Pakistan has officially opened registration for the 2025 Cyber Security Challenge, one of the nation’s largest annual initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity capability and awareness. The event, held under the Pak-Crypt International Symposium on Cybersecurity (PCC-2025), is being organized by the National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS) in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Academy (NCSA). Scheduled from November 24 to 27, 2025, at Air University, Islamabad, PCC-2025 builds on the success of previous editions and continues to serve as a premier platform for students, professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts to test their technical expertise, learn from industry experts, and contribute to Pakistan’s growing cyber resilience. The event also includes a Cybersecurity Symposium, Industry Expo, and multiple competitions designed to simulate real-world security scenarios.
The 2025 challenge will feature three main competitions aimed at different aspects of cybersecurity. The Capture the Flag (CTF) and Showdown Challenges will test teams’ technical and defensive skills by tasking them to identify vulnerabilities, solve security problems, and mitigate simulated attacks across domains like network security, digital forensics, malware analysis, and web security. The Pak-Crypt Challenge, focusing on cryptography, invites both professionals and young enthusiasts to tackle mathematical problems and encryption puzzles rooted in number theory, probability, and linear algebra. Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity Ideas Cup encourages innovation by inviting participants to propose practical cybersecurity solutions for real-world threats, fostering creative thinking and entrepreneurial approaches to security. Each competition is free to enter, though registration is mandatory before the closing date of October 15, 2025. Participants can register through the official NCCS website or by scanning the QR codes provided for each challenge.
Beyond competitions, PCC-2025 extends into a four-day program that merges skill-building with professional networking. The Cybersecurity Symposium will feature keynote addresses from international experts, thought-provoking talks from senior executives and practitioners, and technical workshops addressing today’s most pressing cybersecurity issues. The Industry Expo will highlight the latest advancements in cybersecurity technology by both local innovators and international companies, providing opportunities for startups to present their products, strengthen brand visibility, and engage with potential collaborators. For sponsors, PCC-2025 offers substantial visibility and engagement with the country’s cybersecurity community. Organizations sponsoring the event can align their brands with national efforts to strengthen cyber resilience, interact with key decision-makers, and attract top talent from among the participants. The sponsorship options include Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, each providing tailored exposure, recognition in event materials, and opportunities for direct engagement with stakeholders.
Supported by NCCS, NCSA, Air University, Higher Education Commission, National Cyber Security Academy, Business Incubation Center, Pakistan Cyber Security Center, and PKCERT, the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2025 reflects a united national effort to advance cybersecurity knowledge and innovation. The initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to building a strong, skilled, and collaborative cybersecurity ecosystem that addresses evolving digital threats. By combining competition with collaboration, PCC-2025 not only strengthens technical expertise but also inspires participants to apply their skills to secure digital infrastructure and safeguard the nation’s information landscape. Interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via pcc@nccs.pk or call +92-518440335 for further details and sponsorship inquiries.
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