Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions have become a thrilling way for cybersecurity enthusiasts to test their skills, learn, and have fun. While some CTFs are organized as events, there are numerous online platforms that offer a year-round opportunity to engage in CTF challenges. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online CTF websites, their costs, unique selling points, and why you should give them a try.
CTFtime (ctftime.org)
Cost: Free
Benefit: CTFtime is a free platform for CTF enthusiasts that aggregates upcoming CTF events from around the world, making it a valuable resource to discover new competitions and stay up-to-date on the latest challenges.
Limitation: CTFtime itself doesn’t host CTFs but provides information about external events. Participation in CTFs found through CTFtime may have varying costs.
Unique Selling Point: CTFtime offers a comprehensive calendar of CTF events, including information on registration dates, competition formats, and write-ups for past challenges. It’s a hub for staying connected with the global CTF community.
Background: CTFtime is a community-driven project that brings together CTF organizers and participants to share knowledge and facilitate friendly competition.
Hack The Box (hackthebox.com)
Cost: Free for limited access, from £10 per month for full access.
Benefit: Hack The Box offers a free tier with numerous challenges to hone your skills. Subscribing to the VIP plan grants access to more machines, challenges, and labs.
Limitation: The free tier has limited access to machines and challenges. VIP membership is required for full access.
Unique Selling Point: Hack The Box provides a realistic, hands-on approach to CTFs with a focus on penetration testing and hacking. The platform offers labs and dedicated machines for users to exploit.
Background: Hack The Box is a renowned online platform that provides a gamified environment for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to test and enhance their skills.
TryHackMe (tryhackme.com)
Cost: Free for limited access, from £12.00 for full access.
Benefit: TryHackMe’s free tier includes a variety of challenges and rooms. The premium subscription offers more rooms and features.
Limitation: Free users have access to fewer rooms and features compared to premium subscribers.
Unique Selling Point: TryHackMe emphasizes learning and training, making it an excellent platform for beginners. The platform offers guided learning paths and real-world scenarios.
Background: TryHackMe was created to bridge the gap between traditional training and real-world experience, making cybersecurity education accessible to a broader audience.
Conclusion
Online CTF platforms offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the world of cybersecurity, from learning the basics to challenging your skills in real-world scenarios. While costs may vary, many of these platforms provide free access, ensuring that anyone can embark on this exciting journey. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your cybersecurity adventure, these CTF websites offer a unique selling point and a supportive community to help you grow your skills and knowledge. Dive in, test your mettle, and enjoy the thrill of Capture The Flag challenges!
