HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025 Achieves a Record 40% Surge in Participation

First-Ever Attack-Defence Simulation Aligns with Real Corporate Needs Setting a New Benchmark for Local Cybersecurity Competitions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – As cyberattacks grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity has become a critical domain of global concern and a talent shortage. According to the latest “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to rise by 40% in the next five years. In order to address this growing need, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) has organized the first-ever Attack-Defence Simulation, setting a new benchmark for local cybersecurity competitions.

The HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025, held on 10 February 2025, saw a record 40% surge in participation compared to the previous year. The competition brought together cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts from various industries and backgrounds to test their skills and knowledge in a simulated cyberattack scenario.

The competition was designed to replicate real-world cyber threats and challenges faced by organizations, making it a valuable learning experience for participants. It consisted of two rounds – the Qualifying Round and the Final Round. In the Qualifying Round, participants were required to solve a series of challenges related to web security, network security, and cryptography. The top 20 teams from the Qualifying Round advanced to the Final Round, where they were tasked with defending a simulated corporate network from a team of professional hackers.

The Final Round was a nail-biting experience, with teams competing against each other in a high-pressure environment. The teams were judged based on their ability to detect and respond to cyber threats, as well as their overall performance in securing the network. The winning team, “Cyber Warriors”, emerged victorious after successfully defending their network and demonstrating exceptional skills in cybersecurity.

The HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025 not only provided a platform for participants to showcase their skills, but also served as a valuable opportunity for organizations to identify and recruit top talent in the field of cybersecurity. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, the demand for skilled professionals in this field has never been higher. The competition not only highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, but also served as a reminder of the need for continuous learning and development in this ever-evolving field.

The success of the HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025 has set a new benchmark for local cybersecurity competitions. It has not only attracted a record number of participants, but also received positive feedback from both participants and industry experts. The competition has also garnered attention from international organizations, with many expressing interest in participating in future editions.

In addition to the competition, the HKCERT also organized a series of workshops and seminars to educate participants on the latest trends and techniques in cybersecurity. These sessions were well-received by participants, who found them to be informative and relevant to their work.

The HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025 has not only raised awareness about the importance of cybersecurity, but also provided a platform for professionals and students to enhance their skills and knowledge in this field. It has also highlighted the need for collaboration and continuous learning in order to stay ahead of cyber threats.

In conclusion, the first-ever Attack-Defence Simulation organized by HKCERT has set a new benchmark for local cybersecurity competitions. It has not only attracted a record number of participants, but also provided a valuable learning experience for all involved. With the success of this competition, we can expect to see more such events in the future, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leader in cybersecurity.