In a historic development, Pakistani teams made their debut in the renowned international cybersecurity event, Black Hat. Ignite, the national technology fund, selected six teams from the finalists of the Cyber Security Hackathon 2021 & 2022 to compete in the Black Hat MEA CTF Competition.
This marked the first-ever participation of Pakistani teams in the global cybersecurity event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where 250 teams from around the world took part.
Black Hat is a well-known series of conferences dedicated to information security, regularly organized in the USA and other countries. These conferences gather professionals from the cybersecurity industry, including researchers, security experts, hackers, and enthusiasts.
Black Hat events encompass briefings, workshops, Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and training sessions, covering a wide spectrum of cybersecurity topics such as vulnerabilities, exploits, hacking techniques, defense strategies, and emerging threats.
The primary objective of Black Hat conferences is to provide a platform for individuals to share knowledge, discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity, and learn about new tools and technologies.
The Middle East and Africa edition of Black Hat took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 14th to 16th, 2023, featuring over 330 exhibitors showcasing products and services. The event also hosted 300 speakers, including top Pakistani cybersecurity experts who delivered speeches.
Ignite, which has been hosting the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon for the past two years, provided a unique opportunity for the finalists of the 2021 and 2022 hackathons to compete in the Black Hat MEA CTF competition and represent Pakistan on the global stage.
Six teams from Pakistan, namely AirOverflow, Gryffins, Sudoers, Lexicons, SecurityBreakers, and ReturntoPwn, qualified for the competition. Ignite sponsored the top three teams to compete in the international competition.
During the three-day competition, the Pakistani teams demonstrated their prowess, achieving commendable positions among the global participants. Among the 250 teams from around the world, the final rankings for the Pakistani teams were as follows: AirOverflow secured the 27th position, Sudoers claimed the 32nd spot, and Gryffens attained the 33rd position. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time that Pakistani teams have participated in the prestigious Black Hat event.
Participation in Black Hat provides these cybersecurity teams with valuable international CTF (Capture The Flag) experience, enhancing their skills and preparing them for better global positions in the future. It serves as a motivational opportunity for talented teams that excelled in the CTF competitions, offering them the chance to represent Pakistan on a global stage and contribute to the country’s standing in the cybersecurity realm.
