purpose of CTF is to develop your skills while competing with others in the community.

What's picoCTF?

picoCTF is a company that organizes Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions. picoCTF competitions are beginner friendly and they could prove to be a great starting point who are new to CTFs or cybersecurity. picoCTF has a picoGym where you can test your skills before engaging in a competition. It has got different categories i.e., Web Exploitation, Cryptography, Reverse Engineering, Forensics, General Skills and Binary Exploitation. It includes problems from previous competitions which is the best way to test yourself before competitions.

picoCTF 2023

picoCTF organizes its main competition yearly other than collab and mini competitions. There are different scoreboards i.e., US Middle/High School, US Middle School, Undergraduate Students, JP Students, and Africa. There will be different rankings and prizes in each of these scoreboards. The picoCTF 2023 will start on March 14. This will be a 2-week long event that will end on March 29. You can enter solo as well as in teams and there will be different scoreboards for both of them.

I'M STUCK!!! THESE PROBLEMS ARE TOO DIFFICULT

Yeah, it is possible that you might get stuck at the problems when you're just getting started. Don't worry! It's alright. Suppose you're solving problems from forensics category. First, read articles or watch videos to get an idea of that particular category. Now start with the easy problems. Refer to the hint. Still, stuck? Watch YouTube tutorials or blog posts about that problems. You can easily find a solution online. Watch the solution carefully and make notes. Reach out to communities for more help. After solving a few problems, you'll get to see a pattern. Now try solving problems on your own.

Conclusion

Capture the Flag competitions are an excellent way to develop your cybersecurity skills and learn new techniques. picoCTF competitions are beginner-friendly and a great starting point for those who are new to CTFs or cybersecurity. It's essential to remember that it's okay to get stuck on a problem and that seeking help is a valuable learning experience. By participating in CTF competitions, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will help you in your career or academic pursuits. So, participate in the picoCTF 2023, and let the learning begin!