About eCTF

The Embedded Capture the Flag^™ (eCTF) competition is an attack-and-defend exercise for designing secure embedded systems, which provides participants with the invaluable experience of creating and battle testing their secure systems- while also learning from their mistakes. 

The program sets itself apart from traditional online-focused challenges by focusing on embedded systems, which present distinct security issues. It runs over the majority of the spring semester and includes Design and Attack phases to balance offense and defense. This allows time for development and for advanced attacks during the Attack Phase.

In 2025, professionals will have two options to compete in the eCTF.

• Hobby division: Compete against the best in the eCTF Attack Phase
• Professional division: Supplement your participation in the eCTF with series of tailored professional trainings

Other eCTF Offerings

Sponsor Us!
Support emerging embedded security talent and get unique access to the next generation's cyber workforce. Sponsorship not only helps competitors participate in this competition but gives companies a leg up on their competition through direct face-to-face interaction with eCTF competitors.

Welcome Student Participants!
Immerse yourself in an unbeatable hands-on capture the flag experience unlike any other. Design, deploy, and defend your embedded system security protocols in a competition sponsored and supported by members of industry looking to scope out their future workforce. Students benefit from career guidance, mentorship, expand skillsets beyond the classroom, and make connections at top cyber organizations.