SaikoCTF challenges are timed web app and password cracking challenges. Participants will work in a Kali Linux virtual machine (VM) without Internet access. Pen-testing tools, documentation, and man pages are provided as part of the Kali Linux VM so all participants can access the same tools and information. Hunt for and capture specified flags as fast as possible in the time available to win the top prizes.

We are a team of researchers studying the psychology of novel cyber defenses. Our state-of-the-art research methods seek to understand better how well cyber defenses work. Synthesized results will eventually be shared in the academic literature on cybersecurity. We will collect data, including 1) questionnaires on demographics, decision-making styles, and personality. 2) physiological data (brain waves, heart rate, respiration rate, and changes in sweat) to track your cognitive load, stress, and emotional state; and 3) your game-time strategy, choices, and performance while playing the CTF.

Your privacy is our utmost priority. We will not collect any personally identifiable information, such as your name, email, social media, or hacker handles. Instead, you will be randomly assigned a unique SaikoCTF handle during the CTF to protect your identity while allowing you to claim bragging rights and stand out amongst your peers on our leaderboard. All data will be stored on our dedicated server, which is physically secured in the test area and not connected to the Internet.

As a participant, you will wear cool physiological sensors to participate in our CTF challenges. While sitting at a table and using a laptop, you will seek out and exploit security vulnerabilities in systems, services, and applications in a simulated network. The entire session will take about 2.5 hours.

Every participant will earn:

The three top performers of SaikoCTF will additionally receive VISA gift cards in the value of

After finishing SaikoCTF, you can complete additional surveys that support our research. You can do that at your leisure during ECSC and receive a USD 25 VISA gift card. We can give you feedback on your personality profile, including attributes like teamwork, work ethic, and stress tolerance. Your results are ingested with available population statistics, so they have scientific merit. You will receive your SaikoCTF personality profile report and a 10-page report, including information about background, scoring, and individualized personality attributes.

Are you ready to register?

We look forward to welcoming you to our SaikoCTF test area in Teca D!