Try your skills in the Nixu Challenge 2020!

February 28, 2020 at 09:45

Nixu Challenge is open again with new puzzles! This year, we have brought some hardware hacking angle to some of the challenges. We have also included tasks that we created for the Disobey 2020 Capture the Flag competition. So, if you missed those, here's your chance for a recap.

Many seasoned Nixuans take the challenge just for fun and to sharpen their skills. However, another purpose of the Nixu Challenge is that you can show your skills. For several years, Nixu has been hiring people based on how they solve the puzzles.

A long history of brain puzzles

The first Nixu Challenge was about a decade ago, and after that, we have tried to organize it nearly every year. During 2016 and 2017, the format started to shift towards a more interactive one. In 2018 we implemented a new platform that enabled us to have CTF-style tasks, a beautiful scoreboard, and more flexibility. Since then, all the new challenges have been available at thenixuchallenge.com. You can still find all the previous puzzles and try your skills there.

The challenge theme has varied over the years from space to steampunk and retro video game styles.
The challenge theme has varied over the years from space to steampunk and retro video game styles.

The tasks mostly focus on creative problem-solving related to security and programming. "The things we encounter in our work inspire some of the challenges. Others are just plain fun," explains one of the masterminds behind the Nixu Challenge for many years. The tasks typically require some skills in reverse engineering, cryptography, web application vulnerabilities, or programming. Some of the challenges require a combination of multiple techniques. However, we try to have both simple and more complicated tasks.

Prove your skills 

Some very skilled security testers don't necessarily have work experience yet. We also know that certifications or education don't always tell about the technical aptitude needed. That's why the Nixu Challenge allows all the self-taught hackers and career-changers to show their skills in solving the puzzles. When aiming for a job, also the write-up explaining how you figured out the challenges, is essential. A security specialist needs to be able to explain in an understandable way what they found, why it matters, and what to do next.

What are you waiting for? Head to the Nixu Challenge!

 

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