An infosec consultancy is throwing down the gauntlet to security enthusiasts with its HackFu Challenge. Contenders are invited to compete for a place at the immersive event, at an as-yet undisclosed UK location in June. As is characteristic of HackFu, details of the event itself are secret – but with previous years seeing contestants locked up in a spoof prison or a working Wild West town in the name of cyber security, winning contestants are guaranteed a once-in-a lifetime experience, says the organiser, MWR InfoSecurity.
The two-day event consists of a series of story-driven challenges designed to test hacking, scripting, tinkering, lock-picking, crypto and problem-solving skills.
In advance of HackFu 2016, MWR invites hopefuls creativity to download and complete its compilation of pre-event challenges. Contenders who show superior skill will be invited to participate in this year’s HackFu, onsite at the secret venue or remotely, in a new feature being introduced for this year’s event.
Martyn Ruks, Technical Director at MWR says: “Not for the faint hearted, HackFu sees security pros and enthusiasts thrown together with actors to solve puzzles and play out a live storyline. This year is our ninth competition which will be our most ambitious and, dare I say, challenging yet. From start to finish, skills will be tested, fun will be had and nothing will be as it initially seems.”
The primary purpose of MWR’s HackFu is to set a standard in developing cyber security skills in the UK and beyond, and to use any interest generated in the event to draw attention to the cyber skills gap.
Martyn adds: “HackFu was originally conceived to test and improve current cyber security and team-work skills, in a way that allows exploration into technical areas outside an individual’s comfort zone, inspiring participant teams to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. After all, this is what’s needed to combat the complex threats organisations face on a daily basis. We purposefully design some elements of the competition to encourage users to think laterally, as it’s not just about technical ability – but also the mental capacity, to challenge what’s perceived as normal to discover what’s actually possible.”
See footage of last year’s event and download the challenges at: hackfu.mwrinfosecurity.com.
