Capture the flag (cybersecurity) (original) (raw)

Capture the Flag (CTF) in computer security is an exercise in which "flags" are secretly hidden in purposefully-vulnerable programs or websites. It can either be for competitive or educational purposes. Competitors steal flags either from other competitors (attack/defense-style CTFs) or from the organizers (jeopardy-style challenges). Several variations exist. Competitions can including hiding flags in hardware devices, they can be both online or in-person, and can be advanced or entry-level. The game is based on the traditional outdoor sport of the same name.