CYBERSEC

CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGE 2026

CYBERSECURITY
CHALLENGE

An intensive individual cybersecurity competition for high school students. Solve real-world challenges on a custom-built CTF platform.

May 30, 2026

AUK Campus, Kyiv

~4 hours

About the Challenge

Cybersecurity Challenge is an individual competition organized by American University Kyiv in partnership with EPAM School of Digital Technologies. Demonstrate your analytical thinking, logic, and problem-solving skills across real-world cybersecurity scenarios.

Individual Competition

Test your cybersecurity skills in a solo competition. No team required — prove your own capabilities and stand out.

Practical Skills

Solve real-world cybersecurity challenges across multiple difficulty levels on our custom-built CTF platform.

Talent Discovery

Stand out and get noticed. Top performers gain visibility with leading tech companies and open doors to new opportunities.

How It Works

Four simple steps from registration to awards.

Registration

Sign up through the registration form. No prior cybersecurity experience required — tasks range from beginner to advanced.

Onboarding

Arrive at AUK campus, receive your credentials, and get access to the competition platform. Mentors will be available to help.

Competition

Solve progressive cybersecurity challenges over approximately 4 hours. Earn points for each correct flag submitted. The platform tracks your progress in real time.

Results & Awards

The live leaderboard reveals the final standings. Top performers receive prizes, recognition, and visibility with partner companies.

Event Agenda

Here's how the day unfolds — from arrival to the awards ceremony.

1:30 PM

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive at AUK Campus, register on-site, and receive your competition credentials.

2:00 PM

Competition Begins

The CTF platform opens. Start solving challenges and climbing the live leaderboard.

4:00 PM

Lunch Break

Take a break and recharge — the second half of the competition is still ahead.

6:00 PM

Competition Ends

The platform closes. No more flag submissions — final scores are locked in.

6:00 – 6:40 PM

Networking Break

Meet participants, mentors, and partner representatives while the final results are being tallied.

7:00 PM

Awards Ceremony

The final leaderboard is revealed. All participants receive prizes — and top performers earn the opportunity to study at AUK on a full scholarship.

Competition Platform

A custom-built online platform designed specifically for this event, providing a unified environment for all participants.

Personal Dashboard

Track your progress, see solved challenges, and monitor your score in real-time from your personal workspace.

Progressive Difficulty

Start with beginner-friendly tasks and unlock harder challenges as you advance through the levels.

Live Leaderboard

Watch scores update in real-time. See where you stand against other participants throughout the competition.

Automated Scoring

Submit flags and get instant feedback. No waiting — know immediately if you cracked it.

Main Dashboard

Mission Map

Challenge Interface

Secure Login

Who Should Participate

The challenge is open to high school students interested in IT and cybersecurity.

High School Students

Curious about cybersecurity? This is your chance to explore the field in a safe, guided, and competitive environment.

MAN STEM Track

Members of Kyiv Minor Academy of Sciences in STEM disciplines — put your analytical and research skills to the test.

Beginners Welcome

No prior cybersecurity experience needed. Tasks start from the basics and grow progressively harder. Mentors are on-site to help.

Organized By

A partnership between American University Kyiv and EPAM School of Digital Technologies.

Ready to compete?

Secure your spot at Cybersecurity Challenge 2026

Registration takes just a few minutes. Fill out the form and we will share the next steps before the event.