PwC Vietnam Hosts Hack A Day 2024: A Spotlight on Cybersecurity and Identity Protection
On November 11, 2024, PwC Vietnam, in collaboration with territories across the Asia-Pacific region including Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, successfully organized Hack A Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Securing Identity,” underscored the critical importance of identity protection in an increasingly digital world. The event not only featured a thrilling capture-the-flag (CTF) competition for undergraduates but also hosted a comprehensive cybersecurity conference aimed at enhancing awareness and knowledge in the field.
A Competitive Showcase of Talent
The CTF competition attracted 72 teams from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with 12 teams representing Vietnam from prestigious institutions such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, RMIT University, and FPT University. This competitive environment provided a platform for students to demonstrate their skills in tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Participants faced seven distinct hacking challenges that tested their abilities in various domains, including identity security, artificial intelligence, cloud security, red and blue team tactics, threat intelligence, incident response, web security, and binary and reverse engineering. The competition encouraged students to research, strategize, and execute attacks to capture flags, showcasing their technical prowess and problem-solving capabilities.
The highlight of the competition was the crowning of the cipis042402k team from the University of Information Technology in Ho Chi Minh City as the champion. Meanwhile, the 404_Not_Found team from the Vietnam Academy of Cryptography Techniques achieved the highest score in Hanoi. Notably, both cipis042402k and the blackpinker team from the University of Science – Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City secured spots in the top 10 regionally. The winning teams were rewarded with internship opportunities at PwC and attractive prizes, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent in Vietnam’s IT and cybersecurity sectors.
Insights from Industry Leaders
In conjunction with the CTF competition, PwC Vietnam hosted a cybersecurity conference that featured contributions from industry giants such as Fortinet, Alibaba Cloud International, Proofpoint, Cloud Ace-Google Cloud, and Netpoleon-Recorded Future. The conference served as a vital platform for cybersecurity, IT, and cloud professionals to discuss the pressing need for robust digital identity security and to share insights on the latest technologies and solutions to combat sophisticated cyber threats.
Industry experts delivered presentations on critical topics, including zero-trust frameworks, identity governance, and threat detection and defense. These discussions aimed to enhance businesses’ understanding of the importance of securing their digital identities in a landscape fraught with cyber risks.
Commitment to Future Cybersecurity Professionals
Pho Duc Giang, a partner of cybersecurity and data privacy services at PwC Vietnam, emphasized the significance of safeguarding identities in today’s interconnected digital world. He stated, “Through Hack A Day, we aim to not only address pressing challenges but also drive innovation and foster a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates advancements in the cybersecurity sector in Vietnam.”
Giang further highlighted the necessity of creating meaningful cyber playgrounds for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He believes that participating in competitions like Hack A Day provides students with invaluable experience that prepares them for successful careers in IT and cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Hack A Day 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and potential of young cybersecurity professionals in Vietnam while addressing the critical theme of identity security. By fostering a competitive spirit and providing a platform for knowledge exchange, PwC Vietnam is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity in the region. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Hack A Day are essential in preparing the next generation to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.