Ah, Manila, Philippines! A city bustling with life, culture, and, just recently, a hub for the brightest minds in cybersecurity. From September 25-27, 2024, Rootcon 18 turned Manila into the epicenter of digital defense, and boy, did it deliver some unforgettable moments. Among the many highlights, the Viettel Cyber Security (VCS) team stole the show, leaving an indelible mark with their incredible skills and knowledge.
Rootcon's Capture the Flag (CTF) competition was the battlefield, and VCS was the knight in shining armor. This wasn’t just any ordinary digital skirmish. The competition featured five distinct challenge sets that covered everything from web security to cryptography, reverse engineering, and network forensics. Participants had to navigate through complex puzzles and exploit vulnerabilities, all while racing against the clock and fierce rivals.
But VCS? They weren’t just participants; they were gladiators. Right from the qualifying rounds, they stood out, consistently ranking among the top teams. Their path to victory was paved with calm precision and a relentless pursuit of excellence. After 24 hours of intense hacking, they secured a coveted spot in the finals, where the challenges became even more grueling. Yet, with sheer determination and expertise, VCS clinched the first-place finish, showcasing their unrivaled prowess.
As if dominating the CTF wasn’t enough, VCS brought another ace to Manila's stage. Long Doan Minh, a threat analyst par excellence, delivered a technical talk that left the cybersecurity community buzzing. Titled "Dissecting a Ransomware Operation: From Propagation to Extortion," his presentation was not just informative—it was a masterclass.
Long’s expertise in reverse engineering and malware analysis is legendary. With five years of experience under his belt, he has handled over 50 threat actors and managed more than 30 critical incidents across Southeast Asia. His talk touched upon the intricate relationship between Azure and on-premises Active Directory, showing how attackers exploit this link to wreak havoc.
He dived deep into the methods attackers use to steal cloud credentials and infiltrate environments. His insights on how cloud services like Microsoft Intune are abused to move laterally back to on-premises systems were nothing short of eye-opening. Attendees were not only enlightened but also equipped with actionable guidance to enhance their own defenses.
VCS's triumph at Rootcon 18 was not just about seasoned veterans; it was also about youthful exuberance and talent. The team included young experts, some as young as 20, who were there to soak up practical experience. And soak up they did! They returned home with remarkable achievements, proving that age is just a number when it comes to cybersecurity brilliance.
This youthful energy, combined with experienced mentorship, has positioned VCS at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. They’ve earned top honors at global competitions like Pw2nOwn and have been recognized by industry giants. Their performance at Rootcon 18 only solidified their reputation as leaders in the field.
But beyond the accolades, it's their commitment to nurturing young talent that truly sets them apart. By empowering the next generation of cybersecurity warriors, VCS is not just securing today’s world; they’re fortifying the future.
Rootcon 18 wasn't just an event; it was a celebration of innovation, learning, and camaraderie. VCS's achievements left a lasting impact on the audience, reinforcing their commitment to advancing global digital defenses. Their CTF victory and Long Doan Minh’s expert analysis positioned them as both competitive forces and thought leaders in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Manila, with its vibrant energy, was the perfect backdrop for such a groundbreaking event. As the dust settles and the digital warriors return to their corners of the world, the knowledge shared and the connections made at Rootcon 18 will undoubtedly continue to ripple through the cybersecurity community.
In conclusion, VCS's story at Rootcon 18 is not just about winning; it's about setting new standards, pushing boundaries, and inspiring a global audience to strive for excellence. Here's to more such milestones and to a world where digital safety is a shared mission. Cheers to the cyber wizards!
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