Enter the
World of DEADFACE
DEADFACE CTF is an annual cybersecurity capture-the-flag competition that brings together security enthusiasts, students, and professionals from around the world to test their skills against challenging puzzles and real-world scenarios.
Our Mission
In the shadows of the digital world, the DEADFACE hacker collective has emerged as a formidable force. Our mission is to educate, challenge, and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through hands-on competitive hacking.
Whether you are a seasoned penetration tester or just starting your journey into infosec, DEADFACE CTF offers challenges designed to push your limits while teaching valuable skills that translate directly to real-world security work.
Join us in the pursuit of knowledge, the thrill of discovery, and the satisfaction of cracking complex security puzzles.
Challenge Categories
Test your skills across these diverse cybersecurity domains
Web Exploitation
Find vulnerabilities in web applications including SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and more.
Cryptography
Crack codes, break ciphers, and decrypt messages using classical and modern techniques.
Network Analysis
Analyze network traffic, capture packets, and uncover hidden communications.
Reverse Engineering
Disassemble binaries, analyze malware, and understand compiled code.
Binary Exploitation
Exploit buffer overflows, format strings, and other memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Forensics
Investigate disk images, memory dumps, and recover deleted evidence.
OSINT
Gather intelligence from public sources and piece together the puzzle.
Miscellaneous
Unique challenges that dont fit neatly into other categories.
Competition Badges
Earn recognition for your achievements in DEADFACE CTF 2026
Competitor
This badge honors participants who demonstrated their passion for cybersecurity and problem-solving by competing in DEADFACE CTF 2026.
Actively participated in the competition, attempting challenges and engaging with the CTF platform.
Contributor
Awarded to individuals who went above and beyond to contribute challenges, tools, or resources to DEADFACE CTF 2026, helping enhance the experience for all participants.
Contributed content (challenges, hints, or resources) that was used in the competition.
Developer
Acknowledges the creators behind the scenes who developed challenges, infrastructure, or key components for DEADFACE CTF 2026.
Developed or supported the development of challenges or technical aspects of the CTF event.
First Blood
This badge is awarded to users who were the first to solve a challenge during the competition.
Successfully solved a challenge before anyone else during the competition.
First Place
Awarded to the team that demonstrated exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and technical expertise, securing the top position in DEADFACE CTF 2026.
Achieved the highest overall score in the competition, solving the most challenges within the given time.
Second Place
This badge recognizes the team that showcased outstanding performance and skill, earning the second-highest score in DEADFACE CTF 2026.
Achieved the second-highest overall score in the competition.
Third Place
Awarded to the team that demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities and technical expertise, securing the third position in DEADFACE CTF 2026.
Achieved the third-highest overall score in the competition.
Write-Up Contributor
This badge is awarded to individuals who submitted high-quality write-ups for challenges in DEADFACE CTF 2026, helping the community learn and grow.
Submitted a detailed write-up for at least one challenge that was accepted and published.
Our History
The evolution of DEADFACE CTF through the years
DEADFACE CTF (formerly Hack the Arch CTF) Founded
First competition with 100 participants
Hacktober CTF 2018
Hack the Arch CTF becomes Hacktober CTF with 100+ players.
DEADFACE CTF Global Expansion
Went fully virtual, reached 2000+ players
DEADFACE CTF 2021
Introduced story lore and characters.
DEADFACE CTF 2022
Introduced Reverse Engineering challenges.
DEADFACE CTF 2023
Introduced new challenge domains and improved infrastructure.
DEADFACE CTF 2024
Built challenges associated with healthcare and academia
DEADFACE CTF 2025
Expanded into new challenge domains and categories
This Year
Join us for our biggest event yet as we introduce mobile challenges!
Who Should Participate?
Beginners
New to CTFs? Our beginner-friendly challenges will help you learn fundamental security concepts while having fun.
Students
Perfect for cybersecurity students looking to apply classroom knowledge to practical, hands-on challenges.
Professionals
Experienced pentesters and security professionals will find advanced challenges to test their elite skills.