In a recent educational endeavor, high school students were introduced to the intriguing world of ethical hacking, courtesy of our Cybersecurity Center and Security and Privacy research unit. The workshop, led by Marco Squarcina and Carlotta Tagliaro, delved into the critical and fascinating aspects of cybersecurity, demonstrating how the next generation of IT security defenders is being prepared. The fact that no prior experience was required to participate in the workshop made it accessible and inclusive to all interested students, underscoring the event’s objective: to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for cybersecurity among young minds.

Workshop on Ethical Hacking

Aligned with the objectives of the Bebras Challenge—an international competition that promotes informatics and computational thinking among school students—the workshop aimed to foster a deeper understanding of cybersecurity threats and defense mechanisms. It provided a comprehensive introduction to capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, a cornerstone in cybersecurity training that simulates real-world security challenges that professionals face.

Through a series of hands-on challenges, the participants were encouraged to think like hackers—a crucial perspective for anyone aspiring to defend digital assets against cyber threats. This approach not only demystified the hacking process but also highlighted the ethical considerations and responsibilities that come with such knowledge. The workshop was not limited to technical skills alone. Squarcina and Tagliaro offered insights into their research activities, emphasizing the practical application of the knowledge gained and thus bridging the gap between academic study and real-world cybersecurity challenges.