The Def Con Security Conference 2024 once again brought together the best minds in cybersecurity. Known for its cutting-edge discussions, workshops, and competitions, Def Con 2024 did not disappoint. This year’s event featured an array of intense competitions, each showcasing the skills and creativity of top security professionals. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key competitions and highlight the results that set the tone for the cybersecurity landscape in the coming year.
What is Def Con?
Def Con is one of the world’s largest and most prominent hacker conventions. Established in 1993, it has grown into a must-attend event for anyone involved in cybersecurity. Def Con serves as a platform for networking, learning, and challenging one’s skills through various competitions. The conference attracts security experts, hackers, government officials, and hobbyists from around the globe.
Competitions at Def Con 2024
The heart of Def Con lies in its competitions, where participants test their hacking skills. These contests range from traditional Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges to newer, more specialized events. Each competition pushes participants to their limits, requiring deep technical knowledge and innovative thinking.
Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition
The Capture the Flag competition is arguably the crown jewel of Def Con. In 2024, the CTF event continued to captivate the audience with its complex challenges. Teams from all over the world competed, solving problems that required a deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
The CTF competition at Def Con 2024 was structured as a mix of offensive and defensive tasks. Teams were required to secure their systems while simultaneously attacking their opponents. This year’s competition was particularly fierce, with several lead changes throughout the event.
Results:
The winning team, “Order of the Overflow,” managed to secure their systems while launching successful attacks against others. Their strategic approach and quick adaptability earned them the top spot. The second and third places were claimed by teams “Samurai” and “Pwnies,” respectively. These teams demonstrated exceptional technical skills and teamwork.
Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF)
The Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF) is another highlight of Def Con. This competition focuses on human manipulation rather than technical hacking. Participants are tasked with gathering information from real companies using only social engineering tactics. The goal is to demonstrate how easily human error can be exploited in cybersecurity breaches.
The SECTF at Def Con 2024 saw participants using a range of techniques, from phishing to pretexting. The level of creativity and psychological insight on display was remarkable. Contestants had to be both convincing and subtle, as the targets were often well-trained to recognize social engineering attempts.
Results:
The winner of SECTF 2024 was “Jane Doe,” who managed to extract critical information from several companies with an impressive success rate. Her approach was methodical and persuasive, earning her the top prize. The runner-up, “Social Hacker,” also performed exceptionally well, but fell short in the final round. Third place went to “Mind Manipulators,” who were praised for their innovative techniques.
Car Hacking Village Competition
The Car Hacking Village has become a staple at Def Con, reflecting the growing interest in automotive cybersecurity. This competition challenges participants to find and exploit vulnerabilities in modern vehicles. With the increasing integration of technology in cars, this field has become more relevant than ever.
In 2024, the Car Hacking Village competition featured a variety of vehicles, each with different security systems. Participants had to bypass these systems, access the car’s control units, and even take remote control. The challenges ranged from simple bypasses to complex, multi-layered hacks.
Results:
The team “RevEng” took first place, showcasing their deep understanding of automotive systems. They successfully hacked into multiple vehicles, demonstrating both speed and precision. The second-place team, “AutoPwn,” also performed admirably but encountered difficulties with one vehicle’s advanced encryption. “WheelSpinners,” the third-place team, were recognized for their creative approach, particularly in remote hacking challenges.
AI and Machine Learning CTF
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming integral to cybersecurity. Def Con 2024 introduced a new competition focusing on these technologies. Participants were tasked with developing AI models that could either attack or defend against cyber threats. This competition tested both programming skills and knowledge of AI principles.
The AI and ML CTF attracted a diverse range of participants, from seasoned professionals to university teams. The challenges included developing AI that could detect malware, predict vulnerabilities, and even adapt to new types of attacks in real-time.
Results:
The team “DeepHack” emerged victorious, with their AI model outperforming others in both offensive and defensive tasks. Their model’s ability to learn and adapt during the competition was a key factor in their success. The second-place team, “NeuroDefenders,” impressed with their innovative approach to predictive analytics. Third place went to “AIMasters,” who were praised for their defensive AI’s robustness and efficiency.
Wireless Capture the Flag (WCTF)
The Wireless Capture the Flag (WCTF) competition is another favorite at Def Con. Participants are required to exploit vulnerabilities in wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID. With the proliferation of wireless devices, this competition is highly relevant to modern cybersecurity.
In 2024, the WCTF featured a wide array of challenges, from simple network hacks to complex attacks on IoT devices. Participants had to identify weaknesses, crack encryptions, and maintain stealth to avoid detection.
Results:
“AirCrackers” won the WCTF competition, excelling in all areas, particularly in Wi-Fi and IoT device hacking. Their ability to remain undetected while compromising systems gave them the edge. The second-place team, “BlueSniffers,” demonstrated exceptional skills in Bluetooth hacking but struggled with RFID challenges. “SignalHunters,” the third-place team, were commended for their innovative techniques in signal interception.
Biohacking Village Competition
The Biohacking Village is a unique part of Def Con, focusing on the intersection of biology and cybersecurity. Participants in this competition are tasked with hacking medical devices and other biotech systems. With the increasing digitization of healthcare, this area of cybersecurity is rapidly gaining importance.
Def Con 2024’s Biohacking Village competition featured several challenges, including exploiting vulnerabilities in pacemakers, insulin pumps, and other critical medical devices. The competition highlighted the importance of securing these devices against cyber threats.
Results:
The winning team, “MedSec,” successfully demonstrated vulnerabilities in several medical devices, emphasizing the need for better security in the healthcare sector. Their approach was both ethical and effective, earning them the top spot. The second-place team, “BioBreakers,” also performed well, particularly in the area of insulin pump hacking. Third place went to “HealthHackers,” who were praised for their focus on patient safety during the competition.
Tamper-Evident Village Competition
The Tamper-Evident Village challenges participants to defeat physical security measures. This competition tests skills in lock-picking, tamper-evident seals, and other physical security barriers. It’s a reminder that cybersecurity is not just about digital protection; physical security is equally important.
In 2024, the Tamper-Evident Village competition featured a range of locks, seals, and containers, each designed to resist tampering. Participants had to use a combination of technical skills and creative thinking to bypass these security measures.
Results:
“LockBusters” took first place, demonstrating exceptional skills in both lock-picking and tamper-evident bypass techniques. Their success was due to their precision and knowledge of physical security mechanisms. The second-place team, “SealBreakers,” excelled in defeating tamper-evident seals but faced challenges with some advanced locks. “PhysicalPhreaks,” the third-place team, were recognized for their innovative approach to bypassing security containers.
Def Con 2024 was a fantastic showcase of the best and brightest in cybersecurity, check out the Black Hat & DEF CON: 2024 Wrap-Up & 2025 Preview
