Getting Started with CTFs, Tools, and Basics

In this first part of our four-part CTF workshop series, participants will learn the fundamentals of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and acquire essential cybersecurity skills. We’ll cover the basics of CTFs, including types, flags, and why they’re valuable for skill development. You’ll also set up your environment, including using Virtual Machines and installing Kali Linux, either through a standard installation or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

We’ll introduce you to Linux basics, including navigating the terminal, file permissions, and useful commands. You’ll also learn how to find tools and information using Google dorking, GitHub, and Stack Overflow. The session will cover encoding and hashes, including number bases (binary, hexadecimal, base64) and using tools like CyberChef.

Additionally, we’ll dive into Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques, including Google dorking and using OSINT tools for solving challenges. Basic cryptography concepts like ciphers, steganography, and encryption will be introduced, along with practical CTF examples. Lastly, we’ll explore log analysis, highlighting common log formats and tools used to identify security threats.

By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the foundational skills and tools to participate confidently in CTF challenges and continue your cybersecurity journey.

Tentative Agenda:

• CTF Basics
• Setting up for a CTF
• Linux Basics
• Finding tools & information
• Recognizing Encoding & Hashes
• OSINT
• Basic Crypto
• Log Analysis