picoCTF

picoCTF is an online cybersecurity capture-the-flag competition designed to teach students practical security skills through problem solving and challenges. It is aimed at learners ranging from beginners to intermediate, including middle and high school students, and emphasizes accessible, hands-on learning of core cybersecurity concepts.

Challenges are organized into domains such as cryptography, web security, reverse engineering, forensics, and binary exploitation. Participants form teams, register for a competition window, and work to locate and submit flags hidden in challenge tasks. Each solved challenge earns points according to a scoring model, and a live scoreboard tracks team progress in real time. Some challenges offer hints to assist learners as they progress.

The competition is delivered through an online platform that provides problem statements, sample data, and instructional materials. After challenges are completed or the competition window closes, writeups and educational resources are commonly made available to support self-directed learning. The program emphasizes ethical hacking, collaboration, and a constructive learning environment.

Since its inception, picoCTF has grown to attract teams from around the world and is widely used by schools, clubs, and individuals as an entry point into cybersecurity. It serves as preparation for more advanced competitions and for pursuing further study or careers in information security.