Seize the Flag (CTF) competitions are common on the DEF CON safety convention. Groups compete to hack right into a computer-based system to seize a secret or flag. Nevertheless, at 2023’s DEF CON 31, the Aerospace Village is internet hosting Hack-A-Sat 4 — the primary ever CTF competitors to happen IN SPACE!
Hack-A-Sat goals to assist cybersecurity professionals develop the talents vital to construct safer house programs. The earlier three CTF contests simulated house purposes. This 12 months at DEF CON 31, the Aerospace Village hosts the fourth Hack-A-Sat competitors that includes the Moonlighter satellite tv for pc.
Moonlighter is a purpose-built 3U CubeSat satellite tv for pc in low-earth orbit and is the primary satellite tv for pc ever for coaching cybersecurity expertise on space-based {hardware}. The US Area Techniques Command (SSC) and the US Air Drive Analysis Laboratory (AFRL) labored collectively to construct it.
Moonlighter diagram (📷: hackasat.com)
It was launched on an ISS resupply mission on June fifth, 2023, and deployed a few month afterward July sixth. Now, in August 2023, it’s an lively goal for DEF CON 31.
5 groups are competing from Las Vegas to unravel 9 challenges. Two challenges deal with the bottom stations, with the remainder hosted on Moonlighter. These CTF groups certified in an occasion earlier in 2023. Initially, there have been 728 groups and a pair of,700 registered gamers throughout 58 international locations.
Scoreboard at DEF CON 31, roughly Friday August 11, 3pm PT
Hacking an orbital goal entails distinctive challenges for the CTF groups. For instance, there are pre-defined home windows the place 4 floor stations can uplink or downlink with the satellite tv for pc. So the entire groups’ hacking actions have to be scheduled earlier than deployment. An added problem is that after the scheduled deployment, the groups should wait for one more orbital move for a downlink window to be taught if their makes an attempt had been profitable!
The CTF challenges run by way of DEF CON 31. The organizers will announce (most of) the outcomes on Sunday, August thirteenth, at 12pm PT.
To maintain up with the competitors, take a look at the Moonlighter standing board. Try the Hack-A-Sat web site to be taught extra concerning the undertaking, competitors, and the CTF groups.
