ISC2 New Jersey Chapter Presents

Capture the Flag for Novices 2025

A free, beginner-friendly cybersecurity competition designed for students, professionals, and enthusiasts to learn, collaborate, and compete.

19 October 2025 β€’ 9 AM - 4 PM

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Capture the Flag for Novices 2025 - Official Event Poster

Why Join Our CTF?

Whether you're taking your first steps in cyber or looking to sharpen your skills, this event is for you.

Learn Foundational Skills

Tackle real-world challenges in a supportive, hands-on environment. No experience required!

Collaborate with Peers

Form a team of up to four or join one on the day of the event. Network with professionals and students.

Compete for fun

Put your skills to the test in a friendly competition. Solve challenges, earn points, and win awesome swag!

New to CTFs? We've Got You Covered!

Complete beginner's guide with everything you need to succeed in your first Capture The Flag competition.

Complete Learning Guide

Step-by-step guide from absolute beginner to confident participant. Learn what CTFs are, how they work, and what to expect.

Practice Platforms

Curated list of beginner-friendly platforms where you can practice before the main event. Start with PicoCTF and TryHackMe.

Free Tools & Resources

Essential tools, software, and resources you'll need. Everything is free and beginner-friendly - no expensive purchases required!

Career Insights

Learn how CTF participation can boost your cybersecurity career, open job opportunities, and build professional networks.

Built by the Community, for the Community

Following our successful launch in 2024, the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter is proud to host our second annual CTF for Novices. Our mission is to demystify cybersecurity and provide an accessible entry point for anyone curious about the field.

This event is designed to be a learning experience above all else. You'll work on challenges hosted on the popular CTFd platform, with hints available if you get stuck (for a small point penalty). Mentors will be available to guide you. All you need is a laptop and a desire to learn!

Register Today
A diverse group of people collaborating around a table with laptops.

Event Agenda

9:00 AM

Registration & Networking β˜•

9:30 AM

Introduction of CTF Committee πŸ‘₯

9:45 AM

CTF Instructions & Rules πŸ’»

10:00 AM

Capture the Flag πŸ’»

11:00 AM

Panel Discussion πŸ‘₯

12:00 PM

Lunch 🍽️

1:00 PM

Networking Exercise - Ice Breaker Activity πŸ‘₯

1:30 PM

Capture the Flag πŸ’»

3:30 PM

Winner Announcement & Closing Remarks πŸ†

Challenge Categories

Test your skills across a variety of fundamental cybersecurity domains.

Cryptography

Forensics

Web Exploitation

Steganography

Inaugural Event Highlights (2024)

Our first event on Oct 27, 2024, set the stage for a new tradition of learning and competition.

100+
Attendees
30+
Teams Formed
500+
Flags Captured
100%
Positive Feedback

Partners & Sponsors

This event is made possible by the generous support of our partners and sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience to participate?

Absolutely not! This event is specifically designed for novices and beginners. We'll have introductory challenges and mentors on-site to help you get started.

Is the event really free? What's included?

Yes, registration is 100% free thanks to our sponsors. Your registration includes full access to the competition, lunch, and networking opportunities.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring your own laptop and its charger. We recommend having a machine with your preferred operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi.

How do teams work? Can I register alone?

Teams can have up to 4 members. You can register with a pre-formed team or register as an individual. If you register alone, we will have a team formation session at the beginning of the event to help you find a group to work with.