Esports have gained immense popularity over the years, with significant prize pools and millions of viewers worldwide.
To address the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions can serve as a vital platform for skill development.
CTF competitions immerse participants in realistic challenges spanning various cybersecurity domains, promoting technical skills and critical thinking.
Despite the abundance of CTF events, they lack the presentation elements that attract wider audiences like traditional sports.
Efforts are needed to promote and elevate CTFs to make them more engaging for viewers and sponsors.
With a cybersecurity talent shortage worldwide, emphasis should be placed on engaging the next generation in cybersecurity through CTF competitions.
Creating platforms similar to those in the esports industry can help showcase cybersecurity talent and attract more individuals to the field.
Countries like Israel, Estonia, and the U.S. have integrated cybersecurity competitions into their education systems, but more rapid training is required to keep up with evolving threats.
Ukraine recognized CTF competitions as part of its national sports framework, leading the way in promoting cybersecurity skills.
Collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and governments is crucial to elevate CTFs to the level of an official eSport and make talent development a global priority.
By collectively committing to promoting cybersecurity skills through platforms like CTF competitions, a safer and more resilient digital world can be achieved.