1st Annual Privacy Matters @ UBC Capture the Flag Competition
A puzzle-based cybersecurity challenge open to everyone at UBC. No technical background required, just curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to think differently.
Registration opens October 1st at 9:00 AM
How it Works
1 | The competition opens on October 1st at 9:00 AM. At that time, you'll be able to create your team (or compete solo), and the first challenge will be revealed |
2 | Each challenge gives you instructions and hints to capture a "flag", a hidden piece of information that unlocks your progress. |
3 | New challenges are revealed gradually throughout the competition. Check back often to see new challenges and to track your position on the live leaderboard. |
4 | Challenges get progressively more difficult. You don't need to solve every challenge to compete or win. |
$500 in prizes up for grabs
Prize money is shared among team members. The top prizes go to the fastest solvers, and we've built in awards that recognize how you play, not just how fast you finish.
| $250 | 1st Place |
| $100 | 2nd Place |
| $50 | 3rd Place |
| $25 | Most Creative Team Name Awarded to the team that brings the most creativity and personality to their name. |
| $25 | Best Team Spirit Awarded to the team with the most members (the more the merrier). |
| $25 | The Tenacious Award Awarded to the competitor with the most attempts on a single challenge. Persistence counts. |
| $25 | The Underdog Awarded to the highest-placing first-time CTF participant. Everyone starts somewhere. |
No Experience Needed
This competition has been purposely designed so that no technical background is required to get started. If you're curious about cybersecurity, this is your entry point. The early challenges are approachable for anyone, and things get progressively trickier as you go, so there's always something to push toward no matter your skill level.
Go Further...
The 1st Annual Privacy Matters @ UBC Capture the Flag Competition is one of many ways UBC is celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026. Throughout October, Privacy Matters @ UBC is hosting a series of fabulous and intriguing presentations, workshops, and events designed to help the UBC community navigate the digital world with confidence. From phishing awareness to privacy law to the human rights dimensions of our data, there's something for everyone.