1
Register
Click REGISTER, create a Brazen account, and complete your registration form to sign up.
Capture the Flag (CTF)
A multi-day, remote cyber competition starting on:
---
Overview
Learning cybersecurity is all about getting hands-on experience - and what better way than with a SANS BootUp Capture the Flag (CTF) event?
While theoretical knowledge is essential, hands-on experience is what truly sets professionals apart in the field of cybersecurity. It’s during practical application that you’ll encounter real-world scenarios and uncover details that aren't always covered in textbooks or lectures.
Join us for an exciting learning journey - hosted by SANS Institute - that goes beyond just competition, as part of a multi-day challenge to test your skills and potentially earn access to no-cost, world-class cybersecurity training and certifications.
Prizes
Top performers will earn no-cost licenses for further job-relevant cyber skills development, including:
- Overall global winner: A license to SEC401, Security Essentials
- Overall global runner-up: A license to SEC480, AWS Secure Builder
- Overall global third place: A license to SEC495, Leveraging LLMs
- Top 20 finishers in each country: 6-month access to SANS SkillQuests by NetWars
Who can sign up
The event is open to all students from participating AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance institutions across the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions.
What to expect
During this multi-day BootUp CTF, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Engage in hands-on challenges across a wide set of cybersecurity disciplines
- Learn and practice fundamental cybersecurity skills
- Compete with peers from around the globe
- Potentially win access to advanced SANS training and GIAC certifications
The “challenges” you’ll face are designed for everyone, with progressively increasing difficulty levels, as you move from solving challenges about web security, data analysis, and encryption into exploits, forensics, and penetration testing.
The event features challenges with a Q&A format that provides a clear and organized way to present each challenge as a mini-section, minimizing the complexity associated with traditional cyber ranges. The CTF includes:
- Introductory challenges perfect for those new to information security, building skills from the ground up
- Intermediate challenges suited for entry-level professionals developing specialized skills
- Advanced challenges for experienced practitioners
Event format
The event will take place over multiple days, including:
-
A live opening ceremony: October 15, 2025 10:00a ET
- The deadline to submit your work: October 17, 2025 at 10:00p ET
- A live closing ceremony: October 20, 2025 10:00a ET
- Note: This is when we'll review top finishers by region and prizes
You'll be able to progress through the challenges between the opening ceremony and the deadline whwnever you have time! We recommend daily working sessions that last at least 2-3 hours.
The challenges are browser-based and can be made available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Portuguese using your browser’s translation capabilities.
Participation Options
- Compete individually, or
- Compete as a team with your peers
System Requirements
To participate, you’ll need a set up that meets the following requirements:- 8GB of RAM minimum on your computer or laptop
- Reliable Internet Access
- Modern Browser Access
- Basic Workstation: Windows, Mac or Linux
- Note: You’ll need to download and install VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.X+ (for Windows 10 hosts), VMware Workstation Pro 17.0.0+ (for Windows 11 hosts), or VMWare Fusion Pro 12.2+ (for macOS hosts)
Why SANS Institute
The SANS Institute is one of the premier destinations for cybersecurity training because they combine real-world, hands-on learning with instruction from industry experts who actively work in the field. SANS courses are designed to immerse students in practical labs and scenarios that mirror the challenges security professionals face every day, ensuring that skills can be applied immediately on the job. With curricula that spans everything from penetration testing and cloud security to digital forensics and leadership, SANS supports learners at every stage of their careers.
The Institute is also closely tied to GIAC certifications, which are among the most respected credentials in the industry for validating applied cybersecurity expertise. Beyond training, SANS fosters a global community through events, capture-the-flag competitions, and cyber ranges, making it not just a place to learn, but also to connect with and grow alongside other professionals in the field.
---
Disclaimer: By registering for this AWS Skills to Jobs event, you agree that your registration information may be shared with other event participants (including employers and candidates) to facilitate networking and recruitment opportunities. AWS handles your information as described in the AWS Privacy Notice. You can withdraw your consent to information sharing at any time and your information will only be retained for the duration necessary to facilitate event participation and follow-up activities, after which it will be deleted in accordance with AWS data retention policies.
How it Works
2
Get Ready
Follow the directions in your confirmation email to create a SANS account and prepare for the event.
3
Stay Updated
Look out for updates via email, including information about preparing for the event.
Organized by AWS Skills to Jobs