Best Hacking & Cyber Security CTF Platforms in 2025

This post is a guide to the best Capture the Flag (CTF) platforms for learning cybersecurity and ethical hacking in 2025.

Here are some of the best CTF (Capture The Flag) platforms that are highly regarded in the cybersecurity community:

TryHackMe

TryHackMe is an interactive cybersecurity training platform designed for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced professionals. It offers hands-on, guided learning through a mix of virtual machines, interactive tutorials, and labs. The platform is an excellent resource for mastering penetration testing, ethical hacking, and various cybersecurity topics.

How Does TryHackMe Work?

TryHackMe provides a gamified learning experience where users work through virtual environments and challenges to practice real-world cybersecurity skills. Here’s an overview of its main components:

1. Learning Paths

• Description: Structured learning tracks that guide users through specific cybersecurity topics.
• Examples:
  • Pre-Security (for complete beginners)
  • Complete Beginner Path
  • Offensive Security Path
  • Web Hacking Path
  • Cyber Defense Path
• Goal: Provide a clear, step-by-step learning journey tailored to your interests and career goals.

2. Rooms

• Description: Virtual classrooms with themed challenges and tasks. Each “room” focuses on a specific topic or skill.
• Examples:
  • Web Exploitation
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Cryptography
  • Threat Intelligence
• Types:
  • Guided: Offers hints, instructions, and solutions for beginners.
  • Unassisted: Challenges for advanced users that mimic real-world hacking scenarios.

3. AttackBox

• Description: A pre-configured, browser-based virtual machine that users can deploy to complete labs and challenges.
• Benefits:
  • No need for additional software or a personal VM setup.
  • Ideal for beginners unfamiliar with setting up a pentesting environment.

4. Challenges

• Description: Hands-on exercises designed to test specific cybersecurity skills. Categories include:
  • Capture The Flag (CTF)
  • Offensive Security
  • Defensive Security
• Goal: Solve challenges to earn flags and points, improving both your skills and your leaderboard rank.

5. Certifications

• TryHackMe Certified Offensive Security Professional (OSCP) Preparation: Aimed at users preparing for OSCP and other industry-recognized certifications.
• Skill Certificates: Earned upon completing specific learning paths, showcasing your proficiency in areas like web hacking, cyber defense, or red teaming.

6. Gamified Experience

• Leaderboards: Compete with others globally by solving challenges and earning points.
• Achievements: Unlock badges as you progress, adding a fun and rewarding element to learning.

Why is TryHackMe Popular?

1. Beginner-Friendly: TryHackMe is tailored for newcomers to cybersecurity, offering detailed explanations, hints, and guided labs.
2. Affordable Learning: Free rooms and affordable subscription options make it accessible to a wide audience.
3. Hands-On Training: Users learn by doing, practicing in virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios.
4. No Setup Required: The browser-based AttackBox eliminates the need for complex setup or additional tools.
5. Community Support: Active forums, Discord channels, and user-generated content make it easy to connect with others and get help.

Who Is TryHackMe For?

• Complete Beginners: Its guided learning paths make cybersecurity concepts easy to understand for those with no prior experience.
• Intermediate Learners: Offers more advanced topics like web application penetration testing, reverse engineering, and privilege escalation.
• Professionals: Provides hands-on practice for sharpening skills and preparing for certifications like OSCP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+.

How to Get Started?

1. Sign Up: Create a free account at tryhackme.com.
2. Choose a Path:
   • Beginners: Start with “Pre-Security” or “Complete Beginner Path.”
   • Advanced Users: Explore specific rooms or challenges tailored to your interests.
3. Launch the AttackBox: Practice in a pre-configured environment to avoid technical setup headaches.
4. Complete Rooms: Earn points and flags as you progress through different challenges.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Learning Paths	Structured modules for clear progress, e.g., Web Hacking, Cyber Defense.
Interactive Labs	Hands-on labs with hints, tutorials, and walkthroughs.
Capture The Flag (CTF)	Solve puzzles and find hidden flags to test and improve skills.
Virtual Environment	Access to the AttackBox, a cloud-based VM for practicing hacking in a secure space.
Beginner-Friendly	Guided lessons, pre-configured tools, and clear instructions for those new to cybersecurity.

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Pricing

1. Free Tier:
   • Access to a limited number of rooms and challenges.
2. Premium Tier:
   • Costs around $10/month (or annual plans for discounts).
   • Full access to all rooms, learning paths, certifications, and the AttackBox.

Pros and Cons of TryHackMe

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly with guided lessons.
• Wide range of topics and difficulty levels.
• Affordable compared to other platforms.
• Community-driven content.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features compared to Hack The Box for seasoned professionals.
• Premium features may be necessary for full access.

Key Differences: TryHackMe vs. Hack The Box

Feature	TryHackMe	Hack The Box
Audience	Beginners and intermediate learners	Intermediate to advanced professionals
Learning Paths	Guided, structured tracks	More open-ended and challenge-based
Ease of Use	Browser-based; no setup required	Requires setting up VPNs and tools locally
Certifications	Path-based skill certificates	Certified Penetration Tester (CPTS)

HackThe Box

What is Hack The Box?

Hack The Box (HTB) is an online platform designed for learning and practicing cybersecurity through simulated hacking challenges and labs. It’s highly regarded in the cybersecurity community for its innovative, hands-on approach to teaching penetration testing and ethical hacking skills. The platform caters to beginners, professionals, and teams.

How Does Hack The Box Work?

Hack The Box provides access to virtual machines (VMs) and challenges in a controlled environment. The core concept revolves around solving challenges by exploiting vulnerabilities, gaining access, and “capturing the flag” (a unique string of code that confirms success).

Here’s a breakdown of its main features:

1. Machines

• Description: Virtual machines designed to simulate vulnerable systems.
• Categories: Machines vary in difficulty and type, covering topics like web apps, networking, reverse engineering, cryptography, and more.
• Goal: Hack into the machine, gain access to user privileges, and escalate to root privileges.
• Process: Each machine requires solving real-world-style vulnerabilities to achieve a flag.

2. Challenges

• Description: Standalone problems that focus on specific skills or concepts.
• Examples:
  • Web exploitation
  • Forensics
  • Cryptography
  • Reverse engineering
  • Steganography
• Goal: Solve a single problem (e.g., decrypt a file or identify a web vulnerability) to obtain the flag.

3. Pro Labs

• Description: Advanced, in-depth labs that simulate real-world corporate networks.
• Goal: Practice attacking a network, pivoting through systems, and compromising the entire infrastructure.

4. Academy

• Description: A structured learning platform for mastering penetration testing and cybersecurity concepts.
• Features:
  • Guided lessons with interactive labs.
  • Tracks for different skill levels (beginner to advanced).
  • Certification preparation for HTB’s Certified Penetration Tester (HTB CPTS).

5. HTB CTFs

• Description: Organized Capture the Flag competitions for individuals or teams.
• Purpose: Compete against others to solve a variety of cybersecurity challenges under a time limit.

Why Is Hack The Box Popular?

1. Real-World Learning: Simulates actual vulnerabilities found in corporate networks and applications.
2. Wide Range of Topics: Covers everything from beginner-level concepts to advanced penetration testing.
3. Community Engagement: Users can share write-ups, discuss solutions, and participate in forums.
4. Frequent Updates: New machines and challenges are added regularly.
5. Certifications: Offers HTB CPTS, a highly regarded penetration testing certification.

Who Is It For?

• Beginners: The Hack The Box Academy and beginner-level machines provide a great starting point for learning ethical hacking.
• Intermediate/Advanced Users: Professionals can practice advanced skills and prepare for certifications.
• Teams: Organizations and cybersecurity teams use HTB Pro Labs for team-building exercises and training.

How to Start?

1. Sign Up: Create an account on Hack The Box.
2. Solve the Invite Code: To register, you’ll need to solve a small challenge to “hack your way in” (don’t worry, it’s beginner-friendly).
3. Choose a Path:
   • Start with beginner machines or guided Academy modules.
   • Progress to intermediate/advanced machines and Pro Labs.
4. Engage with the Community: Join the forums, follow write-ups, and participate in CTFs to improve your skills.

Pricing

Hack The Box has both free and premium tiers:

• Free Tier: Access to a limited number of machines and challenges.
• VIP & VIP+: Paid subscriptions for full access, including retired machines, Pro Labs, and faster servers.

HackTheBox Pro Labs vs Regular Machines

Feature	Regular Machines	Pro Labs
Purpose	Individual challenges	Simulated corporate networks
Difficulty	Beginner to advanced	Advanced
Focus	Isolated system vulnerabilities	Full network penetration testing
Goal	Capture the user/root flag	Complete end-to-end compromise

picoCTF

What is picoCTF?

picoCTF is a free, beginner-friendly cybersecurity platform created by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). It is specifically designed for students and individuals who are new to cybersecurity. picoCTF uses game-like challenges to teach foundational cybersecurity concepts in a fun and engaging way.

The platform is widely used in schools, universities, and competitions to help learners build their skills through hands-on experience.

How Does picoCTF Work?

picoCTF presents users with a series of challenges, each of which involves solving a specific cybersecurity problem. These challenges are organized into various categories, increasing in complexity as you progress. Here’s a breakdown of the core elements:

1. Challenges

• Format: Each challenge presents a scenario where you must “capture the flag” (a hidden string of text).
• Categories:
  • Web Exploitation: Learn to find vulnerabilities in web applications.
  • Cryptography: Solve puzzles involving encrypted data.
  • Binary Exploitation: Analyze and manipulate binary programs to uncover vulnerabilities.
  • Forensics: Use digital investigation techniques to extract hidden data.
  • Reverse Engineering: Decompile and analyze programs to understand how they work.
  • General Skills: Develop foundational cybersecurity knowledge (e.g., Linux commands, basic scripting).
• Hints: Challenges often include hints to help beginners.

2. Game-Like Environment

• picoCTF has a narrative-driven theme where you act as a hacker solving problems in a fictional world.
• Challenges are approachable, with detailed explanations for new concepts.

3. Educational Focus

• Each challenge comes with an educational goal to help learners understand the underlying cybersecurity principles.
• After solving a challenge, you can access detailed write-ups and explanations, making it ideal for learning.

Why is picoCTF Popular?

1. Beginner-Friendly: It’s designed specifically for individuals with little or no prior experience in cybersecurity.
2. Educational Focus: The challenges are crafted to teach as you solve, reinforcing key concepts.
3. Free Access: The platform is completely free to use, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
4. Community Support: picoCTF is supported by a large community of educators, students, and professionals who share solutions, tutorials, and advice.

Who Is picoCTF For?

• Students: High school and university students looking to explore cybersecurity.
• Educators: Teachers who want to introduce cybersecurity concepts to their students.
• Beginners: Anyone interested in learning cybersecurity from scratch.
• Competition Enthusiasts: picoCTF hosts annual competitions that attract participants worldwide.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Challenge Categories	Covers topics like cryptography, forensics, web exploitation, and reverse engineering.
Beginner-Focused	Simple, guided challenges with hints and explanations.
Annual Competitions	picoCTF hosts global competitions for teams and individuals.
Learning Resources	Write-ups, tutorials, and hints make it a learning platform, not just a CTF site.
Web-Based Platform	No setup required—everything is accessible through a browser.

How to Get Started?

1. Sign Up: Visit picoctf.org and create a free account.
2. Explore Challenges: Browse through the challenge categories and start solving.
3. Use Hints: If you’re stuck, use the hints provided to guide you.
4. Participate in Competitions: Join the annual picoCTF competition to challenge yourself against others.

What Makes picoCTF Unique?

1. Educational Design: Unlike platforms focused on competitive hacking, picoCTF emphasizes teaching concepts and skills.
2. Support for Educators: Teachers can use picoCTF in classrooms to introduce students to cybersecurity.
3. No Cost: picoCTF is 100% free and accessible to anyone worldwide.
4. Focus on Youth: Challenges are designed to appeal to a younger audience while still being educational.

picoCTF vs. Other Platforms

Feature	picoCTF	TryHackMe	Hack The Box
Audience	Beginners, students, and educators	Beginners to professionals	Intermediate to advanced professionals
Educational Focus	High (teaches fundamentals)	Moderate (hands-on learning paths)	Low (real-world challenges with minimal guidance)
Pricing	Free	Free with premium options	Free with VIP tiers
Competitions	Annual global competitions	Community-driven challenges	Regular CTF competitions for teams

Why Choose picoCTF?

• It’s perfect if you’re a beginner or a teacher introducing cybersecurity to a classroom.
• It provides free, structured, and interactive learning that covers a broad range of essential skills.
• You’ll gain foundational knowledge that can help you transition to more advanced platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box.

Tips for Beginners on picoCTF

1. Start with General Skills: Learn the basics of Linux commands, scripting, and networking.
2. Use Hints and Write-Ups: picoCTF is all about learning. Don’t be afraid to use the resources provided.
3. Take Notes: Document what you learn as you solve challenges—it will help reinforce your skills.
4. Participate in Competitions: Use the competitions to challenge yourself and track your progress.

Parrot CTFs

Parrot CTFs is a gamified cybersecurity training platform designed for individuals and teams to practice ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity skills. It offers a variety of challenges and scenarios that mimic real-world vulnerabilities, providing users with hands-on experience in solving cybersecurity problems.

Parrot CTFs is part of the growing ecosystem of platforms aimed at making cybersecurity education engaging, interactive, and accessible to learners of all skill levels.

How Does Parrot CTFs Work?

Parrot CTFs provides a virtual platform where users solve challenges to “capture the flag” (a unique string of text hidden within the challenge). The challenges are divided into different categories, each testing a specific area of cybersecurity expertise.

Here’s how it works:

1. Challenge Categories

• Web Exploitation: Challenges focused on finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
• Cryptography: Problems that require decrypting or breaking encrypted messages.
• Reverse Engineering: Analyze binaries and understand their functionality to extract flags.
• Forensics: Investigate files, logs, or memory dumps to uncover hidden information.
• Binary Exploitation: Exploit vulnerabilities in compiled programs.
• Miscellaneous: Includes puzzles, steganography, or other unique challenges.

Each challenge has a difficulty rating, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced.

2. Gamification

• Points and Ranks: Solving challenges earns points, which determine your rank on the platform leaderboard.
• Progress Tracking: The platform tracks your achievements and skill growth over time.
• Competitions: Regularly hosts Capture The Flag (CTF) events where participants compete to solve challenges under a time limit.

3. Real-World Simulations

Parrot CTFs focuses on creating challenges that closely resemble real-world cybersecurity issues. This approach helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Key Features of Parrot CTFs

Feature	Description
Wide Range of Topics	Covers core areas of cybersecurity, such as web exploitation, cryptography, and forensics.
Difficulty Levels	Challenges cater to both beginners and advanced users.
Interactive Platform	User-friendly interface designed to keep learners engaged with gamification.
Team Play	Supports individual users as well as team participation for collaborative learning.
Competitions	Frequent CTF events where players compete to solve challenges for points and recognition.
Write-Up Friendly	Users are encouraged to create and share write-ups to foster community knowledge sharing.

Who Is Parrot CTFs For?

• Beginners: Parrot CTFs offers beginner-friendly challenges that introduce foundational cybersecurity concepts.
• Intermediate & Advanced Users: More complex scenarios are available for professionals looking to test their expertise.
• Teams: Parrot CTFs supports team-based CTF competitions, making it ideal for collaboration and group training.
• Educators: Can use the platform to teach cybersecurity in a practical and engaging way.

How to Get Started?

1. Sign Up: Visit Parrot CTFs and create an account.
2. Explore Challenges: Browse the available challenge categories and start solving.
3. Earn Points: Solve challenges to collect flags and climb the leaderboard.
4. Join Competitions: Participate in time-bound CTF events to compete with others.
5. Review Write-Ups: Learn from shared solutions and write-ups to improve your skills.

Why Choose Parrot CTFs?

1. Realistic Challenges: Scenarios are designed to mirror real-world cybersecurity problems.
2. Gamified Learning: The leaderboard and point system make learning engaging and competitive.
3. Community-Oriented: Write-ups and forums allow for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
4. Beginner to Advanced Progression: Challenges scale with difficulty, catering to a wide range of skill levels.

Key Benefits

• Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience with real-world cybersecurity techniques.
• Flexibility: Suitable for both solo learners and team training.
• Skill Development: Enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills in cybersecurity.

Comparison to Other Platforms

Feature	Parrot CTFs	Hack The Box	TryHackMe
Focus	Gamified, real-world challenges	Advanced penetration testing	Guided learning paths
Audience	Beginners to advanced	Intermediate to advanced	Beginners to intermediate
Competitions	Frequent team and individual	Regular competitions	Less frequent CTF events
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly interface	Requires VPN and setup	Browser-based virtual labs

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Engaging and fun approach to cybersecurity education.
• Covers a wide range of topics and difficulty levels.
• Regular updates and new challenges.
• Encourages collaboration through team-based play.

Cons

• Fewer advanced scenarios compared to Hack The Box.
• Less structured learning compared to TryHackMe.
• May require external resources to fully understand some challenges.

Tips for Using Parrot CTFs

1. Start Simple: Focus on beginner challenges to build confidence.
2. Leverage Write-Ups: Read and create write-ups to deepen your understanding.
3. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new tools and techniques as you progress.
4. Join a Team: Teamwork can help you solve harder challenges and learn faster.
5. Participate in Competitions: Use competitions to test your skills under pressure.

OverTheWire

What is OverTheWire?

OverTheWire is a free, interactive platform designed for learning and practicing cybersecurity skills through wargames. These wargames are hands-on exercises where players solve challenges by applying a mix of programming, system administration, and ethical hacking techniques. It’s ideal for beginners and advanced users who want to learn by doing.

How Does OverTheWire Work?

OverTheWire uses a progressive approach to teaching cybersecurity concepts. Each wargame consists of multiple levels, where you solve a challenge to gain access to the next level. These levels are hosted on OverTheWire’s servers, and you interact with them using tools like SSH (Secure Shell) to perform various tasks.

Popular OverTheWire Wargames

Here’s an overview of some of OverTheWire’s most popular wargames:

1. Bandit

• Purpose: Introduces beginners to Linux command-line skills and basic cybersecurity concepts.
• Topics Covered:
  • Navigating directories
  • Reading files
  • Using commands like grep, cat, and find
• Goal: Find the password for the next level in each challenge.
• Why It’s Popular: Bandit is the perfect starting point for those new to cybersecurity and Linux.

2. Leviathan

• Purpose: Builds on the basics of Bandit with slightly more advanced challenges.
• Topics Covered:
  • File permissions
  • Binary exploitation basics
  • Scripting
• Goal: Progress through levels by exploiting simple vulnerabilities in files or programs.

3. Narnia

• Purpose: Teaches basic binary exploitation.
• Topics Covered:
  • Buffer overflows
  • Exploiting insecure code
• Goal: Gain a deeper understanding of binary security concepts.

4. Krypton

• Purpose: Focuses on cryptography.
• Topics Covered:
  • Encryption and decryption
  • Classic ciphers (e.g., Caesar, Vigenère)
  • Breaking cryptographic schemes
• Goal: Solve cryptographic puzzles to retrieve the flag for the next level.

5. Vortex

• Purpose: Aimed at more advanced users to teach network programming and binary exploitation.
• Topics Covered:
  • Buffer overflows
  • Network protocols
  • Writing exploits
• Goal: Solve complex challenges using advanced tools and techniques.

6. Other Wargames

• Maze: Focuses on logic and lateral thinking puzzles.
• Manpage: Helps users become familiar with Linux manual pages (man command).
• Behemoth: Deals with binary and file analysis at an intermediate level.

Why is OverTheWire Popular?

1. Beginner-Friendly: Bandit, the entry-level wargame, is perfect for those with no prior experience.
2. Self-Paced Learning: You can progress at your own speed and revisit challenges anytime.
3. Focus on Real-World Skills: The wargames teach practical cybersecurity and Linux skills applicable in the field.
4. No Setup Required: All you need is an SSH client to connect to OverTheWire’s servers and start solving challenges.
5. Free and Open: OverTheWire is completely free, making it accessible to everyone.

Who is OverTheWire For?

• Complete Beginners: The Bandit wargame provides a foundation for those new to Linux and cybersecurity.
• Intermediate Learners: Games like Leviathan, Krypton, and Narnia cover more advanced topics.
• Professionals: Advanced wargames like Vortex help refine skills in binary exploitation and network security.
• Educators: Teachers and trainers use OverTheWire to create hands-on learning experiences for students.

How to Get Started

1. Visit the Website: Go to overthewire.org.
2. Choose a Wargame: Start with Bandit if you’re a beginner.
3. Set Up SSH:
   • Windows: Use a tool like PuTTY or the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
   • macOS/Linux: Use the built-in terminal with the ssh command.
4. Log In: Connect to the game server using credentials provided for each wargame (e.g., ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org).
5. Solve Challenges: Follow the instructions for each level and progress by solving problems.

Sample Bandit Level Walkthrough

Let’s walk through an example from Bandit Level 0 to Level 1:

Level 0 Objective:

• Connect to the server via SSH.
• Find the password for Level 1.

Instructions:

1. Open your terminal and type:

ssh bandit0@bandit.labs.overthewire.org -p 2220

Use the password: bandit0.

Once connected, type ls to list files in the current directory. You’ll see a file called readme.

To view the contents of the file, type:

cat readme

The output will display the password for the next level.

Use this password to log in to Level 1.

Why Choose OverTheWire?

1. Focus on Foundational Skills: It’s perfect for learning Linux, networking, and cybersecurity from the ground up.
2. Free Resource: A no-cost way to get hands-on experience in ethical hacking.
3. Community and Write-Ups: Many users share solutions and walkthroughs, making it easy to learn collaboratively.
4. Scalability: The platform grows with you, offering challenges for both beginners and experts.

Comparison to Other Platforms

Feature	OverTheWire	TryHackMe	Hack The Box
Target Audience	Beginners to intermediate	Beginners to intermediate	Intermediate to advanced
Learning Curve	Gradual, guided progression	Structured learning paths	Open-ended, less guided
Focus	Foundational Linux and cybersecurity	Practical labs and challenges	Real-world penetration testing
Setup	Minimal (requires SSH)	Browser-based	Requires VPN setup
Cost	Free	Free with premium options	Free with VIP tiers

Tips for Success on OverTheWire

1. Take Notes: Document commands and techniques you learn for future reference.
2. Use Online Resources: Search for community write-ups if you get stuck, but try solving on your own first.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistent effort will help you build your skills.
4. Explore Beyond Bandit: Once you’re comfortable, move to other wargames like Leviathan and Krypton.
5. Learn Linux Commands: Familiarity with commands like grep, cat, find, and chmod is essential.

VulnHub

What is VulnHub?

VulnHub is a free platform that provides vulnerable virtual machines (VMs) for practicing ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity skills. The VMs simulate real-world scenarios, allowing users to gain hands-on experience in identifying, exploiting, and mitigating vulnerabilities in a safe and legal environment.

VulnHub is widely used by cybersecurity enthusiasts, students, and professionals to sharpen their skills and prepare for certifications like OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional).

How Does VulnHub Work?

1. Download Vulnerable VMs:
   • Users can download preconfigured, intentionally vulnerable virtual machines (VMs) from the VulnHub website.
   • These VMs are usually packaged in formats compatible with virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware.
2. Deploy Locally:
   • After downloading, users import the VM into their virtualization software and set up a secure, isolated network environment.
3. Practice Ethical Hacking:
   • The VMs are designed to simulate vulnerable systems.
   • Users connect to the VM, analyze its vulnerabilities, and exploit them to “capture the flag” (a hidden text file or string).
4. Solve Challenges:
   • Most VMs come with specific challenges or objectives, such as achieving root access, escalating privileges, or exploiting certain vulnerabilities.

Why is VulnHub Popular?

1. Real-World Practice:
   • VulnHub provides VMs that replicate real-world environments, making it a valuable tool for building practical penetration testing skills.
2. Diverse Scenarios:
   • The platform features a wide range of VMs, catering to different difficulty levels and covering various aspects of cybersecurity, including web application security, privilege escalation, and network exploitation.
3. Open and Free:
   • VulnHub is entirely free, offering unlimited access to its library of VMs.
4. Offline Environment:
   • Unlike online platforms, VulnHub allows users to practice in a fully offline and controlled setup, which is ideal for secure experimentation.
5. Community-Driven:
   • Many VMs are created and shared by the cybersecurity community, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Who is VulnHub For?

• Beginners: Great for those new to penetration testing, with beginner-friendly VMs that include hints and walkthroughs.
• Intermediate and Advanced Users: Features challenging VMs for those who want to test their skills against complex vulnerabilities.
• OSCP Aspirants: VulnHub VMs are often recommended for those preparing for the OSCP certification.
• Educators: Teachers can use VulnHub to create hands-on labs and assignments for their students.

How to Get Started?

1. Install Virtualization Software:
   • Download and install VirtualBox (free) or VMware on your computer.
2. Download a VM from VulnHub:
   • Browse the VulnHub library, select a VM, and download it.
   • Example: VulnHub VMs.
3. Set Up the VM:
   • Import the downloaded VM into VirtualBox or VMware.
   • Configure the VM to run on a host-only network for isolation.
4. Start Practicing:
   • Use tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, and Metasploit to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

Popular VulnHub VMs

1. Mr. Robot CTF:
   • Based on the TV series “Mr. Robot,” this VM provides challenges that simulate real-world hacking scenarios.
   • Objective: Find three hidden keys.
2. Basic Pentesting:
   • Ideal for beginners, focusing on fundamental pentesting skills like enumeration, exploitation, and privilege escalation.
3. Kioptrix Series:
   • A series of VMs designed for OSCP preparation, covering basic to advanced exploitation techniques.
4. DC Series:
   • The DC series includes multiple VMs with varying difficulty levels, covering web exploitation, network security, and more.

Key Features of VulnHub

Feature	Description
Diverse Scenarios	Covers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics and techniques.
Offline Practice	VMs are run locally, allowing users to practice without an internet connection.
Difficulty Levels	Offers challenges for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users.
Community Contribution	Users can upload their own VMs, fostering a collaborative and ever-expanding library of content.
Completely Free	Access to all VMs without any cost.

Benefits of Using VulnHub

1. Hands-On Experience:
   • Gain practical skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a safe, legal environment.
2. Self-Paced Learning:
   • Work on challenges at your own pace without time constraints.
3. Customizable Environment:
   • Users have full control over the virtual environment, allowing them to experiment with different tools and techniques.
4. Preparation for Real-World Scenarios:
   • The VMs replicate real-world systems and vulnerabilities, making the experience highly relevant.

How VulnHub Compares to Other Platforms

Feature	VulnHub	Hack The Box	TryHackMe
Setup	Local (requires VM setup)	Online (requires VPN setup)	Online (browser-based labs)
Pricing	Free	Free with VIP options	Free with premium options
Focus	Simulated VMs for offline practice	Real-world pentesting labs	Guided learning paths
Audience	Beginners to advanced	Intermediate to advanced	Beginners to intermediate

Tips for Success on VulnHub

1. Start Simple:
   • Begin with beginner-friendly VMs like Basic Pentesting or Kioptrix Level 1.
2. Document Your Work:
   • Take notes on commands, tools, and techniques you use for future reference.
3. Use External Tools:
   • Familiarize yourself with tools like Nmap, Netcat, Gobuster, and Metasploit.
4. Read Write-Ups:
   • Many users share walkthroughs for VulnHub challenges. Use them to learn if you get stuck.
5. Practice Regularly:
   • Consistent practice will help you build your skills and confidence.

CyberDefenders

What is CyberDefenders?

CyberDefenders is an online platform focused on providing hands-on cybersecurity challenges, particularly in the areas of blue teaming and digital forensics. Unlike platforms like Hack The Box, which primarily emphasize offensive security, CyberDefenders focuses on helping learners and professionals improve their skills in defensive cybersecurity practices.

The platform offers practical labs, challenges, and training materials designed to simulate real-world security incidents, making it an ideal tool for security analysts, forensic investigators, and incident responders.

How Does CyberDefenders Work?

CyberDefenders provides a range of challenges and labs that users can access to practice cybersecurity skills. These challenges often require analyzing logs, investigating memory dumps, or conducting forensic investigations. Here’s how it works:

1. Blue Team Focus

• The platform emphasizes defensive and forensic skills, teaching users how to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats.
• Common tasks include:
  • Log analysis
  • Malware analysis
  • File system forensics
  • Memory forensics
  • Network traffic analysis

2. Interactive Labs

• Labs are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, such as investigating a compromised system or analyzing suspicious network traffic.
• Users work within virtual environments or downloadable files to complete the challenges.

3. Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges

• Challenges are gamified with “flags” hidden in forensic data, logs, or other evidence files.
• Users solve tasks like finding malicious indicators, reconstructing attack paths, or identifying vulnerabilities.

4. Structured Training Paths

• CyberDefenders provides curated training paths for those looking to build expertise in specific areas such as:
  • Digital forensics
  • Incident response
  • Threat hunting

Key Features of CyberDefenders

Feature	Description
Blue Team Emphasis	Focus on defensive cybersecurity and digital forensics, ideal for security analysts and defenders.
Real-World Scenarios	Labs and challenges simulate real-world cyber incidents and investigations.
Varied Skill Levels	Challenges range from beginner-friendly to advanced, catering to all experience levels.
Downloadable Data	Many challenges provide evidence files (e.g., logs, memory dumps) that users can analyze offline.
Community	Users can share solutions, discuss challenges, and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity field.
Certifications	Training paths and labs can help users prepare for certifications like GCFE, GCFA, or CEH.

Who is CyberDefenders For?

• Blue Team Professionals: Security analysts, incident responders, and forensic investigators looking to improve their skills.
• Beginners: Those new to cybersecurity who want to explore defensive and forensic areas.
• Professionals Preparing for Certifications: Individuals preparing for certifications such as GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) or GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE).
• Educators and Students: CyberDefenders can be used as a teaching resource in academic or training settings.

Popular Labs and Challenges

1. Network Forensics
   • Analyze packet captures (PCAPs) to detect malicious activity, identify attack paths, and uncover evidence of breaches.
   • Tools: Wireshark, Zeek, Suricata.
2. Memory Forensics
   • Investigate memory dumps to find traces of malware, lateral movement, or persistence mechanisms.
   • Tools: Volatility, Rekall.
3. Log Analysis
   • Examine logs from systems, applications, or firewalls to identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
   • Tools: Kibana, Splunk.
4. File System Forensics
   • Recover deleted files, analyze file metadata, and identify unauthorized modifications.
   • Tools: Autopsy, Sleuth Kit.
5. Malware Analysis
   • Analyze suspicious files, reverse engineer malware, and understand attack vectors.
   • Tools: Ghidra, IDA Pro, Cuckoo Sandbox.

How to Get Started?

1. Sign Up:
   • Visit CyberDefenders and create a free account.
2. Choose a Challenge:
   • Browse the library of challenges or labs, categorized by skill level and topic.
3. Download Data:
   • Many challenges provide downloadable evidence (e.g., PCAPs, logs, memory dumps) for offline analysis.
4. Use Forensic Tools:
   • Employ tools like Wireshark, Volatility, or Autopsy to analyze the provided data.
5. Capture Flags:
   • Solve challenges by finding and submitting hidden flags to earn points and improve your rank.

Why is CyberDefenders Popular?

1. Focus on Blue Team Skills:
   • Unlike most CTF platforms, CyberDefenders caters to the often-overlooked field of defensive security and digital forensics.
2. Practical, Hands-On Experience:
   • Labs and challenges simulate real-world scenarios, making the skills gained directly applicable in professional settings.
3. Accessible to All Levels:
   • From beginners to advanced professionals, CyberDefenders provides challenges for everyone.
4. Tools Training:
   • Users get to practice with industry-standard tools like Wireshark, Volatility, Splunk, and Kibana.

Comparison to Other Platforms

Feature	CyberDefenders	TryHackMe	Hack The Box
Focus	Blue teaming and forensics	Offensive and defensive mix	Offensive (penetration testing)
Audience	Security analysts, defenders	Beginners to professionals	Intermediate to advanced
Setup	Some offline analysis required	Browser-based labs	Requires VPN for access
Pricing	Free with premium options	Free with premium options	Free with VIP tiers

Benefits of CyberDefenders

• Specialized Learning: Ideal for those focusing on defensive roles, such as SOC analysts or forensic investigators.
• Real-World Scenarios: Labs replicate real-world challenges encountered in professional cybersecurity roles.
• Affordable: Most challenges are free, and premium options are reasonably priced.
• Certification Support: Helps users prepare for certifications in digital forensics and incident response.

Tips for Success on CyberDefenders

1. Familiarize Yourself with Tools:
   • Learn to use popular blue team tools like Wireshark, Volatility, and Splunk.
2. Start with Beginner Challenges:
   • Build your confidence by starting with easier labs before progressing to more advanced topics.
3. Take Notes:
   • Document the steps, commands, and tools you use for each challenge.
4. Leverage Community Resources:
   • Participate in forums or Discord groups to discuss solutions and learn from others.
5. Practice Regularly:
   • Consistent practice will help reinforce your skills and improve your confidence.

LetsDefend

What is LetsDefend?

LetsDefend is an interactive cybersecurity training platform focused on blue team skills, particularly Security Operations Center (SOC) roles. Unlike platforms that emphasize offensive security (like Hack The Box or TryHackMe), LetsDefend trains users in defensive cybersecurity practices such as threat detection, analysis, and incident response.

The platform simulates real-world SOC environments, where users take on the role of a security analyst to monitor systems, investigate alerts, and respond to cybersecurity incidents.

How Does LetsDefend Work?

LetsDefend provides a virtual SOC environment where users interact with tools and workflows similar to those used in professional settings. Here’s how it works:

1. Role-Based Training

• Users play the role of a SOC analyst, performing tasks like:
  • Investigating alerts
  • Analyzing suspicious activity
  • Writing reports
• Tasks are tied to real-world job roles, providing practical, hands-on experience.

2. Simulated SOC Environment

• Users monitor a virtual organization’s network and security infrastructure.
• Tasks include:
  • Reviewing security alerts in a SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) system.
  • Investigating phishing emails, malware, or suspicious network activity.
  • Performing endpoint investigations.

3. Incident Response Workflows

• Users follow structured workflows for identifying and mitigating threats:
  • Analyze security alerts.
  • Identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
  • Contain and remediate incidents.
  • Write incident response reports.

4. Learning Paths

• LetsDefend offers guided training paths for different skill levels and roles, such as:
  • SOC Level 1 Analyst
  • SOC Level 2 Analyst
  • Incident Responder
• These paths help users build the skills required for specific cybersecurity job roles.

Key Features of LetsDefend

Feature	Description
SOC Simulations	Work in a simulated SOC environment, investigating and responding to real-world security threats.
SIEM Integration	Interact with a simulated SIEM platform to analyze and respond to alerts.
Guided Workflows	Follow step-by-step workflows for analyzing alerts and writing reports.
Hands-On Labs	Practice forensic investigations, phishing analysis, malware analysis, and more.
Realistic Scenarios	Challenges replicate the kinds of incidents faced by SOC analysts in the field.
Skill Progression	Tracks your progress as you complete tasks, helping you build practical, job-ready skills.

Who is LetsDefend For?

• Aspiring SOC Analysts: Beginners who want to learn the skills required to work in a SOC environment.
• Intermediate Learners: Cybersecurity professionals looking to advance from Level 1 to Level 2 SOC Analyst roles.
• Incident Responders: Those interested in learning how to handle and mitigate security incidents.
• Educators and Trainers: LetsDefend is a great tool for teaching defensive cybersecurity practices in an engaging, hands-on way.

Benefits of Using LetsDefend

1. Focus on Blue Team Skills:
   • LetsDefend is one of the few platforms focused solely on defensive security and SOC operations.
2. Realistic Job Simulations:
   • The platform replicates the day-to-day responsibilities of a SOC analyst, providing job-ready experience.
3. Tool Familiarity:
   • Users interact with simulated versions of tools like SIEMs, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), and email analysis systems.
4. Guided and Self-Paced:
   • Beginners benefit from structured guidance, while experienced users can practice at their own pace.
5. Certification Preparation:
   • Helps prepare for certifications like CompTIA CySA+, SSCP, or GIAC certifications focused on defensive security.

Key Tasks You’ll Perform on LetsDefend

1. Alert Investigation:
   • Analyze security alerts generated by the SIEM system.
   • Determine if the alerts are false positives or actual threats.
2. Phishing Email Analysis:
   • Investigate phishing emails by examining headers, links, and attachments.
3. Malware Analysis:
   • Analyze suspicious files to determine if they are malicious and identify their behavior.
4. Threat Hunting:
   • Proactively search for threats using log data, network activity, and other telemetry.
5. Incident Reporting:
   • Document your findings, remediation steps, and lessons learned in incident response reports.

How to Get Started with LetsDefend

1. Sign Up:
   • Create an account at LetsDefend.
2. Choose a Learning Path:
   • Pick a role-based path like SOC Level 1 Analyst or Incident Responder.
3. Start Investigating Alerts:
   • Begin with beginner-level alerts and progress to more advanced investigations as you gain confidence.
4. Track Your Progress:
   • Earn badges and certificates for completing challenges and tasks.
5. Engage with the Community:
   • Join forums or groups to discuss strategies and solutions with other users.

Why is LetsDefend Popular?

1. Realistic Training:
   • The simulated SOC environment prepares users for real-world cybersecurity roles.
2. Blue Team Emphasis:
   • LetsDefend fills a gap in the cybersecurity training market by focusing on defensive skills.
3. Beginner-Friendly:
   • Structured learning paths and guided workflows make it accessible to newcomers.
4. Practical Skill Building:
   • Hands-on tasks ensure users gain job-relevant skills.

Pricing

• Free Tier:
  • Access to basic features, limited tasks, and some labs.
• Premium Tier:
  • Full access to learning paths, advanced scenarios, and incident response simulations.
  • Pricing varies, with options for monthly or annual subscriptions.

Tips for Success on LetsDefend

1. Familiarize Yourself with SOC Tools:
   • Learn to navigate a SIEM and analyze data from endpoints and networks.
2. Start Small:
   • Begin with Level 1 Analyst tasks before advancing to more complex roles.
3. Take Notes:
   • Document workflows and findings to reinforce your understanding.
4. Engage in the Community:
   • Use the platform’s community resources to ask questions and learn from others.
5. Practice Regularly:
   • The more time you spend on the platform, the more confident you’ll become in handling security incidents.

Conclusion

These platforms provide diverse challenges and learning opportunities, making them invaluable resources for anyone looking to enhance their cybersecurity skills in 2025.

Video Walkthrough