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CloudCTF Overview

Abstract

This KB article provides a general introduction and overview of the U.S. Cyber Range capture the flag platform, known as CloudCTF. For more information about getting started in CloudCTF, please see the article titled Getting Started in CloudCTF.

Please click the start button to select a team and begin the competition.

What is CloudCTF?

CloudCTF is a fully featured U.S. Cyber Range capture the flag platform that can be deployed in a matter of seconds with a click of a button. It was designed for simplicity and runs in a safe and secure environment in the cloud. It can be provisioned from the Exercise Area of the U.S. Cyber Range for CTF competitions, labs, student practice, and more.

CloudCTF Features

CloudCTF Roles

CloudCTF has two levels of user roles: Admins and Players.

  • CTF Admin (Instructors/TA’s) – U.S. Cyber Range Instructors and TA’s are referred to as Admins in CloudCTF. Players should refer to their CTF Admin as the point-of-contact for questions regarding challenges, scoring, and team management.

  • CTF Player (Students/Guests) – U.S. Cyber Range Students and Guests are referred to as Players in CloudCTF and solve challenges from a variety of categories selected by CTF Admins that enhance the cybersecurity education experience. Players will be able to view and solve challenges, view team statistics, and view the progress and placement of all teams participating in the CTF. If you are a student or guest, please see the article titled Getting Started in CloudCTF for CTF Players.

Challenges

Challenges may come from an extensive CloudCTF challenge library or may be custom created by your admin. For help solving challenges, please reach out to your CTF admin, as the U.S. Cyber Range does not assist players in solving challenges.

Players can get started by learning How To Solve A Challenge in CloudCTF.

Team Management

In CloudCTF, all players are on a team even if they are playing by themselves. Permissions of players on teams are controlled by the CTF settings set by the Admin and your role within the team. For detailed instructions related to Team Management, please see the article titled Team Management for CTF Players and Team Leaders.

Public and Private CTF Competitions

CloudCTF allows for both public and private CTF competitions. Public CTF competitions enable users from outside the U.S. Cyber Range to participate in a CTF, and can be created by enabling public registration in the Admin settings of a CloudCTF environment. Private CTF competitions are the default in CloudCTF and are available only to users enrolled in a U.S. Cyber Range course.

Players can learn more about joining a public or private CTF competition by viewing the article titled Getting Started in CloudCTF for CTF Players.

CloudCTF Pages

There are three main pages for players to use during a CloudCTF. Players can learn more about the individual pages through the following KB articles:

  1. Challenges Page
  2. Team Page
  3. Scoreboard Page

Have a Question? Contact Support

If you experience any issues starting or viewing CloudCTF in your web browser, please see the article titled Can't Launch CloudCTF for helpful tips on resolving the matter.

If you still have questions after reviewing the information above, please reach out to your CTF Admin or Instructor who can submit a ticket to our Support team on your behalf.