The Hackers Challenge game is an event at SAINTCON, a tradition that is the sole draw for some attendees. It's an opportunity for you to pit your skills in everything from Trivia, to Systems Administration, and Pen-testing; against your peers at the conference. It's exciting and provides a great opportunity for you to learn new skills in the process.

FAQ

How is the game played?

Hackers Challenge began as a Jeopardy style game board where each puzzle had a specific point value, and each category progressively opened. Today we keep the familiar appearance, but the game play and scoring system is more dynamic.

Once you have chosen a puzzle to solve, you proceed to find clues, decode hidden messages, learn new skills, and discover a key, token or flag. You submit this to the game server to receive confirmation of a successful solve and claim your points.

The point value of a puzzle is dynamically and retroactively adjusted for each solve. This means that you score may DECREASE through the game as a puzzle is solved by more hackers. Extra points are awarded for the first person to solve a puzzle, and for holding a puzzle as the sole solver.

Some puzzles are not shown on the game board but can be found at SAINTCON for additional points.

What are the rules for Hackers Challenge?

The specifics and rules of each years Hackers Challenge are a closely guarded secret, but the general rules include:

• Play the game ethically
• Do NOT share captured keys
• You MAY work together as a team, But there can only be ONE winner
• Do NOT brute force game servers. (It will be explicitly stated if an environment requires brute forcing.)
• Do NOT steal keys from other players

The game master reserve the right to disqualify and/or change scores for participants who violate the game rules or participates in unprofessional conduct. We reserve this right without right of dispute or for any other reason we feel is appropriate or prudent.

Also be warned: We have ways of monitoring cheating, sharing of keys, and other shenanigans that might go on. Get away with it... Good for you! Get caught, your score will suffer.

I am new to this, do I have a chance?

We strongly encourage you to play! The puzzles vary greatly in degree of difficulty and there definitely some YOU can solve. If you don’t know where to get started, visit the Hackers Challenge Lounge at SAINTCON and start asking questions.

What do I win?

The 1st place hacker in the SAINTCON Hackers Challenge receives a SAINTCON Black Badge. The Black Badge is a status symbol. The Black Badge also guarantees free entrance to SAINTCON each year to it’s bearer. Other prizes are also available for playing.

Do I need to bring anything?

A computer with your preferred operating system (maybe a few others too) and your curiosity to figure out new things.

Can only conference attendees participate?

To ensure that the game is played fairly only registered conference attendees will be able to play.

Will I be able to play offsite?

The game server and most puzzles will be available worldwide via the internet. There may be a few puzzles that can only be solved at the conference.

Can I play with a team?

Team play is not explicitly forbidden, but we will only acknowledge one person as the winner and receiver of the Black Badge. The game server does not have a mechanism for enabling team play.

What about…?

The specifics of Hackers Challenge are a closely guarded secret, but if you have more questions feel free to reach out to jg[at]utahsaint[dot]org.