r/securityCTF

Hi everyone,

I’ve decided to make a hard pivot into cybersecurity and just started with TryHackMe. I’m 25, and while I have basic computer skills, I’m essentially starting from scratch. I’ve just hit my first "real" task involving Linux and Red Teaming, and honestly, the terminal alone is a bit overwhelming.

I’m looking for the "extreme" way to speed up this process. I don’t want to just stare at theory for months; I want to be hands-on.

A few questions for the pros here:

1. What are the most common mistakes beginners make on THM that slow them down?
2. Are there any specific "side resources" (YouTube channels, cheat sheets, or labs) that helped you "click" with Linux and networking faster than just following THM paths?
3. How can I build a solid foundation for Red Teaming without getting bogged down in "white-hat" academic stuff I'll never use?

I’m ready to put in the hours, just want to make sure I’m not running in the wrong direction.

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone! 👋

I’m currently studying cybersecurity and participating in CyLab, but our current focus/curriculum is heavily centered around Reverse Engineering and a few other areas. While RE is super interesting, I really want to build a strong foundation in Web Exploitation and Computer Networking to become more well-rounded for CTFs.

Since I’m starting mostly from scratch in these two categories, could you recommend the best learning paths or hands-on platforms?

Specifically looking for:

• Networking fundamentals: Essential concepts/protocols I need to master for CTF challenges (Wireshark, PCAP analysis, etc.).
• Web Exploitation: Beginner-to-intermediate platforms or labs (e.g., PortSwigger Academy, TryHackMe, PicoCTF).
• CTF Practice: Practice platforms with good beginner-friendly Web/Network challenges.

Any roadmap, book, or free resource recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! 🙌

Hey hackers,

I'm currently in second semester of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. I don't know from where do i learn solving CTF's like i have ideas about it but i don't know from where i should learn it help me guys.

I am a working professional. I love CTFs but don’t have much experience apart from tryhackme, htb but I have been willing to join a team to do CTFs, learn.
So if anyone has a team that would take beginners and help me learn along the way, very much appreciated.
Even if I could join a team just to watch and learn.

Also if anyone could suggest any CTFs that I could try solo and for a beginning that’d be great

Okay so I'm a cybersecurity student and I wanted to get started with CTFs and stuff. But I'm feeling really lost and could use some help.

So I've heard people recommend picoCTF, tryhackme, hack the box etc. to practice CTFs. Okay but where do I LEARN? Everybody tells you these websites but they don't actually teach how to do them especially as someone who's completely new to them

So what I'm asking is what are good sources to learn CTFs? Any websites or YouTube sources or anything?

And then for practice what do you reccomend? What websites, rooms etc are best for practice as a complete absolute beginner.

Please give tips for what sources you used and that worked for you when you were starting out with CTFs. Any sort of advice would be appreciated 🫶

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I have only 4 days to put a team together, so I’m looking for a few people who are interested in joining a CTF team.

No need to be a pro — just looking for people who are serious about competing, learning, and having fun.

Interested in Web / Crypto / Forensics / Reverse / Pwn?

DM me with your experience and preferred category. 🚀

We’re organizing a **CTF competition at our university** and are currently looking for sponsorship from cybersecurity and tech companies to help provide **prizes and goodies for the winners/participants**.
If you know of any companies that sponsor student CTFs, cybersecurity events, or educational initiatives, please let me know. Introductions or relevant contacts would also be greatly appreciated.
Also, if anyone here has experience approaching companies for CTF sponsorships or has any advice on how to go about it, **any guidance would be really helpful**.
Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!

I'm an MS Information Security student looking for 2–4 people to form/join a team for the Black Hat MEA 2026 CTF.

I'm relatively new to CTFs, but I have a background in Data Science and I'm currently learning and practicing cybersecurity. I also have some experience with tools like Burp Suite, Wireshark, Nmap etc.

I'm not looking for an elite/pro team, beginners/intermediate players are absolutely welcome!

Ideally, we'd practice together beforehand, divide categories based on our strengths, and actually work as a team during the qualifier.

CTF: Black Hat MEA 2026
Format: Jeopardy
Team size: 3–5
Qualifier: 24-hour online competition

If you're interested, feel free to comment or DM me! :)

Dm me to join the the team . I am planning to nail Bug Bounty event . Only serious hunters connect.