NSA’s 12th Annual Codebreaker Challenge is Underway for 2025

The National Security Agency (NSA) is launching their annual series of critical real-world scenarios for U.S.-based academic institutions titled Codebreaker Challenge. In its 12th iteration for 2025, the Codebreaker Challenge gives students the opportunity to analyze high-risk situations closely resembling the Intelligence Community’s classified tasks, equipping them for national security challenges. Participants will go head-to-head with other schools to accomplish mission-driven tasks aimed at enhancing their skills in reverse engineering, vulnerability research, cryptography, programming/scripting, and beyond.

This year’s challenge is to assist the Air Force’s Cyber Operations Squadron in maintaining the U.S. military’s cyber dominance against advanced foreign adversaries attempting to infiltrate and steal information. The goal is to investigate unusual behavior detected by an Air Force analyst and defend American interests against sophisticated nation-state threats. Maintaining vigilance and reinforcing the defense of robust yet vulnerable military networks is paramount.

“The Codebreaker Challenge is an opportunity for the future leaders of cyber defense to showcase their skills, and it’s extraordinary to see the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the competition,” said Lieutenant General William Hartman, performing the duties of the Director of NSA. “I look forward to announcing this year’s winners and celebrating their success.”

The seven tasks in the challenge each have a particular point value and ramp up in complexity as students advance. After completion, points are earned by schools, and the highest totals win in three divisions, each based on the count of student participants.

The Codebreaker Challenge is open to anyone with an email address from a recognized U.S. school or university. All players register and log in individually. Students, professors, and alumni can participate, but only students will earn points and awards.

Join in and register for the challenge at nsa-codebreaker.org, where you can also watch this year’s kick-off video. Get ready to make your mark in the world of cybersecurity!

Via NSA

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