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Types of CTFs (Jeopardy, Attack/Defense)

Cyber Security Mastery: From Zero to Hero

Categorizing Practice Grounds

CTFs are categorized by their format:

1. Jeopardy Style

  • Format: Challenges are categorized by topic (e.g., Forensics, Web, Crypto) and assigned point values based on difficulty.
  • Goal: Solve isolated challenges. Success on one challenge does not affect others.
  • Best for: Beginners and focusing on specific skill sets.

2. Attack/Defense Style

  • Format: Teams are given vulnerable versions of the same service/network. Teams must patch (defend) their services while simultaneously exploiting (attacking) the other teams' services.
  • Goal: Score points for maintaining uptime, patching vulnerabilities, and capturing flags from opponents.
  • Best for: Advanced team-based training in real-time incident response and exploitation.