Free | learning hacking using Capture the flag (CTF)

Photo by Seoyeon Choi on Unsplash

If you’re looking for free Capture the Flag (CTF) events focused on cybersecurity, there are several platforms and organizations that offer such opportunities. Here are a few popular options:

1. CTFtime (https://ctftime.org/): CTFtime is a website that hosts information about upcoming CTF events from various organizers. You can find both online and offline CTFs on this platform. Participating in these events will allow you to test your cybersecurity skills across different domains.
2. HackTheBox (https://www.hackthebox.eu/): HackTheBox is an online platform that provides a wide range of virtual machines (VMs) for penetration testing. They host regular CTF challenges and have an active community of security enthusiasts. While some of the content on HackTheBox requires a premium membership, they also offer free challenges and periodic events.
3. OverTheWire (https://overthewire.org/wargames/): OverTheWire is a project that hosts a series of interactive war games designed to help individuals learn and practice various aspects of cybersecurity. These games cover topics like cryptography, reverse engineering, web security, and more. It’s a great resource for beginners.
4. PicoCTF (https://picoctf.org/): PicoCTF is an online CTF competition designed for middle and high school students, but it’s open to everyone. They offer a range of challenges across multiple categories, including cryptography, forensics, web exploitation, and binary exploitation. PicoCTF takes place annually and has a user-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
5. VulnHub (https://www.vulnhub.com/): VulnHub is a platform that provides vulnerable VMs for individuals to practice their penetration testing skills. Although it’s not a traditional CTF platform, you can find a variety of virtual machines with different levels of difficulty. By solving the challenges presented in these VMs, you can enhance your cybersecurity knowledge.

Remember, cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, so it’s beneficial to participate in CTF events, challenges, and practice platforms to keep sharpening your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and vulnerabilities.