From cryptography to cyberattacks: AGH University students in the top 5 of the Capture the Flag competition

A student team from AGH University has been named among the top teams in the nationwide cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) competition. Our students finished the competition in fifth place.

The Capture the Flag competition is a practical test of skills. Teams of several people compete against each other, tackling challenges in areas such as cryptography, vulnerability analysis, application security, and digital forensics. The aim is to find the so-called 'flags', i.e. hidden clues that confirm that the challenges had been solved correctly. Participants race against the clock and are required not only to demonstrate technical knowledge, but also to exhibit effective teamwork and quick decision-making.

Reaching the final and finishing in the top five confirm the high standard of cybersecurity competencies developed at AGH University, as well as the preparedness of the students to respond to real-world digital threats.

The final of the Capture the Flag competition took place on 6 May 2026. It was organised by the Department of Cyber Security of the Ministry of National Defence in cooperation with the Cyber Security Training Centre of Excellence (ECSC). The event marked the culmination of the third edition of the CYBER.MIL Academy, which began last autumn. As part of the project, educational and training activities were conducted over a period of several months, aimed at students interested in cybersecurity and modern technologies.

The CYBER.MIL Academy demonstrates how important it is to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills training. The project supports the development of young talent and builds the skills necessary for the country's digital security and the growth of the cybersecurity sector in Poland.

The coordinator of the CYBER.MIL project at AGH University is Paweł Słoń from the AGH University Cybersecurity Centre. The initiative is part of the Centre's efforts to strengthen digital security in the academic sector. Key projects carried out by the Cybersecurity Centre include SOCCER and "SOC4Academia Toolbox".