Google is getting ready to host its fourth-annual Capture the Flag (CTF) event, which will feature over $30,000 in prize money.
Set to take place in June, the event welcomes teams of security researchers from around the world interested in putting their skills to the test in solving security challenges.
Both seasoned CTF players and people simply passionate about cyber security and ethical hacking can enter the event. Those just starting out can join the “Beginner’s Quest” challenge, to learn skills, meet the security community, and even watch the pros in action.
Since its initial launch in 2016, the event has grown steadily, and last year saw 23,563 people submitting at least one flag in the Beginner’s Quest section.
In 2018, a total of 330 teams competed for a place in the CTF Finals. The 10 winning teams were awarded a trip to London “to play with fancy tools, solve mysterious videos and dine in Churchill’s old chambers,” Google says.
This June, the company is offering a total of $31,337.00 in prize money. The top 10 qualifying teams will get trips to the onsite final, where they can compete for the title of Google CTF Champion.
The qualification round will take place online Sat/Sun June 22-23, 2019. The location of the onsite final and additional details will be revealed at a later date.
Those who compete in the Beginner’s Quest can enter the draw for 10 tickets to witness the Google CTF finals.
“Teams of security researchers will again come together from all over the globe for one weekend to eat, sleep and breathe security puzzles and challenges – some of them working together around the clock to solve some of the toughest security challenges on the planet,” Google says.
Those interested in learning more can access the event’s dedicated website, subscribe to Google’s mailing list, or follow the dedicated Twitter account @GoogleVRP. They can also read the complete set of rules here.
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Related: Google Announces CTF Competition
Ionut Arghire is an international correspondent for SecurityWeek.
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