VuwCTF 2026: Victoria University of Wellington Capture-The-Flag Cybersecurity Competition
VuwCTF 2026 is Victoria University of Wellington's annual Capture The Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition, bringing together students, researchers, industry professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts from New Zealand and around the world for two days of hands-on learning and competition. The event will be held in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and online participation.
A Capture The Flag (CTF) competition is an interactive cybersecurity exercise where participants solve real-world challenges across a range of topics including web security, cryptography, reverse engineering, binary exploitation, digital forensics, open-source intelligence (OSINT), hardware security, and miscellaneous security challenges. Participants gain practical experience by applying cybersecurity concepts in realistic scenarios while developing problem-solving, analytical, and teamwork skills.
The competition begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, 1 August, with challenge solving continuing throughout the weekend. Participants will enjoy lunch and refreshments while competing for prizes and recognition.
A highlight of this year's event is the Industry Career Panel on Saturday, 1 August, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, featuring cybersecurity professionals from Catalyst Cloud, Pākiki Security, and Aura Information Security. The panel will provide valuable insights into career pathways in cybersecurity, industry expectations, emerging technologies, and advice for students and early-career professionals interested in entering the cybersecurity workforce. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A and networking opportunity.
The competition resumes on Sunday, 2 August, with the final challenge-solving session followed by the closing ceremony and prize presentations.
Whether you are completely new to cybersecurity or an experienced CTF competitor, VuwCTF 2026 provides an inclusive environment to learn, compete, network, and develop practical cybersecurity skills alongside a vibrant community of peers and industry professionals. The event aligns with VuwCTF's mission of promoting cybersecurity education, fostering collaboration, and preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.
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- Room CO129, Cotton Building, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Campus, Kelburn parade
- Kelburn parade
- Wellington, North Island
- New Zealand 6012
- Click here for Map
- Starts 15 July 2026 12:00 PM UTC
- Ends 31 July 2026 06:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge