Learning the Ropes: My First CTF Experience

In the Titan of Tech podcast episode, host John shares insights from his first participation in a Capture the Flag (CTF) event in March 2024, covering its nature as a cybersecurity game, the challenges encountered, and four key lessons learned. The CTF event featured jeopardy-style puzzles across various domains like digital forensics and cryptography, emphasizing the importance of hands-on skills, teamwork, and familiarity with tools like Kali Linux and Unix commands. John reflects on his unpreparedness, the technical obstacles faced in using unfamiliar equipment and systems, and the ultimate value of the experience in understanding cybersecurity complexities, especially for IT leadership and those in non-technical roles within the field.

https://podcast.titanof.tech/

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00:00 Welcome to the Titan of Tech Podcast: My First CTF Experience

00:21 What is Capture the Flag (CTF)? An Introductory Guide

01:04 The Thrill of the Game: My CTF Event Recap

02:20 The Benefits of Participating in CTF Events

03:21 The Essential Tools for CTF Success

03:47 Four Key Lessons from My CTF Journey

09:47 Who Should Try Capture the Flag? Insights for IT Leaders and Enthusiasts

13:08 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement