Latest coverage for Contest
Stay informed on the latest in cyber contests with in-depth analysis on infosec challenges and competitions. Sharpen your security skills with us!
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Contest in information security describes competitive events where participants solve challenges related to hacking, defense, or secure coding. Common formats include capture-the-flag (CTF) contests, where teams exploit vulnerabilities or secure systems under time constraints. These contests simulate real-world attack and defense scenarios, testing skills like vulnerability analysis, exploitation, cryptography, and incident handling.
Security contests matter because they expose participants to practical attack techniques and defensive strategies, improving hands-on expertise. However, contest environments can also reveal undisclosed vulnerabilities or novel exploits that may later be weaponized if not responsibly disclosed. Organizers and participants must carefully manage sensitive findings to avoid unintended exposure, making contests relevant to vulnerability management and secure development practices.
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AI Dominates RSAC Innovation Sandbox
Ten finalists had three minutes to make their case for being the most innovative, promising young security company of the year. Geordie AI wins the 2026 contest.
Swipe, Plug-in, Pwned: Researchers Find New Ways to Hack Vehicles
Security researchers exploited dozens of vulnerabilities in vehicle infotainment systems and EV chargers during the latest Pwn2Own contest at Automotive World 2026.
Prep is Underway, But 2026 FIFA World Cup Poses Significant Cyber Challenges
The world's most-popular sports contest starts in June 2026 across 16 venues in three countries: Securing the event infrastructure from cyber threats will require massive collaboration.
RSA Conference 2025 Innovation Sandbox Contest Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Starting in 2025, the RSAC Innovation Sandbox Top 10 Finalists will each receive a $5 million investment to drive cybersecurity innovation.
Ready to Rumble: US Women's Cyber Team Preps for Global CTF Contest
The 12-member group will compete at the first all-women's capture-the-flag competition this November at the Kunoichi Cyber Games in Tokyo.
Google Opens $250K Bug Bounty Contest for VM Hypervisor
If security researchers can execute a guest-to-host attack using a zero-day vulnerability in the KVM open source hypervisor, Google will make it worth their while.
Inaugural Pwn2Own Automotive Contest Dangles $1M for Car Hackers
The competition encourages automotive research and allows for contestants to take part in person or remotely.
DARPA Launches Two-Year Contest to Build AI Tools to Fix Vulnerabilities
A challenge will be offered to teams to build tools using AI in order to solve open source's vulnerability challenges.
AppSec Looms Large for RSAC 2023 Innovation Sandbox Finalists
Application security is the dominant trend for this year's startup contest, but AI, blockchain, and compliance are all represented as well.
Tesla Model 3 Hacked in Less Than 2 Minutes at Pwn2Own Contest
In two days, ethical researchers from 10 countries have unearthed more than 22 zero-day bugs in a wide range of technologies at the annual hacking contest.
Iran-Backed Actor Behind 'Holy Souls' Cyberattack on Charlie Hebdo, Microsoft Says
The January attack was in retaliation for the satirical French magazine's decision to launch a cartoon contest to lampoon Iran's Supreme Leader.
Hackers Score Nearly $1M at Device-Focused Pwn2Own Contest
Offensive security researchers found 63 previously unreported vulnerabilities in printers, phones, and network-attached storage devices in the Zero Day Initiative's latest hackathon.
Talon Grasps Victory at a Jubilant RSAC Innovation Sandbox
Spirits were high at the return of the in-person contest, which kicked off by bringing last year's virtual event winner on stage.
How Pwn2Own Made Bug Hunting a Real Sport
From a scrappy contest where hackers tried to win laptops, Pwn2Own has grown into a premier event that has helped normalize bug hunting.