Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions are a popular way to engage in cybersecurity challenges, allowing participants to test their skills in a controlled environment. With the rise of online learning and remote competitions, various platforms have emerged to facilitate the organization and execution of CTF events. This document reviews five notable platforms that can help you run your own CTF, highlighting their features, strengths, and potential drawbacks.

Review of 5 Platforms to Run Your CTF – Source CTFd

1. CTFd

CTFd is an open-source platform designed specifically for hosting CTF competitions. It offers a user-friendly interface and is highly customizable, making it a popular choice among organizers.

Features

• Customizable Themes: Users can modify the look and feel of the platform.

• Scoreboard: Real-time scoring system that updates as participants solve challenges.

• Plugin Support: Extend functionality with various plugins.

• User Management: Easy registration and management of participants.

Pros

• Highly customizable and flexible.

• Active community support and documentation.

Cons

• Requires some technical knowledge to set up and customize.

https://ctfd.io/

2. Hack The Box (HTB)

Hack The Box is a well-known platform that provides a variety of cybersecurity challenges, including CTF-style tasks. While primarily focused on training, it also allows users to create their own CTF events.

Features

• Wide Range of Challenges: Offers challenges across various domains of cybersecurity.

• Community Engagement: Strong community support with forums and discussions.

• Learning Resources: Access to tutorials and write-ups.

Pros

• Established platform with a large user base.

• Great for both training and competition.

Cons

• Limited customization for self-hosted CTFs compared to dedicated CTF platforms.

https://account.hackthebox.com/login

3. PicoCTF

PicoCTF is an educational platform designed for middle and high school students, but it can also be used for broader CTF events. It focuses on teaching cybersecurity concepts through gamified challenges.

Features

• Educational Focus: Challenges are designed to teach specific skills.

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy for beginners to navigate.

• Team Collaboration: Supports team-based participation.

Pros

• Excellent for educational purposes and beginners.

• Engaging and interactive challenges.

Cons

• May not be suitable for advanced users looking for complex challenges.

https://picoctf.org/about.html

4. Root Me

Root Me is a platform that offers a variety of hacking challenges, including CTF competitions. It provides a space for both learning and competing in cybersecurity.

Features

• Diverse Challenges: Covers a wide range of topics, from web security to cryptography.

• Community Contributions: Users can create and share their own challenges.

• Ranking System: Competitive scoring and ranking of participants.

Pros

• Large library of challenges for different skill levels.

• Active community with frequent updates.

Cons

• The interface can be overwhelming for new users.

https://www.root-me.org

5. CTFtime

CTFtime is a platform that aggregates various CTF competitions from around the world. While it does not host CTFs itself, it is an invaluable resource for finding and participating in ongoing events.

Features

• Event Calendar: Lists upcoming CTF competitions.

• Team Rankings: Tracks team performance across multiple events.

• Community Interaction: Forums for discussion and collaboration.

Pros

• Comprehensive resource for CTF enthusiasts.

• Helps teams find competitions to participate in.

Cons

• Does not provide tools for hosting your own CTF.

https://ctftime.org/

Conclusion

Choosing the right platform to run your CTF depends on your specific needs, whether it’s customization, educational focus, or community engagement. CTFd stands out for its flexibility, while Hack The Box and PicoCTF offer great resources for learning and competition. Root Me provides a diverse challenge set, and CTFtime is essential for staying connected with the global CTF community. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so consider your goals and audience when making a selection.