GEC NEWS WIREDubai Police have launched the second annual cyber security challenge, titled “Capture the Flag”, to inspire cyber security enthusiasts to learn more about computer science and strengthen their problem-solving skills. Capture the Flag (CTF) has been designed to encourage the young generation to develop ideas and solutions through a cyber security problem-solving challenge that encompasses forensics and defense methods.
The challenge, which will take place from 22 to 23 February 2019 at Hub Zero, City Walk, provides an opportunity to apply penetration testing and analytical skills in a real-world cyber security scenario. Professional competitors can participate through registering via the challenge’s website to showcase their skills and usage of the latest technologies in defeating cybercrime attacks.
The launch of the challenge (CTF) highlights Dubai Police efforts in addressing cybersecurity challenges and preparing the youth for the future by acquiring skills in the cyber security field. Dubai Police provide an opportunity to youth to learn new skills and build competencies for the future job market. With the support from businesses & experts on issues of cyber security like Recorded Future, Gulf Business Machines (GBM), CISCO, Spire Solutions, & InfoWatch Gulf, in addition to Geekay as the official gaming partner are proudly sponsoring the event, to participate in promoting awareness among all segments of the society, especially young people about the importance of adopting knowledge and solutions for cyber protection.
His Excellency Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, highlighted the importance of the “Capture the Flag” challenge in attracting younger generations to the fields of science, technology and innovation, inspire scientific curiosity among participants, promote their desire to take up scientific specialities and motivate them to learn and keep up with the rapid developments in the field of information technology.
Major General Al Marri said: “The launch of the second edition of the challenge is in line with the vision of our wise leadership, which gives a top priority to nurturing generations of specialists and professionals in various technological sectors that are able to contribute to building a knowledge-based economy, achieve technological breakthroughs and keep up with changes in the job market.”
As cyber security issues have taken center stage around the globe, organizations are struggling with a worldwide shortage of information security experts. Thus, cyber security experts require both theoretical and practical educational opportunities.
The challenge exemplifies the second objective of “Dubai Cyber Security Strategy”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai that concerns incubation innovation in the field of cyber security, and the establishment of a secure and safe cyberspace in Dubai.
Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, director of the Criminal Investigation Department at the Dubai Police, commented on the launch of the 2nd version of the “Capture the Flag “challenge, “We are pleased to launch the second edition of “Capture the Flag” challenge for the second year in a row, during which we build on what was achieved in the first round of the cyber security challenge, which saw the participation of 30 contestants from the region. We are confident that the event, which is being witnessed by professionals and amateurs in the field of information technology and cybersecurity, will sharpen the minds of the contestants, motivate generations of young people and increase their knowledge of topics and issues related to the world of information technology and its developments.”
During the CTF challenge, contestants compete in a virtual environment along the two-day cyber security challenge, taking place on February 22-23, 2019 at Hub Zero, City Walk, Dubai. Awarding ceremony to be hosted by Dubai Police with souvenirs and giveaways for all participants comprising 3 prizes, 1st Prize AED 20,000, 2nd Prize AED 10,000, 3rd Prize AED 5,000.
