Capture the Flag (CTF) are competitive cybersecurity challenges where participants solve puzzles or exploit vulnerabilities to retrieve hidden “flags” and earn points.
At their core they are just gamified learning with the potential to break down some interview gates for entry level employment/internships
Incorporating CTF-style challenges into your learning journey transforms rote drills into exploratory problem-solving, helping you internalize concepts by applying them to realistic tasks. By mixing bite-sized shell quizzes with full-scale pentest labs, learners of all levels can identify gaps in understanding, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in a risk-free environment. The following table collates our recommended resources, complete with direct links, categories, and notes on their best use.
Learning Resource
- Irregularpedia: Learning – a wiki page of curated tutorials, challenges, and community tips specifically available to service members and veterans across shell, security, and development topics
The IrregularChat Capture the Flag compete to become an ‘elder’ while learning about the community in this scavenger hunt / capture the flag
Youtube Video about CTFs
- Building a DEF CON-Winning Team (YouTube) – “Do you want to know how to build a top-ranked competitive hacking team? It’s all about the system… Learn our proven system for building an elite team of hackers that win DEF CON.”
Key Shell & CTF Resources
Common Questions
Q: Is there a certain CTF that pairs best with a particular academic pathway?
A: Yes—different CTF formats map naturally to different curricula. Jeopardy-style CTFs (e.g., PicoCTF) build foundational skills for introductory computer science or cybersecurity courses, while attack-and-defend CTFs (e.g., collegiate DEF CON qualifiers) complement network security and operating systems classes. OSINT-focused CTFs (e.g., Trace Labs OSINT Search Party) align with intelligence or investigative journalism programs .
Q: Which CTF format is best for a networks/operating systems course?
A: Attack-and-defend CTFs such as those in DEF CON Quals or University CTFs immerse students in real-time service exploitation and defense, mirroring hands-on lab work in network and OS classes.
Q: What CTFs work well for web application security learning?
A: Jeopardy-style web challenges on platforms like Hack The Box (Web category) and TryHackMe Web rooms, as well as open-source projects like OWASP Juice Shop, directly reinforce concepts in web security modules.
Q: How can I practice OSINT skills academically?
A: Participate in OSINT CTFs—such as Trace Labs OSINT Search Party or xElessaway’s OSINT CTF repository—to hone open-source intelligence techniques for intelligence analysis or journalism courses .
Q: How do I build a top-ranked competitive hacking team?
A: Think like a sports coach: scout talent through feeder events, recruit for complementary skills, train via targeted study tracks, and simulate tournament conditions. Watch our proven system for DEF CON champions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vj96QetfTg